The FEI is delighted to welcome the Australian International 3 Day Event to the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012 season.

The Adelaide-based event, which in 2002 became the first CCI 4* in the southern hemisphere, will host the second leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012 season against the stunning city centre backdrop of Adelaide Park Lands on 18-20 November 2011.  

“The Australian International 3 Day Event is the country’s premier equestrian competition and one of only six 4* events held around the world,” explained Event Director and dual Olympic gold medallist Gillian Rolton (AUS). “For the last 10 years, Adelaide has been the chosen host city of this hallmark equestrian event. We are now extremely proud to take our place in the HSBC FEI Classics™2012 season and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors and competitors to an action-packed event in our unique City of Adelaide Parkland setting.”  

The Adelaide Cross-Country phase on Saturday 19 November will see competitors tackling a demanding course designed by Wayne Copping (AUS). It will start in front of the Heritage Grandstand in Victoria Park, cross two dual carriageways closed for the event, wind through Rymill Park featuring water jumps regarded as some of the most challenging in international Eventing and culminate back in Victoria Park on the Heritage Oval.

HSBC has supported the HSBC FEI Classics™ series since 2008 and will be contributing US$1 million in prize money over the next three years, which represents the biggest prize fund on offer in Eventing on an annual basis.

At the end of the 2012 season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected among the six HSBC FEI Classics™ events will be awarded their share of a total prize pot of US$333,000.

“The inclusion of this event in the HSBC FEI Classics™ is testament to how successful the series has been and shows how this sport continues to grow globally. We are delighted to welcome Adelaide as part of the prestigious series and look forward to seeing the competition evolve,” said Giles Morgan, HSBC Group Head of Sponsorship.

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012 calendar
The HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012 season will begin at Les Etoiles de Pau CCI 4* (FRA) on 12-16 October 2011.

This is also the location for the final leg of the 2011 season.   

Competitors therefore have the unique opportunity to secure points for both the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2011 and 2012 seasons by competing at Les Etoiles de Pau.

1.    Les Etoiles de Pau CCI 4* (FRA) - 12-16 October 2011
2.    Australian International 3 Day Event (AUS) - 18-20 November 2011
3.    Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) -  26-29 April 2012
4.    Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) - 4-7 May 2012
5.    Luhmühlen CCI 4* presented by E.ON (GER) - 14-17 June 2012
6.    The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR) - 30 August-2 September 2012

Notes to editor:

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2011 Calendar:

1. Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) - 22-25 April
2. Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) - 28 April-1 May
3. Luhmühlen CCI 4* presented by E.ON (GER) - 16-19 June
4. The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR) - 1-4 September
5. Les Etoiles de Pau CCI 4* (FRA) - 12-16 October
 
At the end of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2011 season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected among the HSBC FEI Classics™ events will be awarded their share of a total prize fund of US$333,000, split as follows:

1st - US$150,000 (Series Champion)
2nd - US$75,000
3rd - US$50,000
4th - US$33,000
5th - US$25,000