Entries have now closed with 90 on the list and I am very grateful to all owners and riders who have entered, I wish them all the very best for a good run up to the Event. It is a strong field and includes 19 first timers which is always good to see, I am sure they will get bitten by the bug of competing at Badminton, as has happened to many before.
Since I last wrote we have had the course walk with Eric Winter, Andrew Temkin (Technical Delegate), Stuart Buntine (Assistant Technical Delegate) and Mike Etherington-Smith (Course Advisor) and the usual various tweaks to the fences were carried out. Two days later, the TV production team were with us to discuss and mark the placing of all the TV cameras, which is always an interesting day. The change in course layout will give the cross-country a fresh look.
The Traffic pre-planning meeting took place in early March. On cross-country day, please can I remind everyone how important it is to plan for an early arrival and be happy to be directed to whichever car park is relevant, as this helps our traffic management and will make your entry and exit easier.
The Main Arena grandstands are up and waiting! The tradestand village is also starting to evolve, with the odd tent here and there appearing. Danco, under the excellent supervision of Dan Pearce, are now on site so the tentage across the site will increase daily.
At this point, I would like to commend all those of the team that have been working outside. As we all know the wet weather has been relentless but everything is on cue and all done with a smile!
Margaret Hopkins and her small team are busy making sure the stables will be presented to the horses in pristine condition when they arrive in May. It is a lot of unsung work.
The Office tempo is building and everything is beginning to fall into place.
Since I last wrote, we are very excited to welcome on board several new sponsors in Ineos Grenadier, official vehicle supplier, Yeti – who are sponsoring the campsite and fence sponsor – Agria Pet Insurance.
Just to remind you we are supporting the British Equestrian Fund, who are fundraising to help send the equestrian teams to Paris later in the summer. Stevenson Brothers have donated a rocking horse, which depicts Lordships Graffalo. Raffle tickets will be available to buy at our Preview evening and during the event. Let’s all get behind the fundraising effort and give the teams a good send off!
Well done to Stuart Buntine for getting through this weekend at Thoresby – where many of the Badminton entrants are due to have a run.