Premier League Suspended
Thursday, February 08, 2007
The British Eventing Board of Directors has taken the decision to terminate the BE Premier League project for the present time. The substantial investment in the venture has not had the desired returns in terms of media and public interest or sponsorship in the two years since its launch in 2005.
Initially set up to forge close links between the sport’s showpiece events to create allied marketing opportunities, increased sponsor benefits, heightened media appeal and continuity for the spectator and supporter, the BEPL incorporated a Riders’ Accumulator across the nine events with support from Champagne Taittinger and the Frontiers Group.
BE Chairman Alex Fox commented; “The ideas behind the BE Premier League were commendable but we have been disappointed by the response from the general public and media and, as yet, no large sponsors have been forthcoming to support the project. The Board thank Tim Hadaway and his team for their input into developing the BE Premier League and getting it off the ground. The concept of linking top events will be investigated in the future but for the present time, the Board has decided to concentrate support on the PAVO BE Breeding Championships and develop this series and the Final at Tweseldown into one of the sport’s annual highlights.”
