Blenheim Horse Trials has been cancelled for the first time in its 19-year history.

The decision was taken following the dressage phase, after further very heavy rain had fallen on already very muddy ground.

The horse trials are Oxfordshire's biggest sporting attraction. They attract more than 50,000 people to Blenheim Palace over the four days.

Taking part this year were some of the biggest names in the sport, including the Princess Royal's daughter Zara Phillips and Beijing Olympic medallists Mary King and William Fox-Pitt.

Director Mandy Hervieu said: "This is so disappointing, because a huge amount of work has gone into the organisation of Blenheim International.

"The whole team has worked incredibly hard to cope with the conditions, especially David Evans and his course-building team, who have been working round the clock to try to improve the ground on the cross country course.

"However, the safety of the horses and riders is of paramount importance, plus vehicular access, and it was decided that the ground conditions could not ensure this."

Blenheim host, The Duke of Marlborough, added: "It's so frustrating, because we were set for a great weekend with a terrific cross-country course, which has been reversed for the first time, and a very strong field of horses and riders due to tackle it. This is the first time we have had to cancel the event."