Equestrianism: Funnell set to fulfill senior ambition

Both Mary King and Pippa Funnell have two horses on the long list for the European Open Three-Day Event Championships, which will be held at Burghley from 11 to 14 September, writes Genevieve Murphy.

King, who was part of the British team that won the European title two years ago, is listed with Star Appeal (the winner at Burghley last year and runner-up at Badminton in May) and King Solomon III (the winner at Blenheim last year and at Saumur in France in April).

Funnell has not yet ridden on a senior team. Now aged 28, she must have an excellent chance of fulfiling that ambition with either Bits and Pieces (fourth at Burghley and ninth at Badminton) or Designer Tramp (runner- up at Punchestown in Ireland this year).

As host nation, Britain will be able to send 12 riders to Burghley: a squad of six, from which the team of four will be chosen, plus an extra six to compete as individuals.