EQUESTRIAN: Weather causes Gatcombe wash-out (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Eventing organisers hope to reschedule championships later in the year

12:47pm Monday 9th July 2012 in Sport By Danny Hall, Sports Editor

THIS weekend's Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire has been postponed due to the sodden summer weather.

Ground conditions are considered unsafe for the three-day festival, due to start on Friday (July 13), after record amounts of recent rain.

Gatcombe joins a growing list of sporting events – including Badminton and Chatsworth Horse Trials – which have been lost to the weather this year.

British Eventing are trying to reschedule the festival later in the year – but not at Gatcombe.

A statement from the Gatcombe organisers today said: “It is with enormous regret that the Organising Committee have to announce that due to the ongoing adverse wet weather the Festival of British Eventing, presented by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) at Gatcombe Park (July 13-15) has had to be cancelled.”

Co-organiser Captain Mark Phillips said: “The unprecedented rainfall over the last month has produced exceptionally wet ground conditions.

"Due to the continuing unsettled weather we are unable to safely continue the preparations for the Festival.

"We know that riders and spectators will be disappointed – especially as so many events have been cancelled already this year.

"We did everything possible to ensure that the event took place but sadly the hard-working ground crew at Gatcombe Park have been defeated by the weather.”

British Eventing’s Chief Executive Mike Etherington-Smith said: “The Organising Team has explored all options to see if there is a way to make the Festival happen but it has simply not been possible.

"We will do all we can with regard to re-scheduling the British Championships later in the year at alternative venues and will keep members updated as and when we have plans in place.”