Blenheim Horse Trials becomes latest victim of coronavirus cancellations

The SsangYong Blenheim Palace Horse Trials, which was due to celebrate its 30^th Anniversary this September, has become the latest victim of coronavirus cancellations

It’s with regret that British Eventing, alongside the Blenheim Estate and sponsors SsangYong, has today (Monday 27 April) announced that Blenheim Palace Horse Trials will be unable to run this September. Due to return for its 30^th-year celebrations this September, with the level of uncertainty that exists about whether the event will be able to run and given the enormous amount of planning the event entails (and the costs that it incurs), the running of the BE-owned event for 2020 has become financially unviable.

Having considered all options and following the government’s latest comments over potential future social distancing restrictions, it was with huge regret that the difficult decision to abandon the 2020 event was made. A statement issued by British Eventing explained: “The government has indicated that a level of social distancing is likely to remain necessary until at least the end of this year, and the potential impact this would have on the viability of the event in terms of spectator numbers has meant that the difficult decision has been taken to cancel this year’s event.”

A spokesperson for Blenheim Horse Trials shared that: “Clearly coronavirus has impacted on everyone’s lives and while we are massively disappointed not to be able to put on the showcase event that we have been planning and preparing, the longer-term health and safety of the public as well as the sustainability of the sport and those who support us, is paramount.

“We would like to thank all of our competitors, sponsors, exhibitors, officials and volunteers and all who support us in any way for their understanding and ongoing commitment to the event and sport and we hope to see you all back at Blenheim in 2021.”