Border Telegraph | Sport | Thirlestane organisers 'heartbroken' as horse trials are pulled

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 24th September, 2008 09:00

Thirlestane organisers 'heartbroken' as horse trials are pulled

By Alexa Brown

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THIRLESTANE Horse Trial organisers have said they are ‘heartbroken’ that the prestigious event is to be axed after 25 years.

The future of the four day event, which this year included the Junior European Championships, has been in jeopardy since this year’s trials in August.

Organisers said that the changing economic climate, difficulty finding sponsors and poor weather all contributed to the decision that the trials would not go ahead next year.

A statement from the Board of Directors released last week said: “Despite the dreadful weather, the 2008 Trials were very successful and it was extremely exhilarating to watch the British riders win team and individual gold medals.

“However, the financial position of the Horse Trials, coupled with the prospects of a worsening economic climate, has lead the Directors to unanimously conclude with great regret that the Trials are no longer viable and will not continue in 2009.

“Thirlestane Castle Championship Horse Trials have enjoyed a fantastic 25 years and this sadly marks the end of a great era for the sport of eventing.”

Event organiser Jamie Innes told the Border Telegraph: “We just can’t get sponsorship, and we need that to make things work. The cost of putting the trials on is huge.

“We have also been very unlucky with the weather. It’s rained for three years in a row, and we just haven’t been able to get the numbers. It’s very sad news.

Spokesperson Heather Runciman added: “Everyone’s heartbroken. It’s such a great team to work with.”

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