{"piano":{"sandbox":"false","aid":"u28R38WdMo","rid":"R7EKS5F","offerId":"OF3HQTHR122A","offerTemplateId":"OTQ347EHGCHM"}}

‘Persistent and torrential rain’ means international event abandoned


  • Persistent and “sometimes torrential” rain has led to the cancellation of this week’s Belsay International Horse Trials.

    The event, which was due to run from Wednesday to Sunday, 29 May to 2 June, has been called off early to save people starting their journeys.

    Organiser Laura de Wesselow said: “After an unusually wet winter and spring, intermittently persistent (and sometimes torrential) rain over the last week has left the ground saturated with standing water across the site.

    “Entrance gateways are already turning to mud and while we have looked at additional hard core and even temporary tracking, it would be very difficult to get lorries and emergency vehicles on site safely. Furthermore, with standing water on the cross-country course and all around the show jumping arena, the event would be seriously compromised for competitors and spectators alike.”

    The event was to have hosted national classes from BE90 to intermediate level, as well as international sections up to CCI3*-S including the national junior championships.

    “With competitors, trade stands and officials due to start arriving on Tuesday, we have had to take this decision today to avoid people starting long journeys, only for the event to be cancelled later in the week,” Ms de Wesselow said. “We certainly do not take this decision lightly, after 10 years of building the horse trials, with the help and support of all our sponsors, officials, contractors, volunteers and competitors.

    “We are insured and will be processing refunds. Please bear with us while we deal with the insurance company.”

    You might also be interested in:

    Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

    Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout HOYS, Maryland, Pau, London International and more 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

    You may like...