Sturminster Newton star William Fox-Pitt will step up his bid to capture the richest and rarest prize in world eventing this weekend.

So difficult is the Rolex Grand Slam to achieve that only one rider has previously accomplished it – Fox-Pitt’s Great Britain colleague Pippa Funnell, nine years ago.

It is awarded if a rider wins consecutive four-star events at Kentucky, Badminton and Burghley in any order, and offers a financial windfall of just under £220,000.

World number one Fox-Pitt landed the Burghley title last September aboard Parklane Hawk and he will use the same mount at Kentucky, where victory would set him up for a Grand Slam tilt when Badminton begins next week.

The Sturminster Newton rider triumphed in Kentucky two years ago on Cool Mountain and when he returned to the same venue five months later with the same horse, World Equestrian Games team gold and individual silver were collected.

Eventing’s Grand Slam represents a formidable challenge, but 43-year-old Fox-Pitt has both the ability and horsepower to emulate Funnell’s 2003 success.

“It is all about the Rolex Kentucky this week, and then we will focus on Badminton and the big dream of winning the Rolex Grand Slam,” he said.

“My main aspiration for the week is that Parklane Hawk consolidates his form from Burghley.

“He is on very good form. He has undergone some good preparation and is feeling fit, so hopefully he will perform very well.”