Invesco Perpetual to sponsor British Eventing Premier League

LONDON - British Eventing has signed fund management firm Invesco Perpetual as the primary sponsor for the British Eventing Premier League, which incorporates nine major events in the annual eventing season.

The Invesco Perpetual Premier League will begin with the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials this week and will finish with the Blenheim Horse Trials on September 9.

Other events included in the league will be the Chatsworth Nissan Horse Trials, Bramham International Horse Trials, Barbury Castle International Horse Trials, The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe, Thirlestane Castle International Horse Trials, Blair Castle International Horse Trials and The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.

The rider with the most points accumulated across the nine events during the season will receive a cheque for £20,000 and an Invesco Perpetual trophy. The second and third placed riders will receive £10,000 and £5,000 respectively.

Alex Fox, chairman of British Eventing, said: "We are delighted to have Invesco Perpetual on board as a new partner for the season. The association will further raise the profile of the sport and the introduction of the Invesco Perpetual Trophy, with a significant prize fund, will enhance the competition and create excitement amongst the riders, media and spectators throughout the season."

Rick White, marketing director of Invesco Perpetual, said: "Eventing is a very successful and popular sport in this country. Every year the main events receive extensive coverage on the BBC and draw enormous crowds."

The first event in the premier league, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, begins tomorrow, May 3.