Statue of hare worth £19,000 stolen from stand at Badminton Horse Trials

The status of the hare is heavy so police think more than one person was involved in the theft (Picture: PA)

A heavy bronze statue of a hare valued at £19,000 has been stolen from a trade stand at Badminton Horse Trials.

The statue, which is over a metre tall at 135cm, was part of a trade stand at at the five-day event famous for its show-jumping and dressage.

Made by Somerset artist Jan Sweeny, it is set on hamstone base.

Pc Matt Leigh of Avon and Somerset Police said: ‘Being bronze, the statue weighs a considerable amount and so it’s likely more than one person was involved in removing it from the trade stand it was on display at.

‘We’re keen to hear from anyone who may have seen it being removed or transported and are also asking those at Badminton today to keep an eye out for it.

Oliver Townend riding Swallow Springs during a show jumping test today (Picture: Rex)

A valuable bronze statue has been stolen from a trade stand at @bhorsetrials.

If you’re at Badminton and witnessed anything, or have information which could help us locate the statue and find those who took it, please call 101 quoting 5222108421.https://t.co/jUDiRpgAHa

— Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) May 8, 2022

The sporting event takes place every year in April or May in the park of Badminton House, the residence of the Duke of Beaufort in south Gloucestershire.

Police urged anyone with information about the theft to contact them via 101 and give the reference 5222108421.

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