Mars Badminton Horse Trials has announced that the total prize money fund for 2024 event will rise to £425,000 ($568,718 CAD) – an increase of 12% over 2023. The winner will take home £117,600 ($198,872 CAD) with the relevant increases down the line.

It is fitting that the 75th anniversary of Badminton should fall in an Olympic year, providing an extra edge to the competition with the British eventing team looking to defend their gold medal in Paris this summer, and riders from other nations looking to secure spots on their own squads.

“Badminton is the competition all riders aim for and competing there has undoubtedly played a big part in my career,” says the 2023 winner Ros Canter, who a few months later went on to become the European champion riding Lordships Graffalo. “I think we are all really excited to be part of its history this year.”

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone—riders, owners, officials, spectators, sponsors, tradestand holders and contractors—to Badminton’s big birthday,’ said event director Jane Tuckwell. “We are delighted to be able to increase the prize money across the board, as befits such a prestigious occasion. We have some exciting plans to make this a really memorable occasion and are particularly delighted that it coincides with Mars’s first event as title sponsor.’

Badminton, a 5-star international event (CCI5*), was founded in 1949 and takes place on The Duke of Beaufort’s estate in Gloucestershire. This year the event runs from May 9-12. Badminton TV will be screening plenty of historic and preview material in the run-up to the event, as well as livestreaming all the action.

Ticket info here.

~ with files from Badminton Horse Trials