Seven-Figure Event Fund Sparks A Stir In The Sport

Seven-Figure Event Fund Sparks A Stir In The Sport

- Rachael Turner

A MAJOR endurance competition boasting a seven-figure prize money and participation support fund has been causing a stir within the sport.

The UK Endurance Masters (18-20 August) at Euston Park is backed by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to the sum of €2m (£1,768,900).

Organisers say prize money for the masters, the third leg of His Highness’s Cup, will be centred on a best condition award, to maintain emphasis on horse welfare and growing the sport among grassroots riders. There will also be a finishing bonus — for those who pass the final vet check — and a variety of horse and rider travel expenses will be paid for those competing in the international rides.

The masters clashes with the Brussels Equestrian Endurance Masters (BEEM, 16-19 August), which includes the European Championships and the World Championships for young horses.

Organiser Pierre Arnould said this is “a real problem”.

“I have a lot of difficulty understanding why you would have another major event at the same time,” he told H&H. “A European and a World Championship are highlights of the season.”

Mr Arnould said the funding for Euston could be “catastrophic” for other organisers.