Mitsubishi sign for another three years

February 12, 2004

Mitsubishi Motors have demonstrated their commitment to the Badminton Horse Trials by announcing a further three-year sponsorship deal that is worth £2million over the years of 2005- 2007. This will take the partnership to fifteen years, unusually long in the world of sports sponsorship, reflecting how successful the link between the Company and the Event has been.

Badminton, the world's premier three day event, already has a record first prize of £40,000 and this renewal will mean that a confident future is assured. With the event organisers having set a target of £50,000 as the major prize to be achieved in the near future, the Mitsubishi Motors title at Badminton remains the most sought after individual prize in the sport.

Since Mitsubishi's involvement Badminton has seen several subtle but profound changes and improvements. The cross country course now starts and finishes in the main arena; previously wet parts of the course have been drained; a Badminton Members area has been created; a huge TV screen is erected; the media centre has evolved into one of the best in world sport; while the huge shopping village gets ever more varied and extensive.

Event director Hugh Thomas says, "We are delighted that Mitsubishi are continuing with Badminton. I can genuinely say it has been a very happy working relationship, made a bit more special because they are a national company with international links but based locally to us in Cirencester.