On the edge of glory. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Here we go ENers! It’s Saturday. It’s Badminton. It’s cross country day. Buckle up for the best day.
I’ll be with you all day long, live blogging ‘til I can live blog no more, bringing you every moment of action from Eric Winters’ brilliant Badminton course. You can have a look at what’s in store for the 2025 contenders on CrossCountryApp and see Tilly’s take on the whole shebang right here. As ever, we’ve wrangled the riders for their insights into the track – read their reactions here.
We’ve talked about the field – it’s scorching. We’ve talked about the weather – also scorching. The fans have flocked to Badminton Estate and it’s a sell-out crowd. If you can’t be there, be the next best thing and settle in with appropriate snacks of your choosing while you follow along with live updates right here as the competition plays out.
Here’s a quick look at the rolling podium as things stand at the start of cross country:
1️⃣ 🇬🇧 Leading the pack is Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent who laid it all down in the dressage ring to sit on a score of 21.1, just 1.3 penalties ahead of the rest of the field.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Chasing the top spot is Tom McEwen and JL Dublin who showed their mettle between the white boards for a score of 22.4.
3️⃣ 🇬🇧 Rounding out the top three after the first phase is Gemma Stevens and Jalapeno on a score of 24.7.
You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.
We’re due to get underway at 11:30am local time / 6:30am EST / 12:30pm CEST when Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI will trailblaze their way around the track and give us our first real look at what the horses and riders will be taking on. See what time your favorites are going here.
There are a couple of withdrawals to update you on: Jesse Campbell has decided to reroute to Luhmühlen with Cooley Lafitte and Aaron Millar and Friendship VDL have withdrawn this morning.
Whilst we await that first countdown of the day, here’s some links for your perusal:
▶️Dressage Day One – Test-by-test Analysis
▶️Dressage Day One – Morning Report
▶️Dressage Day One – Afternoon Report
▶️Dressage Day Two – Test-by-test Analysis
▶️Dressage Day Two – Morning Report
▶️Dressage Day Two – Afternoon Report
▶️ENs Classic Form Guide
Before we get down to business, a little ‘refresher’ on the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog: refresh, refresh, refresh – and all will be revealed.
If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.
As you know, here at EN we just can’t help ourselves when it comes to bringing eventing superfans like ourselves every single scrap of the horseplay at 5* events. You’ll find all of our MARS Badminton crazy right here. And that’s not all. There’s also all sorts of stuff going on over on our Instagram channel @goeventing – follow along here.
With all that said, it’s time to kick on and go eventing! Let’s do this thing…
MARS Badminton Horse Trials: [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [XC Maps] [EN’s Coverage]
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EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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SUMMARY OF THE DAY’S SPORT
EN’s classic full round-up will be with you in whatever time it takes for Tilly, aided as ever by our elusive mascot Chinch, to wrangle together all that action. Until then, here’s a quick re-cap of today’s cross country…
You’ll find the full, official, leaderboard right here but the scores aren’t everything, oh no. Yes, we’ve got big hitters gunning for the win, but eventing is about so much more than that. Here’s a quick run-down of some points of note from today’s competition:
⏰ Time After Time After Time After Time – We knew the ground was going to be quick, but it didn’t really show up as easy to get the time. Except for Harry Meade. He had two inside the time at Kentucky a couple weeks ago and today he had two inside the time at Badminton. Pure class from this man. He’s in 5th with Superstition on 31.8 and 7th with Cavalier Crystal on 33.8.
⚡Fastest Lady on Four Legs – But the fastest round of the day came courtesy of Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, who cruised round the course looking like it was literally nothing. Honestly, there’s a chat going on in the EN team calling for a 6* just for this pair. They came home 11 seconds inside the time, looking very calm and comfortable and as though they could do it all again, like straight away. They’re in 2nd on 25.3.
👌Sweet – Gemma Stevens had a fabulous round with Chilli Knight to climb from 10th after dressage via the first clear inside the time of the day in what what a very accomplished showing. They sit in 3rd on 29.5.
🌹Queen Rosie – Cooley Rosalent showed all of her talent today, taking on Badminton with gusto and holding her lead over the rest of the field after that superb dressage performance yesterday leaving Oliver Townend at the top as we head into tomorrow’s finale. They were a little over the time but had penalties in hand. They’re in the lead on a score of 22.3.
📉 Corner Conundrum – The most influential fence on course was for sure the corner at 7. It was on a related distance from the same type of fence at 6 and the riders all opted to attempt a straight line through there. It rode beautifully for some. Others, not so much. One rider who was in a good position coming into today after smashing the dressage was Tom Woodward with Low Moor Lucky, who were making their 5* debut. They were in sixth after the first phase but an early mistake there saw them shoot straight past the fence and pick up a 20. Tom opted to leave it there, probably thinking of rerouting. Another combination who came unstuck at 7 after being in a really good place was Gemma Stevens and Jalapeno. They were in third but a drive-by so early on course meant they were out of the running. Gemma came sweetly back round and re-jumped it before putting up her hand. She really takes care of this 17-year-old mare and there was no reason to continue.
🛟 Hanging Loose – There were a couple of saves of the day, an early one coming via Alex Hua Tian and Chicko. They clipped the silver birch rails at 13 and Alex was tipped right out of the plate. He hung on, Chicko thought about ducking under the roping. He didn’t. Alex righted himself but to no avail. They came to a stop at 17 and Alex put up his hand. Another day for them. Perhaps even more dramatic was Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo. They missed at the sunken road at 21 and Nicolai did the whole hanging round the neck thing. Timmo was a total sweetheart and stood nicely while Nicolai sorted himself out, using the breastplate for leverage. All OK up there? he seemed to say. They continued on to finish carrying a 20 and go into tomorrow in 55th place on 91.1.
