BE chairman to miss Badminton

Chairman of British Eventing, Mandy Stibbe was taken ill during her trip to Kentucky last weekend. She had travelled to Lexington to support the British riders contesting the four-star event.

Mandy is believed to have fainted, and although her illness was initially thought to be related to the back problems she has suffered in the past, it is now believed that she may have cardiac problems. She is currently undergoing tests for a heart-related condition at the University Hospital, Lexington.

Mandy, who is being tended by her partner Alan With, hopes to be able to travel back to Britain next week, but is currently extremely concerned about her notable absence from Badminton, which she is very upset to be missing.

Mandy, 43, became chairman of British Eventing at the beginning of this year. She was previously chairman of the senior selection board until she stood down as a selector at the end of 2002, but was reappointed to the selection board earlier this year.

Peter Durrant, chief executive of British Eventing said: “We all wish Mandy a very speedy recovery and hope to have her home shortly. I understand that she’s desperately disappointed to be missing Badminton, and naturally we will all be thinking of her.

“Our sincere thanks must go to all our friends and the very efficient team in Lexington and we take great comfort in knowing she is in safe hands.

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