Agria boost support of Hickstead

With the first Agria Royal International Horse Show taking place at Hickstead this week (24-28 July), the leading pet insurance company has agreed to expand their sponsorship to cover the King George V Gold Cup.

As Hickstead continues to seek a long-term sponsor for the historic Grand Prix, which takes place on the final Sunday of the show, Agria has stepped forward to support this year’s class. This is in addition to their title sponsorship of the event and of the Nations Cup of Great Britain.

“We are extremely grateful to have Agria as a partner, as they share our commitment to maintaining world class international sport here in the UK,” said Hickstead’s Executive Director Lizzie Bunn. “Despite the show taking place just before the Olympics, we have been overwhelmed by riders and teams wishing to compete at this year’s Royal International. The King George has been an important fixture of the international showjumping calendar for more than a century.”

Vicki Wentworth, CEO of Agria, added: “Agria is thrilled to be able to support the prestigious King George V Gold Cup. It’s iconic in the equestrian world, and riders and spectators alike hold it in high regard.  It’s also important that, as a partner of Hickstead, we support each other wherever we can, so the relationship goes beyond the pure transactional. Partnerships are important – at work and at home – and all fellow equestrians will appreciate the partnership bond that is nurtured every day with our horses, so what better approach than to take this commitment to strengthen relationships and apply it equally at home and in business.” 

The Agria King George V Gold Cup takes place at 2.15pm on Sunday 28 July. Many of the greatest riders in history have lifted the trophy, including Olympic gold medallists Ben Maher, Nick Skelton and Peter Charles. Michael Whitaker has won the class four times, while his brother John has won it three times. Last year, a third Whitaker was added to the roll of honour when John’s son Robert won on board the home-bred Vermento.

Tickets for the Agria Royal International Horse Show (24-28 July) can be bought online or at the gate.