FEI sets out the future of top-level events
Increases in prize pots and yearly reviews of CCI5*s could also be on the cards if new rules come in
A CAP on field sizes, increase in minimum prize money and yearly reviews of all top-level events are on the cards from 2019.
The FEI has released a host of new proposals for CCI4*, to be known in the future as CCI5* events, from 2019 as part of rule change proposals reported last week (news, 19 July).
These include a minimum of 30 starters and a maximum of 75.
Badminton already has its own cap of 85 starters, plus additional qualification requirements over and above the FEI minimums, and it runs a wait list, while Burghley has not had a wait list since 2013.
Badminton event director Hugh Thomas told H&H: “We have set a maximum of 85 starters for the past few years, which actually works out at around closer to 80.
“In some years I would be happy to run slightly fewer. I actually think that 75 competitors is a bit easier to manage.
“When we do get well into the 80s it makes the cross-country a very long day, which isn’t
necessarily more interesting.”
Mr Thomas was broadly supportive of the proposed organising requirements.
“There is nothing I have a problem with at all,” he added. “It is all reflecting that the five-star events should be the highest possible standard.”
The FEI is also suggesting an increase of the minimum prize pot, from €100,000 to €150,000. Several events, including Badminton, Burghley and Kentucky, already far exceed this.
Among the suggestions are a strong recommendation that top events have an all-weather dressage arena, which has been met with opposition.
Eventer and H&H columnist Harry Meade said Badminton and Burghley are run on the best turf possible and having artificial surfaces would be “madness” (comment, 19 July).
Mr Thomas added that it was unlikely Badminton would replace its turf with an all-weather.
“We’ve had a huge amount of work done on the main arena and warm-up,” he said, adding that he agrees with Harry’s thoughts.
“A really well-maintained grass arena is still the best surface for horses to work on. Another serious point is that getting planning permission to put an allweather into a historic park, such as Badminton, might very well be impossible.”
The FEI has proposed that all prospective five-stars have the support of a cross-country course-designer before applying for top-level status and that there is an annual review of every CCI5* and fall rates.
“That is putting into words what we do already,” said Mr Thomas, adding that he believes the inclusion of a course-designer in the application process is a
“very sensible requirement”, particularly for new events.
Kentucky event director Lee Carter added that an annual fall and event review by the FEI is “something to welcome”.
AMERICAN VIEWPOINT
ALTHOUGH Kentucky has an all-weather dressage arena, Mr Carter is pleased that this has not been put forward as a requirement for all CCI5* events.
“I would hate to think Badminton or Burghley would have to move away from [turf ],” he said.
“Likewise, Pau, Luhmühlen and Adelaide all have unique elements to them and we have to try to find a happy medium.
“Every event and location is unique as is where they fall in the calendar — maybe putting a maximum number of entries may push competitors to other CCI5*s or allow other events to add a rider or two.
“From our standpoint, it isn’t going to have an impact on us but it is something to be aware of.”
Mr Carter also welcomed the increase in prize money and the fact the FEI has spelt out exactly what it is prospective five-star events need to do.
“It is making sure we put the sport in the best position to succeed,” he added.