A GROUP campaigning against a park hosting Olympic horse-riding events has welcomed royal support for its cause.

Eventing world champion Zara Phillips has questioned the lack of legacy for her sport if Greenwich Park is used for equestrian events in London 2012.

The park, which could close for up to two months from July 2012, will have a temporary 23,000 seat venue, to be dismantled after the Games.

In an interview with a national newspaper Ms Phillips said: “Why don't you do it to a space that can be used with a legacy, not Greenwich Park where people walk their dogs?

“I thought that was the whole point of bidding for the Games."

Ms Phillips has suggested Olympic organisers use Burghley or Windsor as the venues instead.

And her opinions are backed by campaign group No to Greenwich Olympic Equestrian Events (NOGOE) who recently sent an open letter to Ms Phillip’s mother Princess Anne, requesting her support.

Group chairman Michael Goldman said: “We are delighted that Zara Phillips agrees with us that Greenwich Park is totally unsuitable for the Olympic 2012 equestrian events.”

He said: “We ask the Olympic authorities to re-consider what was a fundamentally flawed decision while there is still time to change the venue.”

Last month, outspoken historian Dr David Starkey also threw his weight behind the group’s campaign to find an alternative venue, labelling the event “a monstrous proposal”.

The group has also sent a report to the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) which claims up to £20m could be saved if an alternative venue is used.

A spokesman for LOCOG said: “There is no other existing venue in the UK that can host three equestrian disciplines simultaneously to Olympic standard, and no demand for a facility to be created on a permanent basis.

“We are continuing to develop our detailed plans for Greenwich Park and we hope to meet Zara in the near future to share our plans with her.”

Last November the Olympic Board endorsed a cost-saving review by financial consultants KPMG which recommended equestrian events should go ahead at the park.