The inaugural running of the Express Eventing International Cup saw 19 of the world’s top event riders vying for a top prize of $148,000 in the imposing Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

This was the first time event riders have had to ride their dressage tests to music and it was a great spectacle.  “Working for the music test helped our dressage massively” said second placed Lucy Wiegersma.

The show jumping and cross country phase saw lots of thrills and spills, with many riders failing to complete the 3 phases but Oliver Townend and his imposing grey Flint Curtis stormed round the stadium in spectacular fashion to a convincing victory.

“The concept is brilliant and it’s a lot of fun,” said 2 times Olympic Champion Mark Todd.

Comprehensive highlights as seen on Sky Sports television

Results                                                       Final time

1  Oliver Townend       GBR    Flint Curtis            4.25.01

2  Lucy Wiegersma      GBR    Shaabrak              5.07.99

3  William Fox-Pitt       GBR    Ballincoola             5.10.72

4  Clayton Fredericks   AUS    Ben Along Time      5.20.02

5  Vittoria Panizzon      ITA    Rock Model            5.37.08

6  Caroline Powell        NZL    Lenamore              6.47.25

90 mins.