MANY of eventing's biggest names will be heading for Upper Sapey next week to take part in the popular Sapey Horse Trials at Cockshutts Farm.

"All of the top riders will be here," said organiser Alan Thacker. "We had 700 entries but we have had to ballot that down to 575."

Competition takes place over two days, April 19 and 20, but plans to extend the time-scale had to be shelved.

"We were hoping to hold the event over three days but we were just not able to get the volunteer helpers that we needed," said Thacker. "But we are pleased with the entries that we have had, this is only the sixth event that we have held in the four years that the course has been here."

Olympic gold-medallist Leslie Law heads up the entries, with his brother Graham taking part, too. Mary King will be travelling up from Devon on both days to compete and a number of prominent Herefordshire riders are also expected to take part.

And competitors will notice one or two changes in the course with a new route planned for the pre-novice competition and a new loop in the novice section.