ORGANISERS of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials have revealed that this year’s cross country course will run in the reverse direction to the 2014 event.

Course designer Giuseppe Della Chiesa made his debut designing the iconic course at last year’s trials, with the 2015 version running the opposite direction around the estate.

A statement from the organisers said: “His (Della Chiesa’s) debut featured a flowing, big and bold track that certainly caught the attention of riders and spectators alike, especially in the difficult weather conditions.

“The reverse route presents different challenges over the terrain, so the 2015 running will almost feel like a second ‘first time’ for the Italian designer.’’ The trials take place from Wednesday, May 6 to Sunday, May 10, with the cross country section back in its favoured Saturday slot.

The ticket office is now open for existing customers and will be accessible to all from Monday (January 12).

This year’s event will provide a strong proving ground ahead of the European Championships which will be held at Blair Castle in Scotland for the first time in September.

Six days of competition at Badminton with the popular Mitsubishi Motors Grass Roots Championships before the Event proper begins.

Details are at badminton-horse.co.uk.