Top driving trials cancelled
Newnham Park driving trials (11-13 June) — a World Horse Teams Championships selection event — has been cancelled due to Plymouth motor show being held on the site the weekend before.
The trials’ organisers were concerned that ground conditions might be unsuitable after the motor show, especially if the event falls foul of the elements.
Organiser David Cobbold says: “I’ve never put on an event with substandard conditions due to other things the estate has booked. I’m disappointed that we have had to cancel — we’ve been hosting these events for some years.”
It is intended that the event will run again in 2005. The British Horse Driving Trials Association (BHDTA) has announce that Sandringham in June will the replacement team selection event.
Organisers of Brighton driving trials — a World Horse Teams and Single Horse Championship selection event — this week quashed rumours that the event is to be cancelled due to the lack of sponsor.
“We will go ahead as long as we get more than 90 entries,” says a spokesman.
Competitors who are interested in or intend to compete at Brighton should contact Sue Vine (tel: 01323 841641).
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Go indoors for fast-paced action
Competitors who have been enjoying the increasingly popular indoor driving season this winter will be converging on The College EC, Keysoe, Beds this weekend (3-4 April) for the season’s finale, which promises to be hard fought in all classes.
Junior drivers from around the country will be competing head-to-head in their own class for the first time, as well as giving some of the adults a run for their money in the main classes.
Event organiser Rita Bundock says: “Lots of youngsters have been taking part all over the country and we thought it was time to give them a chance to compete against each other.”
Spectators will have the opportunity to see international four-in-hand driver Karen Bassett in action, alongside national outdoor pony tandem champion Leslie Cox and national outdoor horse pairs champion Sarah Garnett.
Dressage and cones will take place on Saturday, with most of the obstacle driving on Sunday. Entry for spectators is free. For more details visit: www.indoordriving.co.uk
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