However, in spite of our best hopes that the weather, which continues to be good, and today's sun would be enough to improve the ground enough to run the cross country safely, with HUGE regret the organising committee, supported by the FEI and British Eventing officials, have decided there is no option but to abandon all remaining competition.
There will be an unaffiliated show jumping for the FEI classes at Alnwick Ford Equestrian, with the 2* starting at 1000 followed by the 3*.
Martyn Johnson, Event Director of Burgham International Horse Trials, said: ‘It is with deep regret that we have had to abandon the event. We have given it every chance but as a team, including the officials, we do not feel the ground is in good enough condition for competitors to run their horses. I would like to thank the whole team, and the competitors, for their efforts and understanding with the difficult circumstances.’
Patricia Clifton, FEI Technical Delegate, has nothing but praise for the whole Burgham team.
‘This has been the most wonderful event to be involved with, and their whole approach has been so wonderfully positive with nothing but the interests of the athletes, horses and owners at heart. How lucky we are to have organising teams like this,’ she said.
International event rider Oliver Townend said: ‘Every effort was made by the organisers to do all possible to make this work for us. We couldn’t be more grateful and feel desperately sad for the team.’