The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (CCI****) were cancelled March 10 due to the foot and mouth outbreak. The event was to be held May 3-6.

The land at Badminton used for the horse trials is grazed by 500 deer, 1000 sheep, and a herd of Jersey cows. All access to the Park has been barred for the past 2 weeks and the land will continue to be closed until further notice. In addition, the Park is surrounded by many other farms with susceptible livestock.

Therefore, it is impossible to make the final preparations for the event—erection of tents and grandstands, finishing the cross country course, etc.—which in a normal year would already be starting on the site.

Hugh Thomas, the Event Director, said “This is a very sad day