Grassroots Festival awarded to Badminton
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
In an exciting development for its amateur riders, British Eventing today (29 October) announced that from 2010, the new venue for its popular Grassroots Festival will be during the illustrious Badminton Horse Trials, sponsored by Mitsubishi Motors.
Now in its third year, the vibrant Grassroots Festival brings together winners from intro and pre-novice regional qualifiers from around the country to contest the overall Championship.
To enable more riders to qualify for the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Grassroots Festival next year, a Championship will not be held in 2009, but will run for the first time in May 2010.
Grassroots Festival qualifiers will enjoy a ‘championships village’ atmosphere in Badminton Park and compete around a specially-designed and built cross country course. Most of the dressage will take place on the Wednesday, same day as the famous Badminton trot-up, with show jumping and cross country on Thursday (first day of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials). On Thursday evening, the winning riders will parade on the hallowed turf of Badminton’s main arena.
Mike Etherington Smith, Sport Director of British Eventing says: “This is great boost for the sport and we are thrilled that Mitsubishi Motors – a company that has supported horse trials at the highest level since 1992 - is extending their interest in eventing. To give our members the opportunity to compete at Badminton will be a great thrill, and a not-to-be-missed opportunity.”
Jim Tyrrell, Chief Executive Officer at Mitsubishi Motors, who also announced an extension of their support of Badminton Horse Trials through to 2012 says: “The Mitsubishi Motors brand has always been closely associated with equestrianism and countryside pursuits. Our record-breaking relationship with Badminton Horse Trials provides us with an excellent opportunity to invest in these talented and aspiring three-day eventers – Great Britain’s future champions.”
Hugh Thomas, Director of Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials says: “We are very excited at the idea of extending our long relationship with Mitsubishi Motors through to Olympic year, 2012, which will be the 21st year of their sponsorship here. To be able to host the Championships for the Grassroots riders alongside our international event will be quite a challenge but we much look forward to making them feel part of our Badminton family.”
2008 Baileys Intro Grassroots Festival Champion Caroline Bridge, says: “This is fantastic news for amateur eventers! Everyone dreams of riding at Badminton, so what better incentive than to work towards our own Grassroots Championships at such a well-known, world famous venue!
“I love competing at Intro and Pre-Novice level and I can’t wait now to get my youngster ready for the chance to compete at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Grassroots Festival in 2010.”
