London 2012 appoints course designer for Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park will be the spectacular site for the Cross Country course in the Eventing discipline. This combines all three phases of Dressage, Show jumping and Cross Country into one competition.

Sue Benson commented: "I am hugely excited at the prospect of designing the course at Greenwich Park. It is excellent to have Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in London, and Greenwich Park will provide a stunning backdrop for the Equestrian events. It is very beautiful, with the river Thames as a backdrop and plenty of natural contours at our disposal. Greenwich Park also offers us an opportunity to be imaginative with the Meridian Line as just one example. I look forward to beginning my work as soon as possible."

Sue was selected from a shortlist recommended by the International Equestrian Federation, the international governing body of the sport. In addition, the British Equestrian Federation and British Eventing were part of the selection panel.

"We were very impressed with Sue's record," said Debbie Jevans, Director of Sport. "She has an excellent track record in design at the highest level, and international experience. Her ideas for design will incorporate all aspects of Greenwich Park, and will utilise its iconic buildings and views. She also has experience of designing a course in a public area as opposed to a private estate. Sue has a good understanding of the needs of a world class course with a large amount of spectators and broadcasting requirements. We look forward to working with Sue over the next few years."

HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, President of the International Equestrian Federation, said: "The London 2012 Olympic Games will be a pivotal moment for horse sport as it takes centre stage in the historic location of Greenwich. Sue Benson will play an important role in showcasing Eventing on the greatest stage for global sport."

Sue was an international Three Day Event rider from 1972 to 1990 representing Great Britain at European Championships on three occasions. She has been actively involved in major course design for 15 years. She has been the Course Designer for Bramham International in Yorkshire since 2000 having assisted the previous course designer, Captain Mark Phillips, in 1998 and 1999. She has also been Course Designer for Boekelo International (Netherlands) since 2000, and for the Scottish National Championships at Thirlestone Castle in 2004, as well as Gatcombe Park National Open and Intermediate Championships in 1998. Additionally Sue was Assistant Course Designer for the Burghley Horse Trials this year and is currently working on the design of the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sue has been a freelance Equestrian journalist for 20 years, and remains an active rider, owner and trainer of event horses.

Sue will now begin work on her designs which will incorporate elements such as water jumps, banks, ditches and steps. She will take into all account aspects of the Park including its geography and unique history, layout, and environmental issues.

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Note to editors: Greenwich Park will host Equestrian events and the Modern Pentathlon for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Equestrian for the Paralympic Games.

For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 100 or visit the website