The following statement was released by the Badminton Horse Trials organizers on March 1st:
It is with great disappointment and regret, which we know will be shared by many, that we announce the cancellation of the 2021 Badminton Horse Trials which was due to be held “Behind Closed Doors” between the 5th and 9th May. This cancellation also includes the BE90 and BE100 Championships (4th and 5th May).
Despite the encouraging Government announcements and rollout of the vaccine, the situation still remains fragile and unpredictable at this time.
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.”
Commenting on the cancellation The Duke of Beaufort said, “Everyone at Badminton is desperately disappointed to have to cancel for the second year in a row as it is so much a feature of the year here, but I am confident that the 2022 event will be very much part of the spirit of optimism we will all once again be feeling by then.”
The team at Badminton wishes to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful athletes, owners, volunteers, sponsors, contractors and supporters for your unwavering commitment to Badminton during these difficult times and look forward to welcoming you back to this great event in 2022.
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