The Cup final

Discover what makes the Mitsubishi Motors Cup eventing series so special, plus event ambassadors Mary and Emily King share their tips for cross-country success.

Ask any keen event rider what their dream is and they are sure to reply “to compete at Badminton”. While this was once a goal that could only be fulfilled by those at the top of the sport, the Mitsubishi Motors Cup gives amateur riders the chance to gallop across the famous turf of the world’s premier three-day event.

The Mitsubishi Motors Cup, a highlight of the British Eventing calendar, takes place at Badminton, Gloucestershire, from 2-3 May, just ahead of the international horse trials.

There are two classes – BE90 and BE100 – with around 200 horse and rider combinations set to take on the challenge of dressage, show jumping and cross-country.

As well as enabling riders to compete at such a prestigious venue, the eventing series offers an unrivalled prize package. The winner of each category wins a Mitsubishi Motors vehicle of their choice for a year, plus £600, a trophy and a plaque, which are presented in front of Badminton House.

Plus, everyone who qualifies has the chance to stay on and enjoy the action of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton International Horse Trials (3-7 May) for free!

How to qualify

The road to the finals started nearly a year ago for many of the riders, when they set out to achieve the first step of the qualifying process – finishing in the top percentage of a BE event. BE90 riders have to come in the top 10 per cent of a BE90 or BE90 (Open), with BE100/BE100 (Open) riders required to finish in the top 20 per cent.

This secures them a place at a Mitsubishi Motors Regional Final, with 12 taking place from August to October around the UK for each Mitsubishi Motors Cup category. In order to qualify for the finals, competitors need to come in the top 20 per cent.