Badminton 2018 Cross Country Live Updates: Jonelle’s Speed Gives Her the Lead

Fence one.

Good morning, EN! We are ready to dive straight in to an very exciting day of cross country at the 2018 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

Keep refreshing this page for all the latest from Badminton!

Here are the North American entires/ride times:

  • Selena O’Hanlon & Foxwood High: 12:58 BST / 7:58 a.m. EST CLEAR with 16.4 time penalties
  • Lauren Kieffer & Veronica: 13:38 BST / 8:38 a.m. EST CLEAR with 9.6 time penalties
  • Madeline Backus & P.S. Ariana: 15:34 BST / 10:34 a.m. EST Rider Fall at The Lake
  • Will Coleman & Obos O’Reilly: 15:50 BST / 10:50 a.m. EST Retired on course

Badminton Links: WebsiteEntriesXC Start TimesForm GuideCourse Map, EN’s

CoverageLive StreamCourse Preview

12:38 p.m.

12:06 p.m. Here’s the top 10 as it stands:

12:05 p.m. Tom currently does not have 20 pen for his re-route at the corner. Might be a conversation by the Ground Jury, but looks good from the view of the camera.

12:04 p.m. Tom gives all the credit to Strike Smartly even before they’ve crossed the finish.

12:03 p.m. Strike Smartly looking a little tired, but Tom McEwen doing a great job of showing him the way home.

12:00 p.m. 7.2 time penalties for Oliver puts him equal with Jonelle. Because she was closer to the optimum time, she goes into the lead.

11:58 a.m. At this point, Oliver will be over the time, but he has some breathing room. Horse looking tired, but they push on.

11:58 a.m. Little sticky at the last combination. The horse seems to be looking tired.

11:57 a.m. Oliver is riding very boldly through the Joules corners, and looking good on the time so far.

11:56 a.m. Georgia Spence home on 56.9 penalties.

11:56 a.m. Positive riding by Oliver gets them through the hollow!

11:55 a.m. Tom McEwen at the Lake adding loads of strides through for a careful ride.

11:53 a.m. Oliver living dangerously through the Eclipse water, but he’s clear!

11:51 a.m. Oliver plays it safe with the long route at the Lake.

11:49 a.m. Georgie Spence takes the long route at the Mound after popping up over the B element.

11:47 a.m. Oliver Townend now on course with Ballaghmor Class. Despite Ollie’s suggestion, the crowds cheer him off.

11:46 a.m. We can now confirm that Alexander Bragg was eliminated with Redpath Ransom

11:45 a.m. Ireland’s Ciaran Glynn has a few fliers around, but kicking on toward the Eclipse pond.

11:43 a.m.

11:39 a.m. Mark Todd has restarted after a hold.

11:38 a.m. We are hearing that Alexander Bragg has possibly been eliminated on course.

11:36 a.m. Caroline Powell trotting through the lake. Whatever works!

11:35 a.m. We have an anxious eye on Mark Todd. Have not seen him on the stream lately, and we have heard there is a hold on course. Not sure the reason.

11:34 a.m. Alexander Bragg seems to have retired on course. We’ve stopped seeing him on the stream.

11:32 a.m. Harry Dzenis with a wild ride in the Eclipse Pond. Good on Dromgurrihy Blue!

11:27 a.m. Alexander Bragg has the frangible pin down at the Eclipse Pond. He also had the pin down with his first horse.

11:26 a.m. 11 seconds over for Gemma and Spike but she’s thrilled and so is the crowd.

11:25 a.m. Gemma kicking much more than we’ve ever seen her do with Arctic Soul. Headed to the finish.

11:25 a.m. Mark Todd keeps his line as the horse doesn’t quite see the last element of the Huntsman’s Close. Kick on!

11:24 a.m. Fingers crossed for Mark Todd who is out with his second ride, Kiltubrid Rhapsody.

11:23 a.m. 30 seconds over for Paulank Brockagh and Sam Griffiths!

11:21 a.m. Gemma is better on the time even than Jonelle was a fence 20. Can she keep it up?

11:20 a.m. Harry Meade says the OTTB is a petrol engine, rather a than a diesel engine — for all those #horsehubby types tuning in.

11:19 a.m. 

11:18 a.m. Arctic Soul slides in to the Lake and gets strong ahead, so Gemma re-routes to the longer route. Smart move.

11:15 a.m. Arctic Soul out on course! He’s another fast one that could do the time.

11:14 a.m. Sam Griffiths neatly through the Lake taking the long route to C.

11:13 a.m. Harry Meade reports that he turned his watch off halfway around!

