THE Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting, scheduled to take place from June 24-28th, has been postponed. The organisers hope it will be able to run in combination with their national show, the Science Supplements All England Jumping Championships, from September 1st-6th, subject to approval from the relevant governing bodies.

At present, preparations for the Longines Royal International Horse Show (July 21st-26th 2020) are continuing, although this will be reassessed on an ongoing basis.

A statement from the directors said: “After considering the recent government announcements, we have had to make the difficult decision to postpone the Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby meeting, scheduled to take place June 24 – 28th.

“We are currently working towards combining it with our national show, the Science Supplements All England Jumping Championships, from September 1-6th, pending approval from British Showjumping and the FEI.

“The intention will be to merge classes from both events to include a number of age jumping championships alongside the Science Supplements Speed Derby and the 60th running of the Al Shira'aa Derby. The showing schedule will remain the same, i.e. classes running on the same days from Thursday to Sunday. A full schedule will be issued in due course. The popular Charles Owen Shopping Village will also relocate to the September 3rd-6th.

“At present, we are continuing with preparations for the Longines Royal International Horse Show still planned for July 21 – 26th 2020. We will of course continue to monitor all sources of information.

“There will be some complications re qualified horses, but we may well run it along similar lines to the foot and mouth year of 2001. Basically, those already qualified will be accepted and then the classes will be opened up, with non-qualified entrants paying an increased entry fee.

“We wish to thank all of our sponsors, trade exhibitors, competitors and stakeholders for their continued support during this unprecedented time. We ask that you remain patient, and we will update you further when we have more information.”

Other cancellations this week include CSIO5* Rotterdam, CSIO5* Rome and the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, among others.

More information in Saturday’s The Irish Field