It was with much sadness that the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials took the decision to abandon the event for the first time in its nineteen-year history. The decision was taken after the dressage phase, when unexpected heavy rain fell in the early evening. The safety of horses and riders was of paramount importance, and by Friday evening this could not be ensured.
A very strong field of horses and riders were eager to tackle Course Designer Eric Winter’s cross-country course, which was due to run in reverse for the first time in the event’s history. Gill Aldous, owner of What A Performance, said: “I am sure you took the right decision – the safety of my jockey and horse means everything to me.”
Event Director Mandy Hervieu said: “This is so disappointing, because a huge amount of work has gone into the organisation of Blenheim. The whole team worked incredibly hard to cope with the ground conditions, especially David Evans and his course-building team, who worked round the clock on the ground and the cross-country course.”
Blenheim Horse Trials have been advised by their insurance company that in order for refunds to be processed, anyone who purchased tickets for Saturday or Sunday should send them back with an accompanying letter to PO Box 321, Bicester, Oxon, OX26 9BY.
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