Burghley crowds catch glimpse of champion Zara

 Zara Phillips, the reigning eventing world champion and BBC Sports personality of the Year 2006, was the star of the show in the lead up to the annual three-day event at Burghley House, near Stamford, yesterday.

The only daughter of Princess Anne, Zara was with horses Glenbuck and Ardfiel Magic Star during the horse vets' inspection.

Last year's trials winner William Fox-Pitt was also seen as he came back to defend his title at the event,  which will crown the best rider and horse at dressage, cross-country and show-jumping.

Mary King (Olympic team medal winner ) was also present with her horse, Apache Sauce.

This year, glamour model and horsewoman Katie Price,( also known as Jordan), will be announced as as the new face of Hoof, a campaign run by the British Equestrian Federation, hoping to deliver a generation of young horse riders. Ms Price will also take the opportunity to launch a new range of clothing and accessories (KP Equestrian)

On Friday (5 September), Olympian and British dressage team member Laura Bechtolsheimer (23) will perform two demonstrations as well as a grand prix dressage to music with her former team rider, Douglas Dorsey.

More than 140,000 people are expected to attend the trials, and enjoy the 600 stands and food walks, with the event as celebrated for the quality of its shopping as it is for sport.

Tickets are available by calling the box office, on 01933 304744