The event was set to take place on 22 November, but the organisers have concluded that it is not viable to run this year.
The fixture was last held in February 2019, when it was won by former jump jockey Maurice Linehan riding the German-bred thoroughbred Bobby on the horse’s first hunt race.
This year’s ride was first planned for 1 March, but was cancelled in January as a result of the “unprecedented weather and ground conditions”. It was rescheduled for 22 November to be held in Quorn country and has now been cancelled again.
“Following lengthy consideration of the Government’s Covid-19 outdoor events guidance and discussions with all parties, including the MHC ride sponsor Chestnut Horse Feeds, all aspects of the event were addressed in detail,” said a MHC spokesman.
“The task of effectively complying with Covid-19 [test] & trace guidelines for all attendees and achieving social distancing were deemed beyond what would be manageable, particularly because of the uniquely large area the MHC ride takes place over.”
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(Image credit: Nico Morgan Media / nicomorgan.com)
He added: “Local restrictions are subject to change depending on any new regulations introduced and the situation is constantly being re-assessed.”
“Sadly, the viability of successfully running the event without the benefits of allowing an audience to attend has also been considered, and with all these factors being taken into account, the Melton Hunt Club Ride will now be rescheduled for 2021.”
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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.
