Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials First Horse Inspection Photo Gallery

2014 winners Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brokagh. Photo by Samantha Clark.

The wind was a factor before the First Horse Inspection even started, blowing down two of the sponsor’s flower boxes which then made the powers that be rather sensibly decide to get rid of them all together – the less potential for disaster the better where seventy-odd of the best event horses in the world ready to run for their lives are concerned!

Smashing the style stakes – Julie Tew and Lord of the Owls. Photo by Samantha Clark.

For the most part all the horses were extremely well-behaved and just a few cantered down the lane, and all of them were beautifully turned out. Matthew Heath’s The Lion was sent to the Holding Box and then not accepted on re-inspection. Aoife Clark’s Vaguely North and Tom Crisp’s Coolys Luxury were both sent to the Holding Box also but accepted the second time.

The Ground Jury (Christian Landolt, David Lee and Sue Baxter) took a long time to pass Clifton Lush, and Laurence Hunt’s Wie Donna’s Neiiuewmoed was asked to trot up twice. Both Andrew Hoy’s horses looked on the brink of explosion but he handled them well.

Andrew Hoy maintains Rutherglen’s composure, just. Photo by Samantha Clark

Andrew Heffernan’s first ride, the mare Millthyme Corolla whinnied the whole way up and down the jog strip to his second ride Boleybawn Ace – both were accepted. The Irish have a strong hand with Joseph Murphy’s outstanding Electric Cruise who looks fabulous, the return of the small but mighty Portersize Just a Jiff, Sam Watson on Horseware Bushman just to mention three of them.

Camilla Speirs and Portersize Just A Jiff. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Both Sam Griffith’s horses, last year’s winner Paulank Brokagh and the veteran campaigner Happy Times look very fit and well. Andrew Nicholson’s Calico Joe and Sarah Bullimore’s Reve Du Rouet had to be dragged up the jog strip towards the bank of photographers but then flew back down towards the stables in extended trot. Also very frisky was Paul Sims’ Glengarnock.

Eighty one horses will go forward to the dressage phase which starts at 9:30 am Thursday morning; Paul Tapner and Kilronan will be the first combination in the ring after the test ride.

Paul Tapner and Kilronan. Photo by Samantha Clark.

The Fashion: the benefit to having to get used to inclement conditions at horse trials here in England was much in evidence this afternoon in the blustery cold – everyone nailed it. Between some fabulous looking tweed on the ladies, fun fur collars, some glamorous gold buttons accenting classy coats the women got it all right and we’re seeing some braver choices – a few really stunning hats, proper boot envy, I must make time to go shopping this weekend, there are so many ideas I want to steal!

Georgie Spence on trend. Photo by Samantha Clark.

I also want the number of a German hairdresser – Ingrid and Bettina had great hair today!

Working the runway supermodel style – Bettina Hoy and Designer 10. Photo by Samantha Clark.

The men did well too – we saw some pink accents, some traditional looks and even matching ties, socks sometimes handkerchiefs as well; Paul Tapner borrowed a bit of everything from Ben Hobday and Ludwig Svennerstal and totally pulled it off but most of all the horses won the day, they looked spectacular.

I have yet to talk to anyone who hasn’t got William Fox-Pitt on their fantasy team (I’m talking about Badminton, ladies!) and also strongly fancied this weekend is Ingrid Klimke and last year’s winner Sam Griffiths.

Nick Gauntlett and El Grado (ties, socks!). Photo by Samantha Clark.

Personally I think Clifton Promise also looks great and is hard to bet against, likewise Electric Cruise, Redesigned, Onwards and Upwards, Nereo….it’s hard to pick just one team, let alone one winner! The ground right now is just about perfect, the Outside Chance is open for business, Radio Badminton will be live from 8:30am Thursday (all times GB) and if the wind would die down just a tiny bit then all will be right with the world. I’ll be back with much more from Badminton all weekend, but in the meantime thank you for reading and Go Eventing!