SOMERLEY Park near Ringwood is the first stop on this year's road to Athens which may lead to Olympic gold for some of Britain's top equestrian stars.

Medal hopefuls Pippa Funnell and William Fox-Pitt are among a host of stars competing today and tomorrow at the picturesque estate in the opening fixture of the 2004 international eventing calendar.

More than 800 horses and riders from 15 countries will take part in the eighth annual horse trials at the estate, home to the Earl of Normanton, promising to make the event the biggest and best yet. Ringwood-based travel agents Ridewiththewind are event sponsors.

BBC TV are filming the event, following New Zealander Tim Rushbrook who has recently joined the Eleda team.

Among the local competitors are Ames-bury's Lucinda and Clayton Fredericks, Nick Campbell from Burley, and Louisa Lock-wood of Winterbourne Stoke who will ride five horses over the two days.

Lockwood will be on New Forest-based Jan Jarvis's General Opposition who will be making his first Novice appearance after finishing third in the Pre-Novice at Aldon.

She will also ride the more experienced Lucia di Lammermoor and Freddie Lee who will be hoping to build on the success of his Intermediate placing at Aldon.

The rider has two horses entered in what should prove a highly competitive CiCI** class on Friday. Allercombe Molly is a temporary ride for the injured Lucy Wiegersma while Tiger Shark, who recently upgraded to Intermediate, will be using the CIC as a qualifier for the Windsor three-day event in May.

Spectators should access Somerley off the Alderholt Road. Admission is £5 per car.