The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park (13-15 July) is the latest high profile equestrian event to be cancelled due to the ongoing bad weather.

Summer wash out

Following the cancellation of Badminton and Chatsworth earlier in the year, the wet weather continues to blight the eventing season with a host of other events abandoned. 

Gatcombe 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.”

Impossible

British Eventing’s Chief Executive Mike Etherington Smith explained that the decision to cancel had not been an easy one. “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," he said.

"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.”