Equestrianism: Dixon to make Smart defence

Equestrianism

Karen Dixon will be riding two horses - Get Smart and Too Smart - when she defends her national title at the British Horse Trials Championships at Gatcombe Park from 4 to 6 August, writes Genevieve Murphy.

She will take on some formidable opponents, among them Mary King (nee Thomson), a fellow member of the victorious British team at last year's World Equestrian Games. King has entered the three horses with whom she is shortlisted for September's European Open Championships: King William, King Kong and Star Appeal.

Entries also include two Olympic champions - New Zealand's Mark Todd and Matt Ryan of Australia, while Bruce Davidson, the winner at Badminton this year, will be competing in the advanced class rather than the British Open.