11:12 a.m. James O’Haire and China Doll came in a little too quick and both took a bath in The Lake. The horse just didn’t have a chance to get his knees out of the way. Both OK.

11:09 a.m. Previous winners Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh are off and away! Looking determined through the Quarry.

11:08 a.m. Hang on tight, Michael Owen! Bradeley Law flying through the lake, they jump the rope on the way.

11:04 a.m. Will has pulled up and opted to retire.

11:03 a.m. Will Coleman and Obos O’Reilly will a runout at The Lake. Will is going to be kicking himself.

11:03 a.m. Huge cheers for Harry Meade as he finishes.

11:02 a.m. Amazing save for Dani Evans and Smart Time at the Hildon Water. Quick thinking from both horse and rider.

10:59 a.m. “She’s so un-special that’s she’s incredibly special. She makes me look good.” – Jonelle on Classic Moet.

10:57 a.m. At the Hildon Water Harry Meade is currently bang on the time.

10:56 a.m. Smooth sailing for Harry Meade and Away Cruising! Clear through the Eclipse Water.

10:52 a.m. Save of the day goes to Emilie Chandler! She nearly comes off at the Eclipse Cross Pond after hanging a leg, but Coopers Law stayed dead straight on task and jumped them out safely.

10:47 a.m. Oh rats! Just didn’t quite get the line to the C element of the Lake, and Madeline comes off. Sad, early ending for her today.

10:46 a.m. We haven’t seen her yet, but Madeline Backus is on course somewhere!

10:46 a.m. Nana Dalton clear so far with her homebred Absolut Opposition!

10:44 a.m. She’s not just the fastest — she’s the fastest by nearly 5 seconds! And she even took a long route. So impressive for these two. #JumpLikeJonelle

10:42 a.m. Jonelle is just one second over to take the lead!!!

10:41 a.m. Oh no! Piggy French and Vanir Kmira both take a swim at the Hildon water. Looks like the horse misread the fence — taking off and then coming back down on it.

10:41 a.m. Definitely! They are having a super day so far.

10:39 a.m. Just 16 seconds over for Ireland’s Joseph Murphy! That puts him in the top 10.

10:36 a.m. Expert riding through the Mound for Jonelle!

10:34 a.m. A little too quick through the lake for Jonelle. She was at the buckle and forced to take the long route at C.

10:31 a.m. Jonelle Price has the pedal down with Classic Moet! These two are ones who could make the time.

10:30 a.m. Another leg left for Silva has both horse and rider on the ground at the Eclipse Water. Both up quickly looking OK.

10:29 a.m. Warren Lamperd steers Silva to the less-used right-handed route at The Mound, but unfortunately have a runout.

10:25 a.m. Cooley Rorkes Drift jumped himself into the open oxer at the Eclipse Water, and Jonty hops off to help the horse out. What looked scary for a moment was quickly resolved. Both walking away looking OK.

10:23 a.m. Becky Wolven and Charlton Down Riverdance take a bit of a flyer at the Vicarage Vee, which has the both on the ground up on landing. Both are up quickly.

10:22 a.m. Jonty in the back seat but he makes it happen at The Lake!

10:20 a.m. 

10:19 a.m. The People’s Horse — Cooly Rorkes Drift — is off with Jonty Evans.

10:16 a.m. Tom Crisp takes the long route after a huge jump over the B element of the Mound.

10:15 a.m. Junco CP gets a few words of encouragement from Carlos after the Vicarage Vee.

10:13 a.m. Good job for Tom Crisp as he opts for the longer route through the Lake with Coolys Luxury.

10:11 a.m. Well done for Ashley Edmond and Triple Chance in their first four-star. Coming through the finish with a clear round, but 83 time penalties added. The horse looks thrilled with himself at the finish!

10:10 a.m. Carlos Diaz Fernandez, the only Spanish rider here this weekend, is clear so far with Junco CP

10:07 a.m. Lissa Green finishing with 31.2 time penalties.

10:06 a.m.

10:05 a.m. Dee Hankey has pulled up and retired with Chequers Playboy  at fence 3.

10:00 a.m. Regis Prud’hon home with Kaiser HDB 4175. They carry 20 penalties from the Huntsman’s Close.

9:58 a.m. Lissa Green, who is now riding for Australia, is on a very enthusiastic horse today. They’re clear through the Lake.

9:56 a.m. Qatar du Puetch Rouget ran out of steam at the lake. He stopped at the c element.

9:55 a.m. Paul Tapner gives a scare at the penultimate fence, but they are ok and heading toward the finish.

9:53 a.m. Cedric hangs on tight as his horse jumps boldly through the Eclipse Water.

