“There are many quality events throughout Europe including Saumur CCI3* (France), Tattersalls International Horse Trials CCI3* (Ireland), Bramham International Horse Trials CCI3* (UK), and Luhmuhlen (Germany) CCI4*, just to name a few. “We are working hard to secure starts for our riders at the events they wish to take part in. There are also other one-day events that riders may choose to take part in to test their horses’ fitness and compliment the three-day 3* events.

 

“A lot of our riders were already planning to take part in other events and our team management will be working with them to ensure their preparations as part of the selection process and in the lead up to the Games is as smooth as possible.

 

While Badminton was a 4* event (the highest level of eventing competition) it is not deemed a ‘selection event’ for the Olympic Games. As outlined in the Australian Olympic Team Nomination Criteria, selectors “will primarily consider performances of horses and Athletes at all CCI*** and CCI**** events from 1 January 2011.”

 

Australia’s riders that were due to take part in Badminton included:

 

1. Paul Tapner and Innonothing

2. Clayton Fredericks and Dunges Laurent Rose and Be My Guest

3. Sam Griffiths and Happy Times

4. Bill Levett and One Two Many NJ and Hipplyte

5. Chris Burton and Holstein Park Leilani

6. Wendy Schaefer and Koyuna Sun Dancer

7. Catherine Burrell and Urzan

 

Revised event schedules for Australia’s eventing riders will be distributed once confirmation of event entries is secured.

 

 

The recent exceptional rainfall has left the ground at Badminton totally waterlogged and partially flooded.

 

Further rain is due this week leaving no chance of the ground drying out. Very sadly therefore the 2012 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials has been cancelled.

 

Purchasers of advance tickets, exhibitors, sponsors and riders will of course be refunded as soon as is possible.

 

EA will provide more details as they come to hand.