🍻 Cheers! – Alex Bragg elicited the biggest cheers of the day as he stormed round the track putting not a hoof wrong with Ardeo Premier. The arena was raucous as he flew through the finish. They picked up 12.8 time penalties and are in 21st place on 48.
🐻 Growler – Today’s award for the best growl definitely goes to Alice Casburn. ‘Gooooooo oooooonnnnn!’ she rumbled to Topspin as they came to the big ditch and corner at 17/18 taking on the straight route. The horse is known to be a bit ditchy but Alice was having none of it. They flew over that and completed with 14 time penalties. Their determined round catapulted them up the leaderboard from 60th to 25th on a score of 29.6.
🦆 Oh Duck! Arne Bergendahl and Luthien NRW have an early bath at the Lake. Fun for the doggos the end of the day but not so much for Arne. It was a real shame as this horse adores cross country and had been relishing his round up to that point. He’s kind of too powerful as he jumps in and loses his footing as he lands. A wet end to their Badminton but both no worse for wear apart from some water in the ears and some soggy breeches.
🪂 Whoop! Kylie Roddy took to the skies when SRS Kan Do stood waaaaaay off the hay wagon at 4C. He tried so hard, putting his hind down on it in an attempt to propel himself over it. He made it but Kylie was ejected right out of the saddle and flew over his head. The gelding galloped on down the track, not wanting to give up on his Badminton cross country day so early. Kylie was quickly on her feet, seemingly no worse for her abrupt landing.
🥰 Good Girl! – Lara de Leide-kerke Meier showed her appreciation for her lovely mare Hooney d’Arville all the way round the track, with shouts of ‘Good girl’ ringing above the cheers of the crowd. They had an awesome round and actually made those enormous fences look fun. They added 13.6 time penalties and sit in 18th on 45.3.
👑 Cross Country King – For me, for sure, the king of cross country has got to be eventing warrior Ballaghmor Class. He’s eighteen now and showing absolutely none of his advancing years. He’s just so cool. Totally invested in the sport. A total pro. His accolades speak for themselves. No matter what happens tomorrow, he’ll surely go down in history as one of the best 5* horses of all time. Oliver Townend is one lucky man to have this horse. They’re in 8th place on 34.1.
Keep it locked onto EN for the full report coming your way and join me back with the live blog tomorrow for the finale of MARS Badminton.
What a day, ENers! Thanks for joining. I’m off to rest my weary fingers ready for tomorrow.
Go eventing!
MARS Badminton Horse Trials: [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [XC Maps] [EN’s Coverage]
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EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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12:10pm
UPDATE: Oliver’s flag penalties have been taken away. That means he’s in the lead:
1️⃣ 🇬🇧 Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent – 22.3
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo – 25.3
3️⃣ 🇬🇧 Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight – 29.5
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12:07pm
And so there we have it. Cross country day at MARS Badminton has drawn to a close.
This is how the leaderboard looks right now, but there are flag penalties in play which are being reviewed and therefore things may change at the top. We’ll keep you updated.
1️⃣ 🇬🇧 Leading the pack is Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo who stormed round the track clear inside the time to land on their dressage score of 25.3, 4.2 penalties ahead of the rest of the field.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Chasing the top spot is Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight who showed their mettle with the first clear inside the time of the day and stay on their dressage score of 29.5.
3️⃣ 🇮🇪 Just 1.3 penalties behind second place, rounding out the rolling podium, is Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue who delivered a brilliant clear inside the time and are still on their dressage score of 30.8.
You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.
Stay tuned (and don’t forget to hit refresh) for a summary of the day’s sport headed your way right here on the live blog and keep it locked onto the website for EN’s classic full report – coming soon.
I’ll be back live blogging tomorrow for the grand finale of what’s been a super competition thus far. Don’t miss it!
Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow… We’ll find out who’ll take the 2025 MARS Badminton crown.
Be there, and go eventing!
MARS Badminton Horse Trials: [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [XC Maps] [EN’s Coverage]
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EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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11:56am
🇳🇿 FINAL COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Tim Price and Vitali
✨ Multiple 5* winner 🙋♂️
Dressage Score: 30.6
Place: =16
Tim’s flying as he comes down he staircase at 4 and over the hay wagon for the b element. We see him through the corners at 6 and 7 – they’ve been very influential today but not so for Tim. Smooth and confident work from them there. He takes the right hand line over the roll tops at the Lake at 9/10 to get a great line to the b element in the water. There’s a really slight stumble but it doesn’t slow them down at all. He makes nothing of the Chasm fence at 15.
He takes the straight route over the big ditch corner at 17/18 and clicks to Vitali to encourage him to quicken as he accelerates away. They look so cool through the Project Pony Brush Buckets at 23, very collected and sure of themselves. Tim’s so great to watch cross country.
They are fabulous through the Quarry at 28. He’s going to be close on the time. He comes round for the log at 31 and takes it in his stride. The clock counts down… He’s just over. A huge roar from the crowd. They clear the last. They’re through the finish. 9 seconds over. Vitali looks great!
🐶🐶🐶 Who let the dogs out??? The doggos are in the Lake!!! There’s a stick involved. Things are getting hairy! But they’re having a great time. 🐶🐶🐶
🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶 Many more dogs have joined in the fun. 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶
Samantha’s showing up as having had an 11 at the Lake at 10, we didn’t get to see it though. They must have activated a frangible device there. They have a great ride through the Chasm fence at 15. But then oh, they drive straight by the skinny brush at the b element of 21 after the big step down. Her hand goes straight up.
Caroline’s finished with High Time, looking to have had a great ride.
News on Harry’s flag penalties with Cavalier Crystal – they’ve been taken away.
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11:50am
🇳🇿 PENULTIMATE COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Samantha Lissington and Lord Seekonig
Dressage Score: 29.9
Place: 13
Wow, this horse is keen. He rockets off the steps at 4 and gets in very close to the b element there.
