FEI Championships on the BBC

By Justine Thompson

Event diary

11 February 2009 14:46

The BBC has confirmed that it will be covering the Alltech FEI European Jumping & Dressage Championships in the summer.

TV coverage will be of the individual finals of the dressage and jumping phases of the Championships and the team jumping competition. The BBC’s interest comes at a time of increased interest in equestrianism and UK sport in general, in the build-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Alltech FEI Jumping & Dressage Show Director Simon Brooks-Ward said: “The Championships are rapidly building momentum and we are delighted they are receiving such formidable backing from international sponsors such as Alltech and now the support of our national broadcaster the BBC.

“The plan to stage both the FEI Dressage and Jumping Championships at the same time in Windsor is being very well received and we are encouraged by the number of people who have already booked their seats for the Championships.”

32 Nations have been invited to take part at the Championships, which will see around 150 riders competing.

Michael Cole, Deputy Editor BBC Sport, said: “The Alltech FEI Jumping & Dressage Championships represent a huge opportunity for us to highlight equestrian sport at its very best.

"In the run up to London 2012 we know the Championships will have a big appeal and the BBC is pleased to be able to offer equestrian fans the chance to watch the top riders in Europe compete in a major Championships held in the UK.”

Meanwhile, top competitors are already preparing for the event, held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle. Visit http://www.windsoreuropeans09.com/video-audio.html to see videos on the thoughts of some of these European hopefuls, and how they are preparing for the challenge.

The Championships are on from Aug 25-30. For more information visit www.alltechwindsoreuropeans.com