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World Equestrian Cup event opens near Minsk

A World Equestrian Cup event opened at the Ratamka center near Minsk on July 21, BelaPAN reports. Riders will compete at the one-, two- and three-star levels during the five-day event.

Belarus is the only ex-Soviet country to have been chosen as a World Equestrian Cup venue.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Alyaksandr Yewdakimaw, chairman of the tournament's jury, played up the center's readiness to host the tournament.

The eventing tournament, which comprises dressage, cross-country and show jumping, will feature 23 riders.

"The main share of difficulties related to the organization of eventing competitions is cross-country," Mr. Yewdakimaw said. "Together with technical delegates and judges we inspected the cross-country course today. Certain changes will be made on the course due to the weather conditions - its distance will be shortened a bit."

Technical delegate Andrew Griffiths expressed a high opinion of the sport's development in Belarus in the last few years.