Fox-Pitt steals the show at Gatcombe (From Gazette Series)

Fox-Pitt steals the show at Gatcombe

WILLIAM FOX-PITT, with two first places and one third, was undoubtedly the star of the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park at the weekend but the Shetland Pony Grand National ran him a close second.

The crowds around the main arena swelled to capacity on both Saturday and Sunday as the pocket-sized jockeys and their miniature ponies tackled the tiny fences with all the talent and determination of their adult counterparts out on the tough cross-country course designed by Captain Mark Phillips.

Fox-Pitt, riding Moon Man, took the coveted British Open title on Sunday with Gatcombe-based Andrew Hoy second on Master Monarch and veteran Mary King on Call Again Cavalier in third place.

The previous day Fox-Pitt came first and third in Advanced Section 2, with Daisy Dick second and Chipping Sodbury's Nick Gauntlett a very creditable fourth.

Other attractions for the 40,000-strong Gatcombe crowd included an expert and entertaining demonstration of the art of dressage with commentary by chairman of British Dressage Desi Dellingham, a heart-warming display by Riding for the Disabled, terrier racing, an awe-inspiring demonstration of natural horsemanship and a parade by the Duke of Beaufort's hounds, plus, of course, the ever-popular trade and craft stands where Princess Anne put in an appearance at her own Gatcombe Shop.