FACT SHEET

October 2008

THE GOING

2008 Course marked out in June 2007.
Mowed regularly thereafter.
Outside Consultants appointed – Cotswold Turf Care (Phil Cole) experienced on Polo Grounds and Racecourses.
July / August / September 2007 – weed killing, scarifying, aerating, sanding, seeding, fertilizing.
Mowing to continue, throughout winter and spring according to the weather conditions.
In spring, further aerating and sanding if weather permits.
Course outside Deer Park fenced off from sheep after Christmas (until then advice is that grazing is beneficial).
Above programme covers Course, Main Arena, Collecting Ring, Warm Up/ Practice Dressage Arena, Canter Track.
All users of the Park have been asked and have agreed to keep all horses and vehicles off these areas at all times (this includes the Beaufort Hunt).
Badminton Horse Trials is also investing in modest irrigation equipment, designed to promote grass and root growth in a dry spring.

OTHER WARM UP

Site identified and applications in hand for a new 60m x 40m all weather arena. Progress on this will depend on Planning Authority, English Heritage and Natural England.

OFFICIALS FOR 2008

Technical Delegate is Guiseppe della Chiesa, Course Designer for European Championships in Italy 2007 and Technical Delegate for Hong Kong Olympic Games.
Assistant TD is Eric Winter, Course Designer for Blenheim and other events.
James Willis has been appointed to take responsibility for the set up of the cross country course; to include stringing, flagging and final ground preparations.

ENTRIES

At the request of riders and owners, a Waiting List will be kept if the event is oversubscribed, with the aim of starting 85 horses.

PRIZE MONEY

1st prize increased to £60,000 with an overall total of £251,000 (25% more than any other event in the world). Lowest prize (20th) is £1,000.

THE COMPETITOR PACKAGE

No Entry Fee
Free Stabling, bedding and forage.
Free Grooms’ accommodation.
Free food for rider and groom.
Free accommodation for riders from overseas.
Cut price electrical hook ups in Competitors Lorry Park, plus modern showers and toilets.
Grant of £400 to all who complete the cross country but do not win a prize.
Grant of £200 to groom of all horses that start the cross country.
Grant of £750 per horse to those travelling from overseas.
Cocktail Party in Badminton House for Owners, Riders and their partners.
Grooms and partners party on the Wednesday night.
Owners and Riders Tent in the Collecting Ring, with CCTV every day; complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks, run in conjunction with the Event Horse Owners Association.
BHT to pay 75% of cost of Event Riders Association Dinner on Thursday night for riders and their partners.
Owners and Riders have complimentary admission to the Badminton Members Club.
ID wristlets to be issued from Stable Area, not Office on Showground.

BRITISH EVENTING

Badminton, which is an independent event, makes a substantial annual contribution to BE (£175,000 in 2006/07).
All BE Organisers and Officials are given complimentary tickets, as now is the major sponsor of every BE event in the country.
All BE members offered 10% discount on admission booked in advance through the website.
Badminton supports BE Fence Judge of the Year award, with winner being invited to judge at Badminton the next year.