High Time is looking very confident with Caroline and gets a very bold jump over the final element of the Chasm at 15, landing at the bottom of the slope.
Tom takes the flag at Huntsman’s at 26, not actually putting it down until a couple of strides later. He’s been given 15 there – it’ll be reviewed. He’s good through the Quarry at 28 and headed for home. He rides a finish and crosses the line 20 seconds over. A great round for him but those flag penalties hanging over them.
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11:46am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Caroline Powell and High Time
🏆 Last year’s champ 🙋🏼♀️
Dressage Score: 36.6
Place: 53
We get a glimpse of Tom and Dreamliner before the stream goes to show Caroline galloping away from fence 4. We see her through the corners at 6 and 7. A lovely line through there. Very confident.
We go back to Harry who’s beautiful through Huntsman’s at 26. So smooth and clean. And then again through the Quarry at 28. He gallops up the hill towards the arena with plenty of time in hand. He cruises to the last. 7 SECONDS INSIDE THE TIME! He’s such a cool guy. The mare looks great as they start their cool down. A superb showing from both of them.
We finally get to see Tom properly as he jumps the Eyelash brushes at 19. He gets three big jumps there and hunts his way through.
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11:43am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tom Rowland and Dreamliner
Dressage Score: 33.1
Place: =28
We haven’t seen a lot of them but they’re showing as clear through the first few fences.
Harry’s wasting no time, keeping all the turns tight and riding really efficiently. The mare is very gymnastic over the Chasm fence at 15. Very nice. She doesn’t get up very high over the brushes at 19 but they’re forgiving and she’s very efficient. The line through there is awesome.
Meanwhile Joseph is showing as clear through Huntsman’s at 26 and is heading for home. We see him clear the last, just under a minute over the time with clear jumping.
We hear from Oliver who is pretty certain that he jumped the right side of that flag. The judges will decide.
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11:38am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal
Dressage Score: 33.8
Place: 33
Harry is very good through the corners at 6 and 7. No troubles for him there at all. He comes around to the the Lake at 10. He gets a bold jump into the water and then is close to the brush element, takes the flag, but flies on through. The penalties come up on the scoreboard – that’ll be reviewed.
Joseph has a great ride through the sunken road at 12, really confident. He makes a very clear turn in the water at 14 to the b element and his horse reads it beautifully. He gets a huge jump over the ditch at the Chasm fence at 15. Looking good so far. We see him set up for 19 and the horse jumps really big over the ditch in the middle of that combination also. Calmaro’s got his ears pricked and looks to be really keen for the job. He drops down the step at 21 and makes it happen over the b element.
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11:35am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Joseph Murphy and Calmaro
Dressage Score: 32.6
Place: 26
The live stream focused on the overnight leader, Oliver, but Joseph’s showing as clear through fence 11.
Ooh, Oliver takes a chance at Huntsman’s at 26. He takes the slightly alternative route but he’s really quick and gets right underneath the b element. He takes the flag and it comes up as a 15 – it will be reviewed though, we’ll have to wait and see. He’s riding for the line as he comes round into the arena. The crowd cheers as they jump the last. 3 seconds over, but there are some questions over those flags.
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11:32am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Gemma Stevens and Jalapeno
🌟 5* winner 🙋🏼♀️
Dressage Score: 24.7
Place: 3
Sadly we see Gemma having early problems at the corners at 6 and 7. ‘Jala’ just doesn’t lock on to the second corner and they run by. Gemma’s hand is straight up in the air. No point putting any pressure on this lovely 17-year-old who Gemma takes care of so thoughtfully. Great horsemanship on show and understanding of her horse and its needs.
‘Rosie’ looks to be relishing her time on course. She’s jumping brilliantly and looks to be well within herself. They get in really close to the final element at 21 but Rosie gets her legs up and out of the way and they gallop on.
We join Kirsty as she decides to pull up before fence 23. Not their day today.
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EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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11:27am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent
🌟 5* winning combo!
Dressage Score: 21.1
Place: 1
The leaders are out on course. They’re cheered through the Lake at 10 but there’s a flag query already hanging over him for the Agria Corners at 6 and 7. We see them neatly over the rails at 13 and head towards the water at 14. They’re very fast through there.
We’re seeing that Kirsty had a 20 at the Lake at fence 10 but it wasn’t shown on screen.
Fiona’s nearing the end of the course now. She Hups! as they clear the second of the white gates at 30. What an exciting round for her. They clear the last and punch the air and huge pats for this wonderful horse. Fantastic.
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11:23am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Kirsty Chabert and Opposition Heraldik Girl
Dressage Score: 33.9
Place: =34
We join them as they knock the back rail of the first element at the sunken road at 12 down, 11 penalties there for them. They’re going really quick.
Fiona’s having a peach of a ride, so cool after posting their best ever dressage score yesterday. What a dream for her. They’re confident down the drop at 21 and clean over the b element there.
Laura’s decided to go the long route at Huntsman’s at 26. She pushes the flag away and has been awarded 15 there. That’ll be reviewed. We see her come into the arena and over the last. Not without mistakes but a great education for this horse on her debut at the level.
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11:18am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar
Dressage Score: 28.4
Place: 7
We see them at the water at 9 and 10 as they pop neatly into the Lake and are confident through there. They’re just as good through the water at 14 and then make nothing of the Chasm fence at 15. They’re looking great.
Ooop, Bling looks down the drop at 21 and is not sure at all. Nope, not today. Laura circles round and encourages the mare the second time. A learning experience there.
Meanwhile, we see Nicolai over the last with big pats for Timmo. 20 penalties for them but a Badminton cross country completion.
