The 2012 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, slated to run from April 27-30, were cancelled due to poor ground conditions.

Organizers released the following statement:

“The recent exceptional rainfall has left the ground at Badminton totally waterlogged and partially flooded. Further rain is due this week leaving no chance of the ground drying out. Very sadly therefore the 2012 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials has been cancelled.”

This is particularly disappointing for Britain’s William Fox-Pitt, who was poised to claim the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing – a $35,000 bonus for any rider who wins consecutive Burghley, Kentucky and Badminton titles.

The event will not be rescheduled, but riders and sponsors will be refunded as soon as is possible. This is the first time the event has been cancelled since 1987.  It was also called off in 1975, 1966 and 1963.