9:51 a.m. Cedric Lyard and Qatar du Puetch Rouget are off and away. Good through 4 so far.

9:49 a.m.

9:48 a.m. 22-year-old Will Furlong finishes his first cross country course. Congrats!

9:46 a.m. Paul Tapner puts some demons to rest at the Lake. A much better ride here than last year!

9:44 a.m. Awkward start through the Quarry for Paul Tapner and Bonza King of Rouges. They kick on.

9:41 a.m. Kirsty Short comes to grief at the Huntsman’s Close after a runout at the last tree trunk.

9:39 a.m. Collien P 2 hangs a leg into the Lake, but Will Furlong gets his reins back to take the long route.

9:38 a.m. Confirming now that Izzy Taylor did retire on course with Perfect Stranger.

9:36 a.m. A very bold ride through the Eclipse Water for Imogen Murray and Ivar Gooden.

9:35 a.m. Will Furlong, the youngest competitor today, is on course now.

9:34 a.m. The Troll through the hollow:

Shogun Hollow #eventing #mmbht #badmintonhorsetrials

A post shared by Sahnya Shiels (@sahnyashiels) on

9:31 a.m. James Sommerville takes the pin down after a wild ride at the Eclipse Water.

9:29 a.m. The Huntsman’s Close is becoming the most influential fence today as it gives William Fox-Pitt 20 penalties. He pulls up after a second successful go.

9:27 a.m. William Fox-Pitt is off and away with Fernhill Pimms

9:26 a.m.

9:25 a.m. Georgie jumped the A element of the Eclipse water twice. That is allowed, but a huge time and energy waster. She continues.

9:24 a.m. 

9:22 a.m. A runout for Georgie Strang at The Lake.

9:20 a.m. Georgie Strang kicking four-star debutant Cooley Earl on after a sticky ride through the Quarry.

9:18 a.m. Ros home clear with 6.4 time penalties! She stays ahead of Michael Jung.

9:17 a.m. oh no! Another victim at the Huntsman’s Close. This time it’s Izzy Taylor and Perfect Stranger.

9:16 a.m. Ros growls her way through the Joules Corners, but she’s looking good on the time now!

9:14 a.m. A flyby for Japan’s Yoshiaki Oiwa at the Huntsman’s Close. This fence has brought quite a few riders to grief.

9:14 a.m. Ros Canter about 10 seconds over the time at fence 20. She motors on.

9:13 a.m. 

9:10 a.m. Clear through The Lake for Ros Canter. She’s a pleasure to watch today.

9:07 a.m. Bayano says “no thank you” at the Vicarage Vee, despite Flora Harris’ stick behind the saddle. They take the long route and carry on.

9:06 a.m. Overnight leader Ros Canter about to head out on course.

9:04 a.m. Flora Harris digs deep at The Mound after an airy jump. She gets it done!

9:02 a.m. Virginia Thompson is living dangerously today. She activates the frangible device at the Eclipse Cross Pond (18A)

9:02 a.m. Virginia Thompson hugs that white flag, but clear through the Mound!

9:01 a.m.

9:01 a.m. 

9:00 a.m.

8:59 a.m. Pippa pulls up with Billy Beware. Not their day unfortunately.

8:59 a.m. Lauren is 24 seconds over the time! So exciting to watch her and Veronica go fast for it.

8:57 a.m. Lauren kicks away from Savills Escalator. Just three to go!

8:56 a.m. 1 minute 11 seconds over for Simon Grieve

8:55 a.m. A runout for Pippa and Billy Beware at the C element at The Lake. So far the jump judging isn’t penalizing her. She might have gotten lucky for now.

8:53 a.m. Billy Beware is making Pippa Funnel work hard, but they’re clear so far.

8:53 a.m. Lauren and Veronica clear through the Hildon Water, they’re just about 8 seconds above the time currently.

8:52 a.m. Lauren and Veronica are going very quickly around today. Good through fence 18.

8:51 a.m. A miscommunication has Danielle Dunn out of the tack at fence 27, the BHS Table.

8:50 a.m. Lauren was nearly at the buckle after a big jump into the lake, but they stayed dead on through the direct route. It does look like they’re going for speed.

8:49 a.m. Super quick ride for Lauren and Troll through the Huntsman’s Close.

8:47 a.m. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica are on course!

8:46 a.m. Simon Grieve also takes the long route at the Lake. Smartly done.

8:44 a.m. Super, positive ride for Danielle Dunn and Zocarla BHL through the Mound (14/15/16ab)

8:43 a.m. A minute and a half over the time but a huge smile for Lydia Hannon at the finish.

8:42 a.m. Danielle Dunn takes the long route at The Lake, but looks very confident.

