British eventers will have to wait another month before finding out if they’ve been selected for the London Olympics.

Delayed decision

Following the cancellation of both Badminton and Chatsworth international horse trials, the British Eventing selection committee is delaying its decision till after Bramham horse trials on 7 June. The team was originally to be announced on 24 May.

To keep their Olympic preparations on track, riders will now be re-routing their top horses to one of three events: Saumur in France this weekend (17 – 20 May), Houghton in Norfolk on 24 – 27 May, or Bramham in North Yorkshire.

Lots of pressure

Tina Cook, who won a bronze at the last Olympics with Miners Frolic, said that while “it would be nice to know”, the delayed decision hasn't affected her schedule of events.

“It means you need to be a bit more competitive than normal, as these events are the last chance for Olympic selection, so there is lots of pressure,” Tina told H&C. “But in the whole scheme of things it doesn’t make much that difference. Even if the selection had happened already you’ve still got to get the horses out to compete, to keep up their form. And most of us have rough idea of where we stand – around ten of us are all hopeful of being selected."

Tina will be taking Miners Frolic to Bramham, which she says he really needs. “So many events have been cancelled that our horses are all fit and ready to go now,” she said. “Most riders are looking to get their top horses out and running, especially while the ground is so good.”