United States Eventing Association

It is with great disappointment and regret, which we know will be shared by many, that we announce the cancellation of the 2021 Badminton Horse Trials which was due to be held “behind closed doors” between May 5 and May 9. This cancellation also includes the BE90 and BE100 Championships (May 4 and 5).

Following the Government’s COVID-19 public health restrictions and its statement that emergency services are withdrawn from supporting mass gatherings from Tuesday, March 17, we are sorry to announce it is no longer possible to stage Badminton Horse Trials between the May 6 and 10 in any capacity. This cancellation also includes the Science Supplements Cup.

Oliver Townend is poised to win his second five-star in two weeks having maintained pole position after the cross-country phase at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

Oliver Townend further strengthened his claims to this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton trophy when he pulled off an exceptional dressage test on Friday afternoon on his second ride, Ballaghmor Class, to leave him in first and second places at the end of the first phase.

British riders occupy the top five spots after the first day of dressage at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. No-one could catch Oliver Townend, who was fourth into the arena this morning on Cillnabradden Evo and pulled off a record-breaking score of 19.7.

You might be forgiven for thinking this (the Vets' Inspection) is a catwalk parade for horses and riders, but the serious side of this beauty parade is to ensure that horses entered for the event are considered 'sound' and fit to take part in, what is probably, the most physically demanding of the equestrian sports.

Oliver Townend realised a lifelong dream when he won the 60^th anniversary Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and, at 26, became the youngest British rider to win since the likes of Ginny Elliot and Lucinda Green in the 1980s and 1970s.