Michael Jung is officially on the homestretch of his Rolex Grand Slam quest. La Biosthetique Sam FBW was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at the Sunday inspection, with no apparent residue from yesterday’s blazing fast cross country run.
Heading into show jumping with a posh two rails in hand you’d be a fool to bet against this pair — although in the sport of eventing anything can happen, and the pressure Michael should not be underestimated.
As this floor-to-ceiling Badminton timeline mural in the media center reminds us (somewhat cruelly, as Michael has had to walk past it on his way to press conferences every day!), the show jumping has been this pair’s undoing here once before. We’ll be holding our breath until they’re safely through the finish flags.
You wouldn’t know that Libby Head’s Sir Rockstar, age 18, is the oldest horse on the roster watching him trot soundly down the strip this morning. It’s yet another testament to this horse’s toughness as well as the effort Libby puts into his care, and we can’t wait to watch them jump their hearts out this afternoon.
England-based North American Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee, who also enjoyed a clear cross country go in their Badminton debut, also passed the jog with flying colors. Speaking of which, does anyone else have a crush on her sapphire blue coat?
Great Britain’s Simon Grieve withdrew Cornacrew in the hold and Emily Gilruth, also of Great Britain, did not present Topwood Beau. Joseph Murphy’s mount Sportfield Othello and Clarke Johnstone’s Balmoral Sensation were held but passed upon reinspection.
Show jumping begins at 11:30 a.m. local time and we’ll be ringside, hopefully watching a bit of history in making! Forty-six horses will be starting — click here for the order of go.
Top 20 heading into show jumping:
Go Michael and Sam! Go Libby! Go Kathryn! Go Eventing.
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