Starting in 2014, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials CCI**** (England) will revert back to running Thursday through Sunday. The dates for 2014 are May 8-11. The show will also run May 7-10, 2015, and May 5-8, 2016.
Badminton also announced that it has signed a new contract with the BBC to cover the event through 2016. Sporting fixture dates and timings are affected by TV schedules, and this date change is in part due to the news of the new contract.
Hugh Thomas, director of Badminton said, “We are of course very pleased to continue our unbroken coverage with the national broadcaster. There is always a knock on effect when big sporting dates change, but equestrian enthusiasts and our many exhibitors will be happy that the Royal Windsor Horse Show has also moved one week later so there will be no clash. We will also avoid any future clashes with the [Rolex] Kentucky [CCI****] and our loyal spectators will be thrilled to revert to a Sunday finish.”
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Barbara Slater, Director BBC Sport said, “We’re delighted to extend our deal with the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials through to 2016, taking coverage of the sport through on into the Rio Olympic year. Badminton has been covered on TV by the BBC since 1956, we’re pleased to be able to continue this and have the opportunity to give it the scheduling that it deserves.”
The 2013 event will be sponsored by Mitsubishi Motors for the 22nd consecutive year and their current agreement with Badminton runs to at least 2015; it also includes the Mitsubishi Motors Grassroots Championships which take place the day before the International Horse Trials starts. The 2013 dates for the international event are May 3-6, with cross-country running on Sunday, May 5.
