UPTON'S Leslie Law heads the challenge at the Windsor International Horse Trials.

The CCI** three-day event is being staged over the Queen's Berkshire parkland until Sunday.

Law is up against tough opposition, including Badminton winner Pippa Funnell and runner-up William Fox-Pitt along with riders from eight nations.

Windsor is one of five three-day events to be staged in Britain at two-star level and this year's cross-country course is designed by Italy's Guiseppe Della Chiesa.

Law has two rides, Keith Scott's eight-year-old chestnut Jackson D'Allez and Best Wishes, home bred by owner Judy Graham.

"Jackson D'Allez came out of France and arrived in my yard around New Year time," said Law who was recently announced as a member of the British team at this autumn's European three-day event Championships at Blenheim.

"He's a very nice horse and has gone well in one-day events this season, but is still adjusting. Hopefully, he has a bright future."

The bay mare Best Wishes missed the 2004 season through injury and Windsor is her first three-day event.

"She's gone well this year and won an intermediate section at the Lincoln one-day event," Law continued.

"The mare was also third at the Somerley Park international one-day event CIC** in Hampshire last month."

Olympic gold medal winner Law has welcomed the recent rain as Windsor has in the past suffered from a reputation for hard going.

"Hopefully the wet weather will have improved the going and the organisers have done a lot of work at Windsor," said Law.

"I've been named on the British European team with a choice of two horses -- Shear L'Eau and Coup de Coeur -- which is great.

"It's a nice position to be in and, if both stay sound and everything is in place nearer the championships, I could be in for a difficult decision."

Tenbury Wells-based Rosie Thomas is also among the Windsor CCI** entries with her two rides The Jaywalker and Barry's Best.

Barry's Best recently proved in good form at the Osberton International CIC** one-day event where he finished 10th.

The Jaywalker, a 16.3hh bay Rosie is riding for Emma Marrs, was 15th at Osberton and both horses will be making their Windsor debut.