Updated: 2nd June 2021
The Melbourne International 3 Day Event, due to run from 10th – 14th June 2021 has been cancelled
"Following the Victorian Government announcement today we have sadly cancelled the 2021 Furphy Media Melbourne International 3 Day Event" say the event organisers "So much work done by so many to get this close. Thank you to everyone involved... we appreciate your support and we will be back in 2022"
1st June
Once again, Australia’s eventing organisers find themselves dealing with the unknown due to Covid-19 as the Furphy Media Melbourne International 3 Day Event grapples with the latest lockdown conditions.
The State of Victoria in Australia is currently undergoing a 7 Day Circuit Breaker lockdown as a result of a recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Melbourne which is impacting preparations for, and potentially the running of, the Melbourne International 3 Day Event from 10th – 14th June 2021
One of Australia’s biggest eventing competitions, held just outside of Melbourne at Werribee Park, the popular winter event hosts a CCI4*-L, CCI3*-L and CCI2*-L and CCI2*-Junior classes and competitors travel from around Australia and New Zealand to take part, although the 2021 Oceania Trans-Tasman teams event due to take place at the event had already been cancelled
The significant numbers of interstate competitors and officials due to take part at MI3DE is one of the problems faced by the organisers who have issued a statement today saying that
“Equestrian Victoria and the Furphy Media Melbourne International 3-Day Event Organising Committee continue to monitor the situation closely. However, we note that there is still significant uncertainty as to whether the Victorian Government will ease or continue current restrictions, come Thursday 3 June 2021"
"As a result as event organisers we have little option but to wait for the government’s announcement on Thursday 3 June before finalising any decisions related to the event”
Other factors being considered include the ability to complete the total infrastructure build including the cross-country course and trade village and the potential capacity limits including numbers of spectators allowed to attend
“We understand how frustrating this is and we would like to thank you for your continued support” say the organisers and you can follow their updates on the MI3DE website
While Australia remains relatively Covid free and Australian eventing is generally carrying on unscathed so far this year, sudden lockdowns are still part of the pandemic world routine and some events have been impacted in 2021 with Wooroloo in WA and Ballarat Summer Horse Trials having been cancelled
