The FEI, USEF and Las Vegas Events have announced the cancelation of the FEI World Cup Finals 2020, which were to be held at the Thomas & Mack Center April 15–19, due to coronavirus concerns.

Verdades, the fan favorite dressage horse owned and ridden by Laura Graves (USA), was set to appear at the Finals for his retirement ceremony.

Said Ingmar De Vos, FEI President:

“It is very regrettable that next month’s FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas have had to be canceled but the decision was out of our hands, since the FEI World Cup series began in 1978 for jumping and 1985 for dressage, the Finals have never had to be canceled before, but the global concerns about the spread of the [coronavirus] and travel restrictions imposed by the US Government have meant the Finals are one of many major sporting events impacted by this outbreak. Like everyone in our community, we’re disappointed, not only for the athletes who’ve qualified, but also for Las Vegas Events, US Equestrian and our top partner, Longines. But, the health, well-being and safety of our athletes, officials and fans has to be our top priority – we hope we can alleviate that disappointment by returning to Las Vegas for a wonderful FEI World Cup Finals in the future.”

The oldest individual championship in equestrian sport, the World Cup Final sees the world’s best dressage and jumping riders compete for the coveted annual title.

At the 2019 Final in Gothenburg, Graves and Verdades took the silver medal to German legend Isabell Werth for a record third year in a row. It was closest contest ever between the duelling divas. Werth took the lead on Friday with a 81.755 to Graves’ 80.109, their narrowest margin in a World Cup Grand Prix.

When Verdades’ official send off will be rescheduled remains to be seen.

All ticket buyers and exhibitors will be issued full refunds. The Las Vegas Events ticket office will contact all ticket holders regarding refunds starting March 16.