THE Directors of the All England Jumping Course have made the decision to cancel the international fixtures due to be held at the venue in 2020 due to the onhoing Covid-19 coronavirus.

In a statement released today (Tuesday), they said: "Following further government advice, it is with regret that we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel both of our international events for this year, the Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting, originally scheduled for June 24-28th, and the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup at the Longines Royal International Horse Show from July 21st to 26th. At this time, the health of our staff, competitors, officials, sponsors, trade exhibitors and visiting public is our top priority.

"We are currently working with the relevant showing societies to ensure that qualification where possible will be carried over to the 2021 Longines Royal International Horse Show.

"The Hickstead office remains closed but all stakeholders will be contacted directly by email and will receive a refund as per our terms and conditions in due course. Competition prizes and gift vouchers will be valid for the corresponding day next year. It is still our intention to run our four-day national show, the Science Supplements All England Jumping Championships, from September 3rd to 6th."