The British team were in majestic form last year as they secured the series as well as taking team gold at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon, with Ros Canter, currently world number one, also winning the individual prize.

Great Britain just edged ahead of France to claim the title in a dramatic final leg in Boekelo in The Netherlands, with Germany – the 2017 winners - taking third place overall.

This time the Championship is due to be decided over seven legs, with Boekelo again hosting the final in October.

Germany, however, will fancy their chances of winning the opening leg, having won at Houghton Hall on the last four occasions.

A group of 15 nations will be represented at this event, due to conclude Sunday (May 26).

Among those in the British colours will be recent Badminton Horse Trials winner Piggy French, who brings forward Cooley Monsoon and Graf Cavalier.

Piggy’s fellow team gold medallist from last year’s World Equestrian Games, Gemma Tattersall also has two chances with Jalapeno III and Santiago Bay.

Overseas riders to watch are include Germany’s Ingrid Klimke, winner of two Olympic golds and a silver in the team event, and Vittoria Panizzon of Italy.

Other top riders throwing their hats in to the ring at Houghton include eventing icon Lucinda Green, past Badminton winner Sam Griffiths from Australia, another British World Championship team gold medallist Tom McEwen and Swedish team medallist Ludwig Svennerstall.