Jane Tuckwell will take over the helm at Badminton Horse Trials following the retirement of long-serving director Hugh Thomas.
Hugh, who announced his decision to retire after 31 years following this year’s event, said he is “excited to be leaving Badminton in such good hands”.
Jane has served as assistant director of the horse trials for many years and has vast experience in the running of the event.
She will be supported by Andrew Tucker, son of the late “voice of equestrian sport” Mike Tucker, who steps up to the new role of commercial director.
“Andrew has been assisting Badminton in a consultancy role for nearly 15 years, principally working with commercial supporters, alongside his work for the Hurlingham Polo Association and the charity Sentebale, among other clients,” said a spokesman for the event.
Badminton final scores
“He of course has also been part of the horse trials from a very young age, with both his parents Mike and Angela riding successfully at the event and then commentating and judging respectively.”
The office, box office and site management teams will continue unchanged.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“I am really excited to be leaving Badminton in such good hands and I have every confidence in the future,” said Hugh.
“I have agreed to remain available on a consultancy basis as needed at least until after the 2020 horse trials”.
Here, we take a look at just some of the best bits from her glittering career with Piggy...
The Duke of Beaufort added: “The duchess and I are very grateful for everything Hugh has done for Badminton in his long tenure and we wish him well in his retirement.
“We are delighted that Jane will succeed him and we are sure she will be a great success.”
Jane is the fifth director in Badminton’s 70-year history. The first was Lt Colonel Trevor Horn (1949-56), followed by Lt. Colonel Gordon Cox Cox (1957-64) and Lt Colonel Frank Weldon (1965-88).
Next year will also mark the start of a new era in terms of title sponsor as the 2019 event was the last to take place under the Mitsubishi Motors banner.
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday
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
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
