Hickstead Cancels 2020 Fixtures as Pandemic Persists
Equestrian News:: Everything Horse
The Directors of Hickstead’s All England Jumping Course yesterday released an official statement regarding the cancellation of both of International fixtures in 2020.
Earlier in April, Directors had announced they were hopeful for both events still to take place, however, a reschedule of June’s Hickstead Derby meant it would have been moved to September.
The latest news acts as a further blow to the remaining of equestrian’s sporting calendar for 2020. However, knowing all bodies and event organisers are acting in the best interests of all involved, the news is received as a positive step towards prioritizing health and reducing pressure to the NHS.
The full statement reads:
Following further government advice, it is with regret that we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel both of our international events for this year. The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting was originally scheduled for 24-28 June and the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ at the Longines Royal International Horse Show from 21-26 July. At this time, the health of our staff, competitors, officials, sponsors, trade exhibitors and visiting public is our top priority.
We are currently working with the relevant showing societies to ensure that qualification where possible will be carried over to the 2021 Longines Royal International Horse Show.
The Hickstead office remains closed but all stakeholders will be contacted directly by email and will receive a refund as per our terms and conditions in due course. Competition prizes and gift vouchers will be valid for the corresponding day next year.
It is still our intention to run our four-day national show, the Science Supplements All England Jumping Championships, from 3 – 6 September.
We wish to thank all of our partners and stakeholders for their continued support during these unprecedented times. We look forward to welcoming you back to Hickstead in the future.
The news follows British Equestrian Federation’s announcement yesterday on the impact coronavirus has had on equestrian sporting events, since the pandemic began. Talks, however, are now underway with key equestrian bodies on how sport will resume post-pandemic.
