The unfortunate weather in Great Britain continues, forcing the cancelation of yet another major eventing competition. Gatcombe hosts several national championships and was set to run this weekend, July 13-15, but will not take place due to the wet conditions.
The Horse & Hound included some comments from Capt. Mark Phillips and Mike Etherington-Smith:
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.”
British Eventing’s Mike Etherington Smith added: “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.
