The Portuguese Eventing Association (ACCE) and the Portuguese Equestrian Federation (FEP) are pleased to announce the launch of the 2020 Portuguese Eventing Tour. This brand new format of tour for international eventing in Portugal, has been part of the ACCE’s plan for the revitalization of the sport since the current board took over in 2018. The plans have been brought forward this year due to COVID-19 forcing so many top international events to cancel, and dozens of top international riders asking if “Portugal could do something to help”.
Padraig McCarthy and Leonidas II (IRE) winners of the CCI4*-L at Barroca in March
The 2020 Portugal Winter Tour will be held in November and December, covering three weeks of top international sport culminating in a CCI4*L. The Portuguese National Championships will be held in the second week of the tour at Barroca d’Alva, which is Portugal’s leading international event course, one of the two locations on the tour.
Dates
Week 1 19-21st November at Ota (CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S, CCI4*-S plus a national programme)
Week 2 26-28th November at Barroca d’Alva (CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S plus the National Championships)
Week 3 2nd-6th December at Barroca d’Alva (CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S, CCI4*-S, CCI2*-L, CCI3*-L, CCI4*-L (Olympic qualifier)
Tim Lips and Herby (NED) winners of the CCI3*-L at Barroca in March
Top riders from across the world, including New Zealand, Australia, France ,Ireland and the UK have come out in favour of the concept, and many of them have already committed to supporting the tour with multiple entries as part of their plans to qualify for international events in 2021, including the Olympics. The 2020 Portugal Winter Tour also offers the National Eventing Team much needed opportunities to achieve the qualifications necessary to reach next year’s objectives for both the Young Rider and Senior Teams, it will also provide investment opportunities for the national eventing courses involved and also raise awareness of the sport in Portugal.
The Winter Tour is set be the biggest 3 day eventing tour that Portugal has hosted, with media interest building towards what will be the last 4*-L and Olympic qualifier in Europe this year.
The 2020 Portugal Winter Tour will of course respect all COVID-19 restrictions and measures in place at the time. The ACCE, the organisation responsible for managing the tour will liase closely with the FEP, FEI and the Portuguese Government to ensure full compliance and the safety of all involved whilst protecting national resources.
Cathal Daniels won both the CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S with Shannondale Mari and OLS King Aragon
Irish riders featured strongly during both events at Barroca earlier this year. Cathal Daniels won both the CCI2*-S with Shannondale Mari (owned by Dr. Sarah Hughes) and the CCI3*-S with OLS King Aragon (owned by Michelle Nelson) at Barroca 1.
Barroca 2 the following week was again dominated by Irish riders, with Padraig McCarthy and Leonidas II (owned by D. Brundsen, P. Catell and P.McCarthy) winning the CCI4*-L and Cathal Daniels and OLS King Aragon taking 3rd.
Mike Ryan with TR Kaygraff (owned by Carol and Tom Henry) took 2nd in the CCI2*-L while Austin O’Connor and Ballyartan Contessa took 4th.
To find out more, visit the 2020 Portugal Winter Tour website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Contacts
Jodie Lazell +351 917 222 271
Email: acce.eventing.info@gmail.com