8:40 a.m.

8:39 a.m. So disappointing to see Imogen have a flyby at the Huntsman’s Close.

8:38 a.m. Ah! Lydia is the second rider to take the wrong path away from the Hildon water.

8:37 a.m. 

8:36 a.m. Lydia keeping to the “safe seat” as My Royal Touch looks very keen.

8:35 a.m. Imogen Gloag is out on course!

8:34 a.m.  Sticky ride in, so Lydia chooses to take the long way out of the Lake!

8:31 a.m. Risky ride coming out of the quarry for Lydia Hannon but she gets away with it!

8:30 a.m. Here’s the scores as the stand currently:

8:25 a.m. 

8:28 a.m. Only 12.4 time penalties for Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy!

8:24 a.m.

8:23 a.m. Giovanni home 58 seconds over the time.

8:21 a.m. Tim and Ringwood Sky Boy  take the quick route through the Hildon Water Pond, climbing out of the brush at C. They’re moving a little slower than usual today.

8:21 a.m.

8:20 a.m. Giovanni Ugolotti has a determined ride through the coffin with Cult Rewind.

8:19 a.m.

8:18 a.m. Michael Jung and Sam come home 15 seconds over the time for a score of 30.7.

8:17 a.m. Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy slip in a quick third chip stride at the Huntsmans Close.

8:16 a.m. 

8:15 a.m. Andy Daines goes to add a stride, but doesn’t quite work as he and Spring Panorama have a slightly slow motion roll/fall away from the Joules Corners. They are both up quickly and looking ok.

8:14 a.m.

8:13 a.m. Michael takes the long route at the Hildon Pond.

8:12 a.m. Michael Jung gets lucky at the Outlander PHEV Mound (14) as Sam gets a little twisted over the first corner. They stick it and carry on.

8:11 a.m. Fist pump for Selena as she and Wood finish 39 seconds over the time. Well done! John and Judy Rumble must be pleased.

8:10 a.m. Super sam through the water beautifully!

8:09 a.m.

8:08 a.m. Not a lot to say about Selena and Woody because they doing such a masterful job. Each view on the stream is pretty perfect for these two!

8:07 a.m. Ack! Andy Daines  looses balance as he slips over the log into the Lake before taking a wild ride at the b element. They scamper over the ropes trying to get to the alternate — the Ground Jury may review that as dangerous riding.

8:07 a.m. Michael Jung and Sam are out of the box!

8:05 a.m. Selena goes the quick route through the Hildon Water Pond. She really is making this course look easy.

8:04 a.m. Tom Jackson and Waltham Fiddler’s Find add one in the Joules Corners, but still smooth and clear!

8:03 a.m. Finally seeing Selena on the live stream! She’s super through the Lake. She and Woody made it look like a novice combination.

8:02 a.m.

8:00 a.m. Kate Honey home with 68.6 time penalties.

7:57 a.m. The Irish are feeling proud this morning!

#mmbht

A post shared by Tina Rowe (@trowe5714) on

7:55 a.m. Ireland’s Alan Nolan joins the growing list of riders to take the long route at The Lake.

7:54 a.m. Kate Honey gives Fernhill Now or Never a few taps of encouragement as they head to the Vicarage Vee — they clear it easily

7:51 a.m. After a second runout at The Eclipse water, Louise Harwood makes the smart decision to retire. Mr. Potts not looking his usual self today.

7:50 a.m. Quite a few horses looking tired at the finish, but not Mr. Chunky for Ireland! He finishes 16 seconds over.

7:48 a.m. 

7:47 a.m. Disappointing flyby for Louise Harwood and Mr. Potts at the Huntsmans Close. Looks like they didn’t even register on the B element.

7:46 a.m. Padraig McCarthy looking super around so far with Mr. Chunky.

7:45 a.m. Ben Hobday reports from the finish that Mulry’s Error may be directed toward a career shift to lower level eventing after this. Ben saying, “I can’t thank the horse enough.” Legend.

7:44 a.m.

7:43 a.m. Hold on! Dag Albert takes a flyer at the Vicarage Vee.

7:42 a.m. Ireland’s Claire Abbott and Euro Prince fall at the Bullfinch. Looks like he got a bit close and his boldness sent them down on the back side. Both up and look ok at the moment.

7:41 a.m. I think we can practically hear the cheering for Ben and Mulry’s Error on the east coast as they finish the course.

7:38 a.m. Whoa! A huge jump nearly unseats Ben Hobday at the Joules Corners, but he sticks it! Unfortunately picking up 20 pen as he crosses his tracks to represent to the second.

