Equestrianism: Nations Cup may return to Windsor

AFTER NINE months of work and an outlay in excess of pounds 15,000, the Royal Windsor Horse Show should have overcome its perennial problems with underfoot conditions in the Castle Arena, writes Genevieve Murphy. The ground will have been scarified, mole-drained, reseeded with tougher grass and levelled by the time the 57th show begins its four-day run on 13 May. These efforts may well be rewarded with a return of the Nations Cup, which was held at Windsor in 1997 before going back to Hickstead for two years.

Around 3,200 horses will be competing in various classes, and the inclusion of an International Championship Team Trial will ensure the participation of all the leading British riders. This year the results of the first two trials (at Windsor and the Suffolk County Show in early June) will be used as qualification for Hickstead's Royal International Horse Show in July, where the third and final trial takes place. The top three on overall points will be included on the British squad for the European Championships to be held at Hickstead in August.