Badminton winner to take home £100,000

AS discussions rumble on about how eventing might look at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics —the International Olympic Committee has asked all sports to conduct a review—mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials director Hugh Thomas has laid down a reminder that his is the world’s oldest and richest three-day event. The winner of this year’s competition (May 4–7) will take home £100,000—a lot of money in eventing, as only a handful of top prizes across the world are worth more than £10,000.

Badminton was started in 1949 by the 10th Duke of Beaufort, to improve British riders’ Olympic chances. The box office opens today (January 4) for priority booking and on January 11 for public booking (01454 218375; www.badmintonhorse.co.uk). KG

The prestigious Badminton Horse Trials trophy

heightened in the 15th century. Last month, Louth County Council reduced the height restriction on the 800-yearold gate by 1.5m (5ft), but this was to correct an error in the existing signage.

The council maintains that the matter of prohibiting vehicular access through the gate is a reserved function to be exercised by the members of Borough District of Drogheda.

The matter will come before the members at their March meeting, following public consultation. Let’s hope the gate survives that long. JG