William Fox-Pitt is double-handed as he defends his crown at the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, which get under way in Woodstock today.

The Great Britain star, who won the 50th three-day event of his stellar career when taking victory on Seacookie in the CCI three-star class 12 months ago, this time relies on Running Order and Before Time.

He will be out to equal the record of four Blenheim titles held by Pippa Funnell, who will be seeking her fifth win at the event when she competes on Or Noir de la Loge.

They are among 84 competitors who are due to start in the top class, which sees riders tackling dressage today and tomorrow, before cross country and showjumping takes place on both Saturday and Sunday.

Other big names in the main event are six-time Badminton winner Lucinda Green (Cry Freedom) and New Zealand stars Mark Todd (Up N Go) and Andrew Nicholson (Viscount George).

There is also plenty of local interest with Owen Moore, who is based at Lyneham, near Chipping Norton, partnering Perfect Stranger.

Charlotte Agnew, from Kingston Bagpuize, will be in action on Out Of Africa Two, while Ginny Howe, who is based at Murcott, near Kidlington, rides Eires Rock.

The increasingly prestigious support class is the Blenheim 8/9 year old horse CIC three-star championship.

The two events combined will see more than 150 top riders, representing 16 nations, battling it out for glory.