WITTON Castle Horse Trials are back in the British Eventing calendar running next weekend, with classes ranging from pre-novice to advanced.

The estate, which is now under new ownership and management, is fully supporting the horse trials and a new team of very experienced organisers have taken over the event.

The advanced class – which starts its dressage on Saturday – has attracted the top riders from throughout the country, including Olympic team bronze medal winner Sharon Hunt, as well as the top two Northern-based riders Nicola Wilson and Paddy Muir.

Trying to take the prize out of the area are British team members Jeanette Brakewell and Oliver Townend.

Advanced show jumping starts early on Sunday morning, and the action over the Ian Stark-designed cross country course starts at 9.10am on Sunday.

Also competing is leading New Zealand Olympic rider Caroline Powell, and stars of the future contest the British Eventing five-year-old class on Saturday, where the Burghley and Blenheim Dressage leader Ruth Edge has three young horses entered, in what could well be a busy weekend for Edge with 11 entries.

Two strong days of competition with up to eight hours of cross-country each day, a range of trade stands and a great setting with plenty of refreshments make for a fabulous day out. Entry is £5 per car.