News in about Ros’ flag penalties – they’ve been taken away. She’s in the lead with Lordships Graffalo as things stand.
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11:14am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Laura Collett and Bling
✨ Multiple 5* winner 🙋🏼♀️
Dressage Score: 37.8
Place: 59
Laura gives Bling a nice pat to say thank you for listening to her as they gallop away from the corners at 6 and 7, they’ve been influential fences but this pair find them no bother.
SAVE OF THE DAY from Nicolai. He gets the distance wrong at the sunken road at 21 after the step down and he’s hanging round the horse’s neck. He clings to the breastplate, he’ll be glad of his tack choices today for sure. He manages to right himself. He’s picked up a 20 but he continues on.
Alex is through the finish to huge cheers. They’ve cheered him all the way round, he’s a really popular rider. Clear with some time.
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11:12am
🇩🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo
Dressage Score: 33.9
Place: =34
We join them as they go around the tree at the sunken road at 12. They’re very deliberate and confident through there.
Ah, it’s a late run out for Sam at the brush mounds at 27. They just run past the second one. That’s disappointing as they were going so well. He sets up for the white gates at 29 and 30. They clip the second but carry on towards home. Sam just keeps a nice rhythm to the finish and they jump the MARS M well to complete. 20 penalties and a fair bit of time.
We haven’t really seen Alex but we do see him through Huntsman’s at 26. They’re great through there.
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11:10am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Alexander Bragg and Ardeo Premier
Dressage Score: 35.2
Place: =44
The crowd cheer really loud as Alex makes his way through the Lake at 10. He takes a great line through the water at 14. He gets a big jump out of the Chasm fence at 15 but Alex is sitting back and on they go.
Sam drops down the big step at 21 and gets in close to the b element but Rocketman is catlike and they gallop on.
We see Taylor cross the line 11 seconds over. But there’s a flag penalty under review for her at Huntsman’s at 26. Nevertheless, a Badminton cross country finish and a really quick round on the day.
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11:05am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Sam Watson and Ballyneety Rocketman
Dressage Score: 40.5
Place: 72
Sam’s going really well as we see him over the ditch corner at 17/18.
Taylor’s being really thoughtful about her lines round this course. She has a lovely ride through the Project Pony Brush Buckets ate 23ab and then again at the final water at 24.
Meanwhile Sarah’s at the white gates at 29 and 30 near the end of the course. Jackson looks to have settled now and isn’t pulling so much. She’s carrying those jumping penalties but comes towards the last and gets a fabulous jump over that. Jackson could run round again, he’s still full of gallop. A completion for them, but disappointment.
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11am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Taylor Mason and Centennial
Dressage Score: 40.2
Place: =69
We see Taylor at the water at 14, taking the right hand side of the drop in to get a good line at the b element in the water. They pop through the Chasm fence at 15, taking the ditch big but jumping really well over the log at c. She takes the huge ditch and corner at 17/18. That was good and brave. She’ll know she’s at Badminton after that!
Patrick crosses the line just over a minute over the time, which is really around average today. A great, smooth ride for them.
We join Sarah going the long route at 19, looking to be having some steering problems. Jackson gets a pat and they continue on.
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10:55am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson
Dressage Score: 35.6
Place: 48
We join Sarah at the Lake at 9 and 10 where she unfortunately has a drive by at the brush in the water. She growls over the rolltops in and the horse jumps well but then just doesn’t lock onto the brush in the water. She comes round and the horse catches a leg and Sarah does a miraculous job of staying on there. Yikes. She’ll be hoping for a less dramatic rest of the round. But alas. The next water doesn’t come off for them. They run past the hedge at b there. He’s very keen.
Harry’s nearing the end of his round now and he gallops into the arena. They get a good shot over the last and are through the finish carrying 20 penalties.
Patrick is clear through to the white gates at 29 and 30 nearing the end of the course.
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10:50am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Patrick Whelan and Ikoon Lan
Dressage Score: 34.4
Place: =39
Patrick has a bold ride through the sunken ride at 12, really neat through there. They fly the silver birch rails at 13. They have another bold ride through the water at 14 and make their way to the Chasm fence at 15. He brings the horse back and they’re good over the first element, but he slips his rains and there’s a bit of a moment, but he’s beautifully in balance and they continue on. He goes the straight route at 17 and 18 and shouts Good boy!
Harry is now up at the brush buckets at 23 and look good through there. He was stopped for a short time while the frangible devices were replaced at Huntsman’s Close after Lauren’s fall.
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EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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10:45am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Harry Mutch and Shanbeg Cooley
Dressage Score: 40.1
Place: =67
Oh. We join Harry at the corners at 6 and 7. Momentum just takes them between the two fences and they clearly jump outside the flag. That’s a 20 for them. He takes a minute to recoup and then comes round and pops it nicely.
Felix takes the straight route through Huntsman’s at 26 and makes it look easy. He can smell the finish flags now. They’re quick through the Quarry at 28. It doesn’t look like they’re going to make the time. Oh man! The white gate at 29 trips them up. She just doesn’t get her foot down. A very late tumble for them. Both are straight up and walking off course.
Oh! Lauren’s now had a fall. They just don’t have a stride at the first corner at Huntsman’s. The fence collapses, once more showing the frangible devices doing their job. Lauren’s pitched over the fence. It sounds quite dramatic on the live stream but actually, the noise of the fence collapsing was much worse that what actually happened. The horse didn’t fall. Lauren’s soon up and walks off course.
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10:40am
🇨🇭 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Felix Vogg and Cartania
🌟 5* winner 🙋
Dressage Score: 29.7
Place: 12
They’re very neat and tidy down the Savills Staircase at 4 and then they make the line through 6 and 7 look easy. Sharp and confident, a great start for them. The mare’s really bold at the waterfall table at 8 – oof, that was a heart in the mouth moment. Her nose is in the air and she’s fighting but she can’t take off from there, Felix pulls for a little stride and they’re in super close, but she gets her legs out of the way and they incredibly land in beautiful balance. Wow, she’s keen for the job. They go outside the tree at sunken road at 12 and get a good shot through there. They get a flier over the b element at the water at 14. That was chancy.
