The organisers of the 2018 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (2-6 May) have a new host in the recently acceded 12th Duke of Beaufort, Harry Somerset. Harry has always taken an active role in the Event and knows many of the team, who are very grateful for the estate’s continued support.
Last year’s rookie course designer, Eric Winter, came in with such enthusiasm that he had pretty well mapped out his next reversed track as he was designing his debut and much of the earthworks required were completed before Christmas.
When Badminton first ran in 1949 it billed itself as The Most Important Horse Event in Great Britain. It is now one of the most important event of its type in the world, attracting a field of 80 of the best all round athletes, both human and equine, to take on the ultimate challenge in the sport. In 2017 it was once again listed in the Top 10 UK Sporting Events
The event will see competitors from around the world and 2018 sees the World Equestrian Games so many national selectors will be using Badminton as a pointer to their choices. The host country Great Britain is the reigning European champion, back at the top after some years of German domination, and the local fans will be there cheering them on
Many of the 160,000 fans start making early plans, and the Priority Box Office opened on January 3rd, while the Main Box Office opened for business on Wednesday January 10th. The caravan park now has over 1,000 pitches and many local hostelries get quickly booked up on repeat business.
The tented trading village continues to expand with over 500 outlets including a new World of Food and Wine and a vast range of catering possibilities from a ‘ posh lunch ‘ in the Members Enclosure, the Relish Deli Wine Bar and fast and street food of all types.
