Townend faces Badminton and Kentucky poser

The event will run from April 30 to May 3, with the famous cross-country taking place on Sunday for the first time.

The organisers of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials were keen to attract maximum television coverage on what is always a busy sporting weekend.

While most of the international competitors at this year's Badminton will have their sights set on selection for September's World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, the 2009 title holder, Oliver Townend, may be unable to defend as he is due to be in Kentucky the previous week with his two top horses in an attempt to win the Rolex Grand Slam, worth 213,000.

However, competing at Badminton could put him in the running for the HSBC FEI Classics series prizes again, which depend on good results in as many of the five Classics events as possible. It may be that he decides to fly back from Kentucky to compete on one of his other horses.

The organisers of Badminton and the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event met last year so that they could avoid any possible clash of dates in the future and have agreed a programme up until 2016.

Next year, Badminton will run from April 22-25 (Easter) and the Rolex Kentucky from April 28-May 1, enabling top riders with sufficient horses to compete in both events.

In traditional form, Hugh Thomas's Badminton course will go in the reverse direction to last year's route and course building is already well under way.

This year's event will see the added attraction of Mitsubishi Motors Grass Roots Championships, which gives amateur riders the chance to compete at this famous event.

Winners from intro and pre-novice regional qualifiers from around the country will contest the championships. The cross-country course is being designed by James Willis and this section will be held on Friday, April 30, the first dressage day of the international competition.

This year's designated charity is World Horse Welfare which does a great deal of work, including campaigning for the humane transport of slaughter horses and eductaion in countries where horses are still working animals.

"We are honoured to be chosen as charity of the year at this prestigious event," said its chief executive, Roly Owers. "It will be an opportunity to speak to a knowledgeable audience about the charity's work as well as to raise money."

The charity is looking for volunteers to help at the event. If you would like to help email [email protected] or call 01953 497243.

The Badminton box office opens for ticket sales on Monday when all tickets will be available on-line at www.badminton-horse.co.uk.

ABOUT 50 people, including top point-to-point jockeys and trainers, braved the weather and made the journey to Whitcliffe Grange near Ripon for a preview of Britain's newest point-to-point course.

Their feedback was welcomed by organisers who are working to have the course ready for the West of Yore Steeplechases on January 31.

This will be the first jump meeting to be held in the area since 1901.

The next meeting will be the Badsworth and Bramham Moor hunt point-to-point on March 27.