Sally Parkyn

THE final countdown to the eventing championships at FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games has begun. In just five days time (Thursday), a record entry of 97 combinations (including 16 teams) from 27 countries will begin their title bid with two days of dressage at the Le Pins National Stud. The venue also hosts Saturday’s early awaited cross-country phase which, with designer Pierre Michelet at the helm, should certainly be an influential test.