Britain’s growing reputation as a host of world-class events is set to continue after UK Sport today committed £275,000 of Lottery funding towards the staging costs of the 2005 FEI European Eventing Championships at Blenheim.

The award from UK Sport represents approximately 25% of the total budget for the event, which will take place from 8-11 September 2005.

‘UK Sport is delighted to be able to confirm its support of the 2005 FEI European Eventing Championships,’ said John Scott, Director of Major Events at UK Sport.

‘The event will generate a range of benefits, not least an increased profile for the sport, home advantage for the British riders and the opportunity to develop a force of volunteers and officials capable of running international events of this nature.

‘Blenheim of course already enjoys a formidable reputation thanks to the annual International Horse Trials, but the support of the National Lottery will be crucial in allowing organisers to deliver the level of event that one would expect of a European Championships in a major Olympic sport.

‘The funding will, for example, allow organisers to erect a temporary bridge that will greatly aid the movement of spectators around the course. By introducing more seating, we will also be able to cater for the increased crowd numbers expected.’

The FEI European Eventing Championships is a biennial event, attracting riders from more than 20 nations. It was last held in the UK in 1997 at Burghley. At last year’s event in Punchestown, Ireland, Great Britain were crowned European eventing champions for the fifth time in succession and the 18th time since the Championships began in the 1950s.

‘The European Eventing Championships forms a key part of the major events strategy of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF),’ Scott added.

‘Following the success of both the 1999 European Show Jumping Championships and the 2003 European Dressage Championships, which were also staged on home soil, we are confident that the 2005 European Eventing Championships will further enhance the UK’s reputation in international circles as the BEF evaluates whether or not to mount a bid for the sport’s biggest prize – the 2010 World Equestrian Games.’

Peter Durrant, Chief Executive of British Eventing (BE), the sport’s national governing body, said: ‘The most rewarding aspect of this grant, which is essential, is not only the recognition of the great partnership between BE and Blenheim by the UK’s major sporting organisation, but it also undoubtedly reflects the health and status of eventing in this country as an Olympic sport.’

For more details contact:

Russell Langley
Communications
UK Sport
Tel: 020 7211 5108
Fax: 020 7211 5246
Mob: 07880 740772
www.uksport.gov.uk