(updated)
The unpredictable nature of the Covid situation in England has led the Badminton Horse Trial’s organizers to cancel the 5-star event, even though it was to be held behind closed doors–that is, without spectators.
A statement explained, “Following consultation between Badminton, Public Health England and South Gloucestershire Council it has been deemed that due to the scale and location of the horse trials, it is not possible to secure the surrounding area in the proximity of the event site.
“The health and safety of all those involved in the event and the local community remains Badminton’s priority and the level of operational and public health risk posed by the horse trials was agreed by all concerned to be unacceptable.”
“The announcement of last October to run behind closed doors was with the optimism that it would be possible, so the decision that we are not in a position to continue to plan to run the event at the beginning of May has not been taken without significant thought and consideration,” said Badminton Director Jane Tuckwell.
“I am sorry that the 2021 event has become unworkable despite our best efforts, but I am so grateful to all those that have offered support and encouragement over the past few months.”
The Badminton development makes the Land Rover Kentucky 5-star in April even more important. Kentucky was cancelled until a grassroots fundraising effort led organizers to reverse their February decision and determine they could go ahead with the event, though likely without the spectators whose ticket purchases have funded a great deal of the cost. Last year, only one 5-star event was held, when Pau in France ran during the fall. The U.S. is scheduled to host a new 5-star in October at Fair Hill, Md.
Meanwhile, the Spruce Meadows summer series in Calgary, Canada, has been cancelled, as organizers explained the decision was made because of “the Covid-19 pandemic and its related impacts and restrictions.”
Spruce Meadows is committed to planning and organizing a series of CSI and CSIO tournaments, beginning in September. The revised calendar dates for competitions are currently scheduled to be September 2-5, September 7-12 and September 14-19.
Further detailed information will become available as the Organizing Committee continues to work with sport, health and government authorities in developing its plans.