TEN nations, 114 horses, six former champions and one royal will descend on Bramham Park for the 2002 International Horse Trials in June.

The world-renowned three-day event, which runs from Thursday, June 6 to Sunday, June 9, is building up to be one of the best yet with a highly-competitive field, including Zara Phillips, daughter of Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, set to thrill the crowd.

Australian Paul Tapner, who won the last run Bramham three-day event in 2000, will be up against the best of the British, including the 1992 champion and this year's Badminton winner Pippa Funnell, Kristina Cook (nee Gifford), Ian Stark and William Fox-Pitt.

Among the overseas contingent looking to leave the country with the title in tow will be New Zealander Andrew Nicholson - who has four rides - Australian Andrew Hoy, Spain's Enrique Sarasola, Sweden's Hermine Brink, Japan's Ikko Murakami and American Ann Taylor.

Local hopes will rest on Driffield's Camilla Hall while owner Anne Henson from York will also be hoping for success when Polly Stokton rides her horse Oscar.

Zara Phillips, on Toytown, is sure to steal the limelight in the Young Riders category, but Kate Sigsworth from Raskelf and Lucy Holiday from Thirlby will attempt to make names for themselves.

Updated: 12:12 Wednesday, May 29, 2002