The live stream’s focusing on Felix so we don’t get to see much of Nicky’s round right now but they’re showing as clear Huntsman’s at 26.
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10:40am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Lauren Innes and Global Fision M
Dressage Score: 48.6
Place: 80
This horse may find the dressage tricky, but boy does he love cross country. They get a great start to their Badminton cross country. The horse is really bold and taking Lauren to the fences. They’re quick through the water at 14.
We see Felix very slick through the LeMieux Eyelashes at 19. They’re quick through the final water at 24, not even glancing at the keyhole fence as they fly through it.
Meanwhile, Nicky’s headed for home. We see her over the pheasant log at the penultimate fence and then over the MARS M and through the finish. A great clear jumping round for them.
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10:35am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Nicky Hill and MGH Bingo Boy
Dressage Score: 40.1
Place: =67
Nicky has no troubles at the Agria corners at 6 and 7 and they gallop off to really get stuck into their round. They come around the tree at the sunken road at 12 and happily navigate their way through there. They rattle the back rail of the big parallel rails at 13 and gallop on off down the track.
Katie’s horse is still galloping easily within himself as they make their way through the brush mounds at 27. They slow up for the Quarry at 28 and get a bit close to the wall at b but the horse is really adjustable and they do a good job there. Katie sees a great shot to the last and there’s a cheer as she crosses the line. This horse is clearly super fit, he looks great. Katie’s thrilled. That was a great ride from her and a great showing from the horse.
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10:32am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Daragh Byrne and Kilcannon Ramiro
Dressage Score: 41.8
Place: 76
Oh dear, Daragh’s round really didn’t get going. He’s showing as having had a rider fall at fence 5.
We see Jack over the white gates at 29 and 30 and heading for home. The horse is clearly still full of running. A great round for them and an exciting future with this lovely young horse. His arm’s aloft and he points to his horse. He’s thrilled. Clear jumping, just under a minute over. Badminton cross country – check.
Meanwhile Katie’s showing as clear through Huntsman’s and is headed for home.
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10:28am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Katie Magee and Treworra
Dressage Score: 31.8
Place: =23
We see Katie get a great ride through those tricky corners at 6 and 7. The horse is clever with his feet through the sunken road at 12 and then they fly the big rails at 13. They look really quick. They’re great through the water at 14, wasting no time there. She loses her stirrup as she gallops off but she gets it back in time for the Chasm fence at 15. The horse doesn’t get very high over the log at c but there’s no worries there for them.
We join Harald as he comes back to trot and pulls up on the way to Huntsman’s at 26. He’s listened to his horse. The ground team are there to just make sure all’s well.
We haven’t seen Jack but he’s showing as clear through fence 25. He opts for an alternative route at Huntsman’s but is quick through there.
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10:23am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jack Pinkney and Rehy Revelation
Dressage Score: 39.9
Place: 66
Jack opts for the long route at the water at 10. Then we see him have a moment at the next water – 14 – where he tips forward after the hedge at b. He rights himself and they gallop on.
Argh, Max has had the frangible device at the first corner at Huntsman’s at 26. That’s such a shame when they really were having a smooth and confident round. He goes round the long route. And then there’s more problems at the Quarry at 28. The horse looks to have tired suddenly after looking so fabulous up to now. They quietly take the long route and head for home. He clears the last really nicely.
Meanwhile there’s troubles for Harald also. They’re bold down the drop at 21 and then just drive on by the skinny at b. A shame for them, they were going so well.
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10:19am
🇦🇹 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Harald Ambros and Vitorio du Montet
Dressage Score: 34.9
Place: =42
We see them pop neatly down the staircase at 4 and then over the hay wagon and onward down the track. They get a great line through the corners at 6 and 7 – no question there for them. They’re neat through the water at 14 and then make nothing of the Chasm fence at 15. Harald sits back down the slope and they gallop on.
Helen’s coming towards the end of the course now and Carpe Diem’s still running strong. They fly through the brush buckets combination at 23. She brings him back for the Quarry at 28 and the horse locks on and sails through. They fly over the last and Helen’s thrilled. Clear jumping. And the horse looks great at the end – happy, still running and with his ears pricked. A great sight.
Meanwhile Max is having a very smooth round. They jump easily through the combination at 19 and then the gelding accelerates away when Max asks him to. Lovely.
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10:15am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Max Warburton and Deerpairc Revelry
Dressage Score: 32.7
Place: 27
We see them through and clear at the second water at 14. Neat and tidy and efficient.
Helen’s having a great round. She’s so confident and Carpe Diem is so enthusiastic and very happy in himself. He’s taking her forwards to the fences. He’s brave down the drop at 21 and then pushes to the b element. Helen’s in her safety seat again. And off they gallop. Super.
Tom and Cowling Hot Gossip are through the finish. Another 5* cross country completion for them. Clear jumping with a fair few time penalties.
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10:08am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Helen Bates and Carpe Diem
Dressage Score: 40.2
Place: =69
Helen gets a great line through the water at 9/10, taking that right hand line though there that worked so well for Ros. Whoop! They get a flier over the silver birch rails at 13. They get another great line through the water at 14. They seem to be having a great round thus far. She leans back over the big log at the c element of 15 – there’s a big slope down from that fence which has been the undoing of others. No so for Helen. Really smooth through there.
Wouter gets a good shot through Huntsman’s at 26 and wastes no time there. He crosses the line with massive pats for the mare. He’s grinning – and delighted – and looks like he can’t quite believe that happened. It did Wouter. You just completed Badminton cross country.
