Equestrianism: Funnell to miss Windsor

Giles Rowsell is expecting a huge number of entries for the Windsor International Horse Trials, which run from 22 to 25 May, but they will not include Pippa Funnell, the winner of the International section for the past two years. She has no suitable horse on which to aim for a hat- trick.

Rowsell, director of the event, anticipates a knock-on effect from the record entry at Badminton two weeks earlier. Those unable to start at Badminton will be looking towards Ireland, and the following week's Punchestown Three-Day Event.

That will probably lead to an overflow at Punchestown which would, in turn, increase the numbers wanting to run at Windsor a week later.

Fortunately the Windsor fixture includes three sections: International, Standard and the British Junior Championships. With three dressage arenas in operation it can accommodate around 170 horses, as distinct from Badminton's 80.

The leading riders see Windsor as a stepping-stone for their younger horses - as the Princess Royal, president of the event, wishes them to do. "With an Olympic year behind us, it would be nice to see the start of some successful combinations for the future," she said yesterday.

The number of spectators could be increased this year, since the new sponsor, Chubb Insurance, is inviting several thousand policy holders.

An upgraded course of 26 cross-country fences will await the riders, who are expected to include two leading Britons: Kristina Gifford and William Fox-Pitt. There are seven entirely new obstacles and, though alternatives will be included, Rowsell said that it will no longer be possible to "creep round using all the slow routes".