Pippa Funnell goes in search of her fourth title in the British Eventing Grand Prix, when the Royal International Horse Show gets under way at Hickstead today.

The double Badminton winner, double European eventing champion and Rolex-Kentucky winner will again be partnered by Anne Burnett's The Tourmaline Rose.

If Funnell excels at the forthcoming Burghley trials, she will win an additional £166,000 for completing the Kentucky-Badminton-Burghley treble.

With eight nations due to compete in the relaunched Samsung Super League Nations Cup at Hickstead, there is likely to be enthusiastic international participation in other major showjumping classes.

France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Sweden, Italy, and Belgium will sending teams to compete at the five-day show, while the British team will make their only appearance in this country.