We see Tom and Cowling Hot Gossip have a moment at the Chasm fence at 15. There was a bit of guesswork going on from the horse but Tom sits tight and helps him through. The horse is very keen through the LeMieux Eyelashes at 19. They sail on through there.
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EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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10:05am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tom Bird and Cowling Hot Gossip
Dressage Score: 45.2
Place: 78
We see them through the sunken road at 12 looking well. They fly the rails at 13 and gallop on down the course.
The Chasm fence at 15 is a little sticky for Wouter and Quintera but they make it through there clear. They’re neat down the drop at 21 and he really trusts the mare and commits to the skinny at b. Good job through there.
Selina opts for the long route at Huntsman’s at 26 with Gelmer, which looked to be a smart choice and didn’t really waste a lot of time. She’s carrying that 20 and is looking for a completion now. They come down to the Quarry at 28 and the horse is still looking strong. He’s got plenty of gallop left that’s for sure. They’re almost home now. Selina looks tired and her arms have basically been pulled out of the sockets for the past 12 minutes. The horse, not so much, he’d go again if you let him.
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10:03am
🇩🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Wouter De Cleene and Quintera
Dressage Score: 38.1
Place: 61
Oh dear, we join them as they have trouble at the water at 10. Another one not to lock onto the narrow brush in the water. They go right round for the long route and carry on with their course.
Selina and Gelmer look to have got things together when we see them popping through the Chasm fence at 19. The horse looks very strong and Selina’s having to work hard to contain his enthusiasm.
Georgie opts for the long route at the Quarry at 28. They’re coming for home now. She finishes clear jumping with a minute plus some over the time.
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10am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Selina Milnes and Gelmer
Dressage Score: 37.6
Place: =57
Unfortunately we join them as they miss the narrow brush in the water at 10. The horse just doesn’t lock on at all.
Georgie sits back over the ditch at the LeMieux brushes at 19. She puts a curving line through there to give the horse time to see what’s in front of him.
Grace gets close to the wall at the b element of the Quarry at 28. They’re coming to home now. She takes a pull at the last and finish Badminton cross country. Her helmet seems to have slipped over her eyes. She’s having to look up to see the crowd cheering for her. They’ve got that flag query on their card, but otherwise are clear jumping.
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9:54am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Georgie Goss and Feloupe
Dressage Score: 29.6
Place: 11
We join them as Feloupe is very careful down the staircase at 4. Georgie knows they’ll never make the distance to the hay wagon at c and circles round to the alternative. They didn’t present so no penalties there. They have a little stumble in the water at 14 but recover quickly and gallop on no harm done.
We join Libby as she comes to the finish. She’s grinning. What a feeling! The horse is cantering on with his ears pricked looking for another fence. Good job buddy.
We haven’t seen much of Grace but she’s showing as through fence 20. There’s a flag penalty for her at fence 7.
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9:50am
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Grace Taylor and Game Changer
Dressage Score: 35.4
Place: 47
They’re a little hairy through the water at 9/10. The horse looks very fresh and keen to get on with the job. Grace has things in hand though, I’m sure. We see them having another moment through the next water. They leave the hind over the hedge in the water, but it’s very forgiving and they slide through and gallop on.
Kate is headed for the brush mounds at 27. The horse looks great through there and keen for the last few fences. They come through the finish and Kate punches the air. They’ve had a great, clear jumping round.
Meanwhile, Libby’s showing as clear through Huntsman’s at 26.
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9:45am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Libby Seed and Heartbreaker Star Quality
Dressage Score: 36.7
Place: 54
We don’t get to see them, but Libby seems to be clear through fence 13 and coming up to the second water.
News in… Ros has been given a flag penalty at the b element of Huntsman’s at 26. Nicola Wilson in the commentary box suggests they were OK, but the camera angle we get doesn’t make it clear. The penalties have been given but there will be a review. Can Ros really be that unlucky twice after what happened in Paris?
We’re hearing from Ros, who believes they jumped it, but we can see from the fence analysis that Kate is clear through fence 26.
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9:40am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Kate Rocher-Smith and Dassett Select
Dressage Score: 33.1
Place: =28
We join them at the sunken road at 12, where they opt to go around the tree. They look good through there. They have a huge jump at at the rails at 13. They really angle the hedge in the water at 14b and sneak through there. She really brings the mare back for the Chasm fence at 15, leaving absolutely nothing to chance.
Walter taps the wall at the b element of the Quarry at 28 but he’s just so focused and within himself. He looks great and seems to have plenty left in the tank. They’re good on the clock. They come into the ring, a huge cheer from the crowd, Ros is punching the air as she crosses the line. 11 SECONDS INSIDE THE TIME!!! Into the lead. The perfect round. Ros gets off and Walter walks off with his team. Such a pro combination.
Meanwhile we get to see Susie and Clever Trick through the brush buckets at 23ab. They get a great shot through there.
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9:36am:
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Susie Berry and Clever Trick
Dressage Score: 36.5
Place: 52
We’re still on Ros on the live stream but we can see from the fence analysis that they’re clear through the Lake at 9/10.
We do get to see Christoph through Huntsman’s at 26. They pop through there making it look very easy. Then we rejoin them to see them finish CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME! A smooth round from them.
Back to Ros and the horse is absolutely flying these fences. His ears are pricked and he’s galloping along very easily and jumping out of his skin. Easy peasy. At Badminton! They take the flag at the b element at Huntsman’s at 26 but no worries there. They’re coming towards home now.
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EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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9:30am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Rosalind Canter and Lordships Graffalo
✨ Multiple 5* winning combo!
