Support for Britain’s Olympic bid

The government has announced its backing for a bid by London to host the 2012 Olympics, and the equestrian industry is gearing up to contribute to Britain’s application to the International Olympic Committee, due to be submitted in July.

British Equestrian Federation (BEF) chief executive Andrew Finding, says: “The BEF is fully in favour of the bid by the British Olympic Association for the 2012 Olympic Games to be held in London.

“We now face a huge challenge and look forward to a full consultation between the BOA, BEF and its members, and UK Sport to ensure everything possible is done to minimise cost, present world class sport at its very best and create a sustainable and useful legacy for equestrian sport in Britain.”

In contrast with some other Olympic sports, Britain has plenty of experience at hosting high-profile equestrian events. Badminton Horse Trials attracts the second largest number of spectators of any sporting event in the world, Hickstead hosts the European dressage championships this August, while the European Eventing Championships come to Blenheim in 2005.