Objective: To generate media coverage and build excitement for the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials 2024 by hosting an exclusive and immersive media day.
Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (BPIHT) is a highlight of the eventing calendar and is set within the historic and picturesque grounds of Blenheim Palace. This premier event attracts riders from all over the world and thousands of spectators each year. One week before the event, Coate PR hosted a media day to showcase the unique aspects of the 2024 horse trials and allow media representatives and sponsors to have exclusive access and insider insights, allowing for high-quality media coverage in the lead-up to the event.
Objectives
- Boost visibility and media interest in the 2024 Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials.
- Provide an immersive experience for journalists and influencers to authentically connect with the event.
- Position BPIHT as a key fixture in the British Eventing season, highlighting both the competitive and country lifestyle aspects of the event.
To achieve these objectives, Coate PR curated a detailed itinerary of informative and personal experiences for the attending media, reflecting both the historic charm of Blenheim Palace and the excitement of the horse trials.
The welcome
The media day kicked off with guests arriving at Blenheim Palace’s Great Hall, setting a grand tone from the outset. From there, they moved through into The Saloon, where they were warmly welcomed by Event Director Katrina Midgleyand Cross-Country Course Designer David Evans. On arrival they received a media pack which included a welcome from Katrina, cross country course maps and fence lists and an event update press release.
Cross-Country course drive
Guests experienced an exclusive course drive with David Evans in Blenheim’s signature “Gun Bus” and vehicles provided by sponsors Isuzu and Subaru. This tour offered a unique, close-up perspective of the course’s challenges and showcased new design features for 2024. BPIHT Ambassador and 5* Event Rider Will Rawlin provided personal insights, enhancing the tour with stories from a competitor’s perspective and helping media understand the demands of the event on both riders and horses.
Lunch in the Spencer Churchill room
The tour was followed by a lunch, hosted in the elegant setting of Blenheim Palace’s Spencer Churchill room, providing a chance for media to network with the event organisers, influencers and top riders. Each guest received a goody bag from Fortnum & Mason, containing exclusive treats that brought a touch of luxury and helped to create a memorable take-home experience.
Blenheim Palace Italian Garden Tour
To conclude, the media enjoyed a tour of Blenheim Palace’s renowned Italian Gardens with head gardeners Kay and Bryan. Guests meandered through the rose garden, the water terrace and through the Churchill Memorial Garden.
Social media
Throughout the day, attendees shared real-time updates, stories and insights with their followers, creating immediate engagement and building momentum across Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to amplify the event’s reach and encourage ticket sales ahead of the event.
Media engagement
Coate PR provided follow-up support by sending additional high-resolution photos, quotes, course maps and other event assets to journalists and influencers, ensuring they had everything needed for their stories. This attention to detail maximised the potential for positive, timely coverage.
Coate PR also worked closely with Horse & Hound to provide a full course preview feature. Read here.
Influencer content include ThisEsme reel showcasing the day. Watch here.
Feedback from our guests
“Thank you so much for such a wonderful day yesterday at Blenheim. I really enjoyed the course preview – David did such a fantastic job of explaining all the challenges and considerations he faces when designing the course. I have to say that gardeners Brian and Kay, were the other stars of the day.
Good luck for the event!”
Dr Kathryn E White, An Eventful Life
“Thanks April. Great media day. See you next week!”
Ellie Kelly, Journalist
“Thank you for a fab day yesterday, it was so interesting and I loved the garden tour!”
Lawrence Gill, KBIS
“Great to see you yesterday and thanks for looking after us as you did. We had such a brilliant day; so much better than we expected. Best media day I’ve been at!”
Maria Haig, British Eventing Head of Communications
“Thank you for a lovely day on Wednesday. I had the best time and met some interesting people.”
Tracy Freeman, Blake Morgan
Coate PR’s effective planning and attention to detail ensured a seamless media day experience that highlighted Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials’ prestige, excitement and unique atmosphere. By providing exclusive access, personal interactions and tailored content, Coate PR successfully engaged media and influencers, driving both immediate interest and lasting impressions that set the stage for the event’s success the following week.