Dressage Score: 25.3
Place: 4
Ros and ‘Walter’ have a beautiful ride through the Agria Corners at 6 and 7. Ros had her line planned and didn’t miss a beat. She sets him up very nicely at the water at 9/10. She jumps the right of the a element of 10 to drop into the water. Very deliberate. Smooth and pro, of course. They tap tap at the rails at 13 but it slows them down none. Walter’s on fire. They go through the water at 14 in a beautiful rhythm.
We see Emma and Icarus coming towards home. The horse looks great. He gets a lovely shot over the penultimate fence and then they’re over the last. Emma shouts with joy. The horse is still galloping and she struggles to pull him up. A great feeling to finish cross country at Badminton. A real shame about those early penalties.
We also see Ian across the finish after a great round – just 3.6 penalties to add. Awesome. Ian looks tired, the horse, not so much.
We see Christoph galloping in front of Badminton house, looking to be having a great run. The live stream’s focusing on Ros so we don’t get to see a lot of him.
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9:27am
🇩🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Christoph Wahler and D’Accord FRH
Dressage Score: 32.2
Place: 25
We haven’t seen any of Christoph but the fence analysis is showing them as clear through fence 7.
Ian takes the quick route at 17/18, jumping the big corner and ditch in one. Superb through there. Really confident. They’re having a great run through Badminton estate. They’re brave off the drop at 21 and then get in close to the b element, but the horse is really responding to Ian and they put that right behind them.
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9:24am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ian Cassells and Master Point
Dressage Score: 30.7
Place: =18
We don’t get to see a lot of Ian at the start of the course but then we do see them have a great shot through the water at 14 so it seems their round is going well.
Emma and Icarus are through fence 22, the Wiltshire Brewers Brush.
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9:20am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Emma Thomas and Icarus
Dressage Score: 46.9
Place: 79
Cheg back after a bathroom break – thanks Sally 🙂
OK, there’s been a bit of action for Emma, who’s had a drive by at the corner at 7. They’re back round and on their way carrying an early 20, that’s a shame for them.
Wills has also had some troubles. They have problems at the drop at the a element of 23. He has to circle back and try again, but then has another refusal at the brush at b. That’s the end of their day, unfortunately.
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9:17am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Wills Oakden and A Class Cooley
Dressage Score: 34.4
Place: =39
Wills Oakden clears the massive oxer at 13 as our latest starter. Austin is straight as an arrow as he goes clear through the gymnastic KBIS Chasm with Colorado Blue. He’s looking fairly strong on time as he also clears the HorseQuest Quarry.
And here we go: Austin has 26 seconds as he jumps the penultimate. Let’s see if he does it…yes, he’s done it!! Our third inside the time, and well inside at that with 7 seconds to spare. What a ride from this incredibly special horse. GOOOO SALTY!
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9:09am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue
🌟 5* winning combo!
Dressage Score: 30.8
Place: 20
Emily is still clear at the Quarry as Austin and Colorado Blue, Maryland 5 Star winners in 2023, navigate the Lake neatly. Emily now jumps the double gates clear – she’s going to get into time pretty soon but looking like maybe 20 seconds or so added. Yep, they add 18 seconds but she looks thrilled with how Valmy has finished.
Tom’s chatting now and notes that leaving a couple legs early on took a bit of the steam out, but he says the horse tried very hard. He says this might be the hardest he’s ever had to work with this horse.
We’ve not seen much of Rafe Losano so I’m not sure where he is at this juncture. Austin is clear at the Sunken Road. Oh, here’s Rafael, coming to the last and looking to be working on a clear though they’ll get about a minute of time. Not sure if he’s actually gone clear but he looks very happy as he finishes so it’s looking good for Brazil.
Austin is clear at 19, the LeMieux Eyelash Brushes.
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9:08am
🇧🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Raphael Losano and Withington
Dressage Score: 34
Place: =37
We’re joined now by both Raphael Losano for Brazil and Austin O’Connor for Ireland. Emily King and Valmy Biats give the B corner just a bit of a rub at the Huntsman’s Close, but she’s still working on a clear that’s looking pretty quick so far.
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9:02am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Emily King and Valmy Biats
Dressage Score: 27.3
Place: 5
An exciting pair now joins us, getting a big cheer as they come to the Lake question, in Emily King and Valmy Biats. A really neat line through the Lake question and off she goes.
Lizzie Baugh and B Exclusive we haven’t seen much of, but we catch up with them now as they jump the double gates at 29 clear and head for home.
Lizzie is going to be well into time, with about a minute and 20 to add, but B Exclusive comes home looking full of run and even has a small spook after crossing the finish. Lots of horses finishing looking really strong today, which we love to see.
Emily neatly answers the MARS Sustainability Bay question. She’s now clear over the KBIS Chasm at 15. She’s about 1 second down as she comes now to fence 19.
“My goodness, it’s tough!” Yas says at the finish. “[Piglet] just tried really, really hard for me…I was talking to him, patting him, telling him he was so good.”
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EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
9:00am
🇦🇺 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Samantha Cesnik and Graftango
Dressage Score: 36.2
Place: =50
We catch up with our latest starter, Samantha Cesnik and Graftango, who are clear at Saville’s Staircase.
Oh no!! Samantha has gone off Graftango at the C element of the KBIS Chasm, she’s up right away but what a bummer.
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8:56am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Lizzie Baugh and B Exclusive
Dressage Score: 39.2
Place: =64
Yas and Rehy DJ are clear through the Project Pony Brush Buckets and the HorseQuest Quarry, still looking like they’ve got their rhythm and are moving forward. This horse seems like the type who kind of has one top gear, but if you can maintain that the whole way around you’ll get somewhat close to the time.
Lizzie Baugh and B Exclusive were clear through the Copse Rails early on last we saw them.
Yas comes to the last and comes home clear on this Badminton debut with 23 seconds of time and a two-phase score of 38.7, punching the air as she crosses the finish.
EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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8:50am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ
🏆 Reigning World Champion 🙋🏼♀️
Dressage Score: 29.1
Place: 8
Our reigning World Champion is on course, making her Badminton cross country debut with Rehy DJ. She gives “Piglet” a good ride at the Lake as her horse takes just a quick peek at the water.
Tom McEwen navigates the LeMieux Eyelash Brushes well with JL Dublin.
Yas is clear through the INEOS Grenadier Sunken Road question at 12.
Here comes Tom to the Huntsman’s Close at 26 and absolutely demolish the first corner, jumping a little flat after running up that hill. Dubs has looked a bit strong in the bridle and perhaps those efforts are taking the wind out of his sails a bit. He’s taken both the front and back rails of that first corner, which will drop them considerably with 11 penalties and presumably some time to add to their card. Not their day today.
Yas clears the Vicarage question, looking to be taking her time just a bit but looks could be deceiving.
Yas goes to her voice at the Sunken Road and navigates that clear. Tom is through the double gates and has just two singles left to go. He’s not actually going to have a TON of time but he’s had to take off the gas (and will have done so anyway with that pin in mind). He’s jumped the last and will add 27 seconds to his card to go onto 44.2.
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8:48am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tom McEwen and JL Dublin
🌟 5* winner 🙋♂️
Dressage Score: 22.4
Place: 2
Tom McEwen and JL Dublin, who are a top pair in terms of picks to podium this weekend, are on course and make easy work of the influential first water, a true throwback question as Harry Meade dubbed it.
Will Rawlin is about 20 seconds over as he jumps the penultimate fence. Ballycoog Breaker Boy is looking a bit weary as he comes to the last, but he’s still jumping well and they finish on 61.6 with 40 seconds’ worth of time.
Tom just checks up slightly to make the angled brush in the water at the MARS Sustainability Bay and makes neat work of that question. He then lives slightly dangerously at the KBIS Chasm at 15, twisting in the air over the final element and giving both he and “Dubs” a bit of a wake-up call.
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8:45am
🇩🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Arne Bergendahl and Luthien NRW
Dressage Score: 36.2
Place: =50
Oh duck! We see them just as they get wet at 9/10. The horse does so well. He looks to be relishing his cross country, which we know he loves. They get a great shot in, dead center, right stride. But then he just loses his footing as he lands. He was almost too powerful there. A wet end to their Badminton, but both up and no worse for wear apart from some water in the ears.
Meanwhile Will’s coming to the end of his round now.
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8:42am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy
Dressage Score: 30.6
Place: =16
They take the flag at the second corner at 7 but look to be OK. But then the flag gets them at 10b – the brush in the lake. 15 goes onto the live scoreboard but that will be reviewed so the penalties may be taken off.
The Jacks are almost home. Jack (guy) is careful through the Quarry at 28. They don’t quite get the stride at the white gates at 29 and 30 but the horse sorts things out. They come over the pheasant log and then over the last. The horse looks great. What a feeling to complete your first 5* cross country. The horse looked to enjoy himself also, he wants to go again!
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8:38am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Felicity Collins and RSH Contend Or
Dressage Score: 37.1
Place: 55
Oh, they have a frustrating 20 at the second corner at 6/7. That’s a shame for them early on. We see them come to the Lake at 9 and 10 and the horse stops at the second rolltop into the water. He’s looking at the water the whole way into there. Her hand goes up. She lets him get his feet wet before walking off course. Every day’s a school day.
Jack is quick again through the Chasm at 15. Jack (horse) really looks down into the ditch at the LeMieux fence at 19 but Jack’s sitting back and pushing on.
We see Gaspard finishing with Zaragoza, only 22 seconds over the time. That was quick considering the mishaps they had.
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8:34am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jack Mantel and Jack Daniels
⭐ Rookie combo alert!
Dressage Score: 41.2
Place: 74
Ooo, Jack and Jack have a moment at the Agria Corners at 6/7. They jump the first one well but then slither over the second. Jack (guy) does a great job to keep his balance there. They continue on.
They’re very quick through the sunken road at 11 and get really close to the rails on the way out.
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8:30am
🇫🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza
Dressage Score: 30.7
Place: =18
Gaspard has the course to himself as he gets his Badminton cross country underway. This mare is really quick – he calls her Zoom Zoom Zaragoza.
They have a bit of a moment at the Lake, he’ll be glad to get that over with. Then unfortunately they come into the sunken road at 11 a bit quick and activate the frangible device.
Things continue to be a little dramatic. They get a good shot into the water at 15, jump a little low over the hedge at b and then the mare seems to lose her footing on the way out of the water. Nothing really to do with the fence it seems. They both get wet, but the horse didn’t actually fall. They continue on but the judges will be reviewing that carefully.
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8:25am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tom Woodward and Low Moor Lucky
Dressage Score: 27.9
Place: 6
Ah! They have a problem at the corner at 7. He jumps 6 really well but the turn’s not there for 7 on the related distance and they shoot past. He comes back round and jumps it but the hand’s straight up. That’s a real blow after such a great dressage score. But it looks like they’ll reroute from here.
There’s also troubles for Seppe. They activate the frangible device at the rails at 12 and then have a hairy jump at 17 and Seppe’s hand goes up. Enough for them today.
Joe ended up picking up three 20s on course and was therefore eliminated.
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8:23am
🇧🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Seppe Vilain and Kawa De La Cour Z
Dressage Score: 33.9
Place: =34
We see Seppe as he sits tight over the c element at 10. The horse twists over the brush and kicks out the red flag with his hind, but Senne doesn’t move an inch. There’s a flag question there for them.
Meanwhile, Lara’s completed a fabulous clear round with some time.
We see Joe at the final water and oh dear, Harbin stops at the keyhole. They