TV boost for Badminton Horse Trials
Eventing enthusiasts who are unable to make the journey to Gloucestershire to watch the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials first-hand, will be able to watch live action from the ultimate four-star event on the BBC’s flagship sports show Grandstand on Saturday 6 May.
Badminton has recently signed a new contract with the BBC, which will ensure coverage for the event until 2009, bringing the corporation’s continued coverage of the event to more than 50 years.
Grandstand deputy editor, Michael Cole said: “I’m delighted that we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of TV coverage at Badminton by signing a new contract. The coverage may have changed — from the 6 cameras back in 1956 to see Colonel Frank Weldon win, to the 18 cameras we’ll use this year — but the excitement of Badminton Horse Trials remains great viewing.”
This year will see the return of live cross-country coverage on Saturday for the first time since a clash with the FA Cup Final in 2001. Last year BBC1 offered digital coverage of Saturday’s action and this proved so popular that the event has been returned to the channel’s flagship sports programme for 2006. The climax of the event, preceded by cross-country highlights, will be shown on Sunday Grandstand.
Hugh Thomas said: “We have always had a very good relationship with the BBC and appreciate the coverage they have given our great minority sport for half a century. It is very good news that the coverage is returning to prime time Saturday afternoon.”
Visit: www.badminton-horse.co.uk
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.