Horse trials cancelled

Organisers pull plug due to condition of grounds

THE FINAL day of Highclere Horse Trials was cancelled this morning (Monday).

Organisers made the following announcement: "Due to the ground conditions we regret that we have to cancel the final day of Highclere Castle Horse Trials and Bank Holiday Fair.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

The news will come as a disappointment to thousands of equestrian fans.

The three-day event, which started on Saturday, had been well attended so far, with last year's Stately Homes winner, Zara Phillips among the 1,000 riders competing.

The trials support the ABF Soldiers Charity which aids serving and retired soldiers and their families.

Today would have been the only day when visitors could have visited both the equestrian event and Highclere Castle, the filming location for the popular television show, Downton Abbey, which was closed for visitors on the previous days.