Piggy French riding VANIR KAMIRA in CCI-S4* Section O; at the Belton Park International held in Belton Park near Grantham in Lincolnshire in the UK on 31st March 2019
BE emailed all organisers asking them to express an interest in applying for the fixture, then sent application packs to those who responded.
The window for applying was 14 days, after which venues will be assessed and a shortlist presented to a deciding panel. BE aims for the process to be completed by the end of June or early July.
“From a membership perspective it is essential that British Eventing replaces this fixture,” said BE interim CEO Jude Matthews. “The early season CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S [previously CIC1*, CIC2* and CIC3*] classes are a hugely important stepping stone for so many horses and riders, especially the CCI4*-S as a preparatory run prior to Badminton.”
Ms Matthews said application packs have also been sent to organisers as BE tries to find the best replacement for the national fixture previously held at Gatcombe in March.
“Very sadly, Pattie Biden and her team ran the last ever spring fixture at Gatcombe this year,” she said. “They have done a brilliant job for many years, and we are hugely grateful for the work they have put into the event.
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“This other important fixture for the members will also be replaced for 2020.”
Chris Farr, BE’s acting sport manager (fixtures), said the early events are ‘so incredibly important” for members.
“As would be expected, there will be a strong emphasis on a venue that can cope as well as possible with the early season weather, but there are many factors that need to be considered before a venue can be allocated a fixture,” he added.
“Suitable ground and facilities to run at the time of year are essential, as well as location, restrictions on the venue’s availability, terrain etc. The application process is an important step in ensuring we find suitable venues to run at this time of year.
“This is a high priority for the BE fixtures team.”
Don’t miss Harry Meade’s thoughts on the loss of Belton in this week’s edition of H&H magazine, out today, 23 May.
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
