Badminton Horse Trials has been cancelled for 2021.
The event was due to be held from 5-9 May, “behind closed doors”, but organisers fear hosting the horse trials in the current circumstances is still problematic.
The cancellation includes the BE90 and BE100 Championships (4-5 May).
“It is with great disappointment and regret, which we know will be shared by many, that we announce the cancellation of the 2021 Badminton Horse Trials,” said a Badminton spokesman this morning (1 March).
“Despite the encouraging Government announcements and rollout of the vaccine, the situation still remains fragile and unpredictable at this time.”
The decision follows consultation between Badminton, Public Health England and South Gloucestershire Council, who deemed that due to the scale and location of the horse trials, it would not be possible to secure the surrounding area in the proximity of the event site.
“The announcement of last October to run behind closed doors was with the optimism that it would be possible, so the decision that we are not in a position to continue to plan to run the event at the beginning of May has not been taken without significant thought and consideration,” said Badminton Director Jane Tuckwell.
“I am sorry that the 2021 event has become unworkable despite our best efforts, but I am so grateful to all those that have offered support and encouragement over the past few months.”
Commenting on the cancellation, The Duke of Beaufort said everyone at Badminton was “desperately disappointed” to have to cancel for the second year in a row.
“I am confident that the 2022 event will be very much part of the spirit of optimism we will all once again be feeling by then,” he added.
The team at Badminton thanked its athletes, owners, volunteers, sponsors, contractors and supporters for their “unwavering commitment”, and said they look forward to welcoming them back in 2022.
