Following a regular management meeting held today (Friday, 23^rd March), six weeks in advance of the show, the organisers of Royal Windsor Horse Show have announced that the foot and mouth outbreak has caused the cancellation of the show in 2001.The show had been due to take place from 9^th-13^th May.

The show is held on land in both Windsor Great Park and Windsor Home Park and comes under the jurisdiction of the Crown Estate and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead respectively.Both bodies stated that after taking appropriate advice they would not be prepared for the event to happen on their land due to the potential risk of spreading the disease.

Simon Brooks-Ward, the Show Director, said "This will come as a bitter blow to the owners and riders of the 3,000 plus horses that we had expected at the show this year, as it will to our sponsors, trade stand holders, members, spectators, competitors, contractors and local businesses.We kept the show on course for as long as we could but we completely understand and endorse the policy."

The organisers will be refunding all competitor entry fees and those who have purchased tickets from the Box Office.