From the Grand Hall, Olympia, the first of five days' coverage of the most popular horse show in Europe. The cream of the equestrian world will compete for a total of E 160,000 in prize money, and indulge in some jolly Christmas horseplay.
This gala evening is in aid of the British Equestrian Olympic
Fund, with many of those riders hoping to go to Barcelona competing. The highspot is the Modern Alarms Christmas
Turkey Stakes (£10,000 and a turkey to the winner).
Introduced by David Vine. Commentary by Raymond Brooks-Ward and Stephen Hadley.
Television presentation Wendy Sheppard and Johnnie Watherston
(Coverage continues tomorrow at
4.30pmonBBC2)