7:36 a.m. I would imagine riding Euro Prince is akin to holding onto a runaway train. He knows the job!

7:34 a.m. Euro Prince gives Claire Abbott a hugely enthusiastic ride through The Lake.

7:33 a.m. Fan favorites Ben Hobday and Mulry’s Error taking the long route through The Lake to a big cheer from the crowd.

7:32 a.m. Alexander Whewall pops off at the Vicarage Vee. The stride wasn’t quite right and and Chakiris Star opts to step down in the ditch and around. Alexander’s left leg felt a hard smash against the Vee as he fell off, but he walked off course. Will update as we get more info!

7:31 a.m. Dan Jocelyn home with the 20 penalties and over a minute over the time.

7:30 a.m.

7:28 a.m. Alexander Whewall taking the very long route at The Lake, but clear

7:27 a.m. Alicia is home finishing her first four-star! She looked like a seasoned pro.

7:26 a.m. What will Ollie do between now and his next ride? He’s going “back to the wagon to have a sleep!”

7:25 a.m.

7:23 a.m. Dassett Cool Touch puts the breaks on at The Lake (9c) to pick up 20 pen with Dan Jocelyn

7:21 a.m. Super ride for 23-year-old Badminton first-timer Alicia Hawker through the Mound.

7:19 a.m. Richard Jones and Alfies Clover have a stop at the hollow (24c) and he puts a hand up to retire.

7:17 a.m. Whoops! Richard Jones takes the wrong path away from the Hildon Water. Definitely some time wasted.

7:17 a.m.

7:15 a.m. “Its nice ground to gallop on, but when you do it for 12 minutes it’s hard work,” Andrew Nicholson explains that this ground is leading to horses looking a little tired.

7:15 a.m. Cooley SRS comes home 18 over the time. He and Oliver sit on 33.1 penalties.

7:13 a.m. Easy ride through the Huntsmans Close (6abc) for Richards Jones and Alfies Clover

7:10 a.m. 

7:08 a.m. Oliver and Cooley also take the direct route at The Hildon Water Pond.

7:07 a.m. 

7:06 a.m. Oliver shouts to take the long route at The Lake (9c)

7:05 a.m. “Oliver is like a man possessed!” Ian Stark has it right — Oliver Townend flying with Cooley SRS

7:03 a.m. Scary horse fall for Harry Dzenis as Xam hangs a leg at The Pond (9A). Both horse and rider quickly up on their feet.

7:02 a.m. Mark Todd and Leonidas are home with 8.4 time penalties.

7:01 a.m. Gemma is the first to take the long route at The Hildon Water, so it’s possible!

6:57 a.m. Mark Todd starts on the alternate route at The Hildon Water, but does a quick turnaround to exit via the direct route! Masterful riding as always.

6:56 a.m. Leonidas also dragging his feet slightly at the Eclipse Cross Pond, but doesn’t take the pin down.

6:55 a.m. SO love Pamero 4, ridden by Gemma Tattersall. Super keen!

6:54 a.m. 18 over the time for Andrew and Nereo

6:52 a.m. Alexander Bragg’s Zagreb takes the frangible pin down on The Eclipse Cross Pond (18A)

6:51 a.m. Leonidas II and Mark Tood have smooth sailing through the first of the course.

6:51 a.m. Same

6:50 a.m. A wild jump over the Vicarage Vee for Andrew and Nereo.

6:49 a.m. Andrew also goes the long route at the Hildon Water Pond. So far no one has taken the direct route. He’s about 4 seconds slow at the moment.

6:47 a.m. Halltown Harley looking a little tired over the last fence, but is home with rider Georgie Spence.

6:46 a.m. Held my breath for a second as Nereo scraped over the log into The Lake (9abc), but he made the out look easy.

6:45 a.m. Andrew Nicholson and Nereo zooming around the first half of the course, making easy work of the fences.

6:43 a.m. First rider home! Good, safe clear for Caroline Powell. She’s well over a minute over the time, but smiling from ear to ear.

6:43 a.m. Great riding through the Hildon Water Pond and over the Vicarage Vee for Georgie Spence and Halltown Harley

6:40 a.m. Huge jump out of the quarry for Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser

6:39 a.m. Vicarage Vee looking much “softer and friendlier” today according to Ian Stark.

6:38 a.m. Caroline Powell taking the long route at the Hildon Water Pond (fence 20), but looking very confident around.

6:30 a.m. A huge cheer for the crowds as Caroline Powell heads off on course aboard Up Up and Away

6:23 a.m.

6:20 a.m. (11:20 a.m. BST) We’re expecting first horse on course at 11:30 a.m. BST (6:30 EST)