Burghley CCI5* replacement gets the go-ahead

Burghley CCI5* replacement event gets the go-ahead from the FEI after which key event organisers rally to replace lost competition?

The team at Bicton Arena in Devon have announced that the venue has received the go-ahead to host a Burghley replacement, which will be Britain’s only five-star horse trials to take place this year, on September 2-5.

After an acclaimed first CCI4* in June, the Bicton team, led by Helen West and Andrew Fell, applied to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) to run a replacement CCI5*L as a one-off to meet competitor and owner demand for a competition of this level after the unprecedented cancellations of both Badminton and Burghley due to the pandemic.

After an acclaimed first CCI4* in June, the Bicton team, led by Helen West and Andrew Fell, applied to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) to run a replacement CCI5*L as a one-off to meet competitor and owner demand for a competition of this level after the unprecedented cancellations of both Badminton and Burghley due to the pandemic.

The Chedington Bicton Park 5* Horse Trials should prove a great boost to the sport after two difficult seasons and will be an opportunity to see the highest level of competition in this country for the first time in two years.

Bicton has again secured the generous sponsorship from Chedington, plus a prize fund of €125,000. The event will be live streamed by our supporting sponsor The Eventing Channel. The hugely experienced international course-designer Captain Mark Phillips will be creating a new cross-country track, built by Adrian Ditcham, in Bicton’s beautiful Grade l-listed parkland.

Bicton Arena’s new Manager, Andrew Fell, who will be taking over from Helen West said,

We are thrilled to have been given this opportunity by the FEI to ensure Britain has a five-star competition this year. It should be a great morale boost after so much disappointment. Bicton is the home of Lord & Lady Clinton who have been so supportive of the Sport and this will be an exciting time for Clinton Devon Estates.

Bicton is already blessed with loyal supporters, great facilities and a stunning setting and we are now full steam ahead with our aim of producing a competition truly worthy of CCI5* status.”

Helen West, Appointed Chief Executive for British Eventing and Advisor to Bicton Arena for the five-star event, comments

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Bicton and the South West, following the success of the four-star event we put on earlier this year we know that we are ideally placed to make this a huge success.

For me, this is a shining example of what can be achieved with a collaborative approach. This whole vision was fuelled by owners, riders and organisers alike who have worked tirelessly to get this off the ground. The recognition of this achievement comes at an important time for me as I step into my new British Eventing role. It is fantastic for the Sport as a whole and I look forward to exciting times ahead.”

Limited numbers of spectator tickets will be available shortly. Visit www.bicton-arena.co.uk for information.

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Suzanne Ashton

Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.