Stars of Pau from the 22nd to 26th October 2008
CCI **** of Pau: An innovation every year

With a star last year, which places henceforth the CCI of Pau among the 5 most important international three-day events, the equestrian sports benefit from a new partner today: the HSBC bank. Moreover Nicolas Touzaint's victory in Badminton competition, and the stars of Pau shall be exceptional for France this year.

HSBC FEI Classics Finale
The Stars of Pau CCI**** closes the HSBC FEI Classics Cup. Since last week, the international bank HSBC Holdings has made a sponsoring agreement with the FEI. Becoming its exclusive financial partner, this bank will be the official sponsor of HSBC FEI World Cup of eventing and of HSBC eventing ranking. This new action will provide more allowance for international three day 4 stars events 4 and of course attract more riders.

The allowance for the CCI**** of Pau amounts 110 000 euros added to those from HSBC FEI Classics (about 330 000 US Dollars). So the HSBC FEI Classics tour will finish at Pau, after Lexington (USA, 24-27 April), Badminton (UK,1-4 May), Luhmuhlen (Germany, 12-15 June) and Burghley (UK, 4-7 September). Pau will welcome the world’s best riders who will come in number for this finale.

Nicolas Touzaint, a dream for France
Winner of the CCI **** of Pau last year, this European champion just won the prestigious Mitsubishi Motors Badminton horse trials two weeks ago. Hildago de l’Ile and its young rider succeeded an exploit never achieved by any French : to win the very difficult CCI **** of Badminton.

Let us hope that Nicolas achieve a new winner's title of the international circuit HSBC FEI Classics, that he could rise high and shine in France at Pau.

Stars of Pau: an inescapable event
Schedule :
22 and 23 October : CIC** Dressage test
24 October : CCI**** Dressage test, International endurance raid
CEI**
25 October : CCI **** Cross country test and CIC** Jumping test
26 October : CIC ** Cross country test, CCI**** Jumping test,
International endurance raid CEIOJY ***, Shetland Eventing.
Around the competition :
Exhibitor’s village with a new green village dedicated to ecology this year
Horse’s sale
Horse Carriage Tour
Restauration/Bar
Giant TV screen in the village for a live broadcast