Royal Visit to the British Equestrian Federation's Owners' Reception Greenwich, 28th November 2006
On Tuesday 28th November HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, the Patron of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) attended the Owners reception at the Queen's House, Greenwich Park.
Owners of Team GBR championship horses were invited to celebrate the season, including drinks with the Duchess and tours of the Olympic site for the equestrian events at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The day was organised with support from the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and was held in recognition of the owners, who make such a generous contribution to the sport. Representatives from UK Sport, the British Olympic Association, the British Paralympic Association, Royal Parks and Greenwich council also attended. The Reception was supported by the Equestrian World Class programme and the British Equestrian Federation Fund.
Morning tours of Greenwich Park highlighted particular areas of interest for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. This included the intended location of the show jumping and dressage arena; the buildings available for "behind the scenes" infrastructure; a possible cross-country water complex; the proposed location of stabling and training arenas and terrain of Greenwich Park.
The tours were followed by a drinks reception in the impressive surroundings of the Queen's House, which will form the magnificent backdrop to the equestrian events.
The day culminated in the inaugural presentation of two trophies, given to the British Equestrian Federation for presentation by the British Olympic Association (BOA). 2005 was a momentous year for the BOA and the Olympic & Paralympic Family in Great Britain and Northern Ireland with the BOA celebrating its centenary, and the awarding of the 2012 Olympic Games to London. To mark the occasion, the BOA decided to present each of the 35 Olympic governing bodies with a trophy which they can in turn present to their Olympic athlete of the year.
Zara Phillips was selected as the Equestrian Olympic Athlete of the Year for 2006 and was presented with the trophy by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, accompanied by David Hemery, Vice-Chairman of the BOA.
Prior to 2006, only two people in history had won back to back European and World individual titles. On 27th August 2006, in the pouring rain at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, Zara Phillips became the third such person, when crowned Individual World Champion and a part of the Great Britain silver medal winning Team.
Similarly, the Owner of the Year Trophy is to be awarded on an annual basis to honour the Olympic Owner of the Year. The trophy, this year, was awarded to BGC Partners and Associated Companies, represented by Mr James Blackshaw.
James, better known as Jimmy, Blackshaw's formal connection with Zara Phillips and Toytown started in 2003 through Cantor Index; Zara and Jimmy had however known each other for a numbers of years through Racing. Jimmy Blackshaw and Cantor have provided great support and encouragement to Zara and are very much part of the team that has delivered such outstanding success.
Hugh Thomas, Chairman of the BEF said; "the event was the ideal setting to thank our owners for their ongoing involvement and support, especially as we look towards London 2012. The awards and the visit from our Patron ensured this will be a memorable day for all."
