With sad news as a number of fixtures have been forced to cancel for a second year running, others are able to carry on. H&H hears from major shows about their plans to welcome fans back this year
IT is full steam ahead with some of Britain’s top international shows this year despite the challenges of Covid, with tickets on sale for major events.
Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) confirmed on 7 May that it will go ahead on 6–10 October, and tickets went on sale for Royal Windsor Horse Show (1–4 July) on 6 May.
The Jockey Club, the new organisers of Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, also plans for the event to go ahead from 16–19 September.
Tickets are also on sale for the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show (7–11 July) and a spokesman told H&H the team is looking forward to allowing spectators through the gates again.
“We haven’t had the public here for three years [owing to bad weather in 2019 and Covid in 2020] so we can’t wait to welcome them back,” she said.
“We’ve been running British Showjumping training shows, which have been a great success, and to be able to run our national show [20–23 May] is wonderful, to give people the chance to get competing.
“We’re very much looking forward to having the international show back up and running in July, with our new title sponsor Dodson & Horrell, and tickets are on sale. We’re celebrating the return of top-class live sport here at the castle.”
Five-star showjumping returns to Windsor this year, along with driving, showing and endurance, and organisers hope to welcome up to 4,000 spectators a day. There are plans to release more tickets after 21 June, should the Government’s planned route out of lockdown continue as planned.
“We are delighted that we have been able to reschedule Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2021 and are looking forward to the return of what has become known as one of the best international horse shows in the world,” said show director Simon Brooks-Ward.
“The show is set to be a spectacle for the whole family, with the highest calibre of competition alongside remarkable entertainment acts.”
HOYS organisers Grandstand said it also plans to go ahead with a ticketed audience, at a “fantastic” show. Tickets are due to go on sale on 14 May.
“In the context of the current public health situation, our aspiration remains the same, to stage the best HOYS, with the health and safety of trade stand holders, guests, staff, competitors, volunteers and the community remaining our highest priority,” said HOYS event director Emma Williams.
“We are working with the venue and are confident that we can deliver a safe and productive event for all.”
Ian Renton, regional managing director, Jockey Club Racecourses, told H&H: “Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials will take place as planned from 16 to 19 September 2021.
“We look forward to announcing more information about the event and tickets going on sale in due course.”
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