Security strikes leave European eventing team stranded
The British eventing team were left stranded at Copenhagen Airport this morning on their way home from the European Championships in Sweden — after flights were cancelled when Danish security went on strike.
The team, who eventually finished in 6th place, arrived at the airport before 6am this morning (Monday 2 September).
But shortly after checking in they had their bags returned and were told they were unable to board the flight due to industrial action.
The main concern for some of the riders was getting home to work their horses before Burghley Horse Trials this weekend (5-8 September).
William Fox-Pitt, who won individual bronze at Malmö with Chilli Morning, will be heading to Burghley with the hope of winning a 7th title at the event. He has 2011 winner Parklane Hawk and Neuf Des Coeurs entered.
Alice Plunkett, William Fox-Pitt’s wife, told H&H: “William was due to have a jumping session this afternoon and was going to visit Harry Meade in hospital.”
The team managed to book onto an alternative flight from Malmö airport in Sweden this afternoon. However, the flight lands at Stansted rather than Gatwick where the team’s cars are parked.
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“At least we have found a solution and William will be able to work all the horses tomorrow before he heads for Burghley on Wednesday morning,” Alice added.
For a full report on all the action at the European Eventing Championships don’t miss this weeks Horse & Hound out on Thursday (5 September).
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Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.