Day appointed FEI Director

BRITAIN’S Molly Day has been appointed as the FEI’s Director of Eventing and Driving, a new role which reflects the merger of the two departments. This merger is designed to capitalise on the shared opportunities between eventing and driving and para-driving, and to support the continued growth of these disciplines.

Day, who began her career at Perth Racecourse in Scotland and went on to hold senior leadership roles within The Jockey Club, is currently the CEO of Equestrian Events Inc, the company which runs Defender Kentucky CCI5*, Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S and the Kentucky International CSI5*. She is due to begin her new role on February 1st, 2026 and will report to the FEI Executive Director of Sport and Games, Aine Power.

Speaking after her appointment, Day said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Director of the FEI’s merged Eventing and Driving Department. I look forward to bringing my experience in delivering major equestrian events and managing complex operations to this role. Working with the talented team in Lausanne, I hope to strengthen connections across these two disciplines, support organisers, officials and athletes, and help eventing and driving continue to grow sustainably at a global level.”

Vanessa Coleman, who was Equestrian Events Inc’s chief competition and operating officer, has been promoted to the CEO role.

Badminton prize fund boosted

THE winner of this year’s MARS Badminton Horse Trials will take home £125,000, while the prize fund for the top-20 finishers will total £451,500. This marks an increase on last year, and is both the biggest prize fund and the biggest first prize on offer in the sport of eventing.

“This is fantastic news,” said defending champion, Ros Canter. “Badminton is the horse trials that everyone in the world has heard of and is the one we all desperately want to win. I can’t wait to come back and try again.”

The prize money for the LeMieux Grassroots Championship at BE90 and BE100 level will also be increased.

The Badminton Box Office is now open, and offering an early-bird booking discount. There will be no admission available on the gate, including on cross country day. For tickets, visit https://boxoffice.badminton-horse.co.uk