The 2009 Final of the HSBC FEI World Cup™ Eventing has been awarded to the Polish venue of Strzegom and will take place from the 21 – 23 August, subject to contract. It is the first time since the inception of the series in 2002 that the Final will travel to Eastern Europe.

Strzegom, which lies in south-western Poland, has been part of the series since its early stages and has in the past organised several qualifiers. The Toyota Hilux Horse Trials at Strzegom were one of the 16 FEI World Cup ™ Eventing qualifiers held in 2008 attracting riders from 12 nations.

“The input from HSBC is enabling the FEI to develop the World Cup ™ Eventing series and extend the boundaries of the sport. The fact that such a significant event will take place in Eastern Europe is a matter of great satisfaction to the FEI. We and the organisers at Strzegom look forward to working together to provide a memorable Final that will be a fitting conclusion to the inaugural season of HSBC’s partnership with this important series,” said David Holmes, FEI Executive Director of Sport.

Giles Morgan, Group Head of Sponsorship, HSBC commented: “It is really exciting for HSBC to be involved with such a dynamic sport. HSBC is delighted to be a partner of the FEI and a major sponsor of Eventing. This year saw a great HSBC FEI World Cup™ Eventing Final and we look forward to a better series next year.”

This year’s HSBC FEI World Cup™ Eventing Final, held in the French coastal resort of Deauville in October, was viewed as one of most competitive FEI World Cup ™ Eventing Finals to date. It was won by 2008 Olympic team silver medalist Clayton Fredericks (AUS) aboard Ben Along Time – the second World Cup title for the combination that also won the Final in Malmo in 2005.

The 2009 season of the HSBC FEI World Cup TM Eventing will consist of ten qualifiers and the Final at Strzegom. The calendar is currently being finalised and will be released shortly.

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About FEI

The FEI, founded in 1921, is the international body governing equestrian sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It is based on the principle of equality and mutual respect between all 134 affiliated National Federations, without prejudice to race, religion or internal politics.

The FEI is the sole controlling authority for all international events in Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Driving, Endurance Riding, Vaulting, Reining and Para-Equestrian. It establishes the regulations and approves the equestrian programmes at Championships, Regional and the Olympic Games.