BBC & Burghley Agree New Three Year Deal

BBC Television Sport and Burghley Horse Trials, voted last year the ‘World’s Best Three Day Event’ for an unprecedented fourth time, have agreed to extend their present relationship for a further three years from 2004 up to and including the 2006 Burghley Horse Trials.

London based independent sports production company ‘Television in Europe’ will continue to provide the host broadcast coverage for BBC Television: featuring post produced highlights of the spectacular 32 fence Cross Country Course and live coverage of the decisive Show Jumping finale.

Michael Cole of BBC Grandstand said: “This new agreement is an indication of our strong commitment to Burghley and the sport of Eventing. The event fits well within our schedule and is very well received by the audience.”

Bill Henson, Director of the Burghley Horse Trials, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve reached this agreement. The television format Burghley and the BBC have pioneered and developed over the last seven years, brings the whole story together for the audience in a single programme whilst maintaining the Event’s topicality: it also allows for the inclusion of features and background information about the sport and its stars which hopefully makes for an even more enjoyable show.”

Coverage of this year’s Burghley Masterfoods Horse Trials 2003 (4th-7th September) can be seen on Sunday Grandstand on Sunday, 7th September 12.15 – 13.45 GMT (subject to alteration) and Eurosport Wednesday 1st October 20.00 - 21.30 CET, subject to alteration.

In another innovative move, on Sunday 31 August, BBC Grandstand will be previewing this year’s Horse Trials including Britain’s Pippa Funnel attempt to become the first ever winner of the 250,000 dollar Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing.

For further information on the event including a secure online advanced ticket booking facility, visit the website at www.burghley-horse.co.uk or telephone the box office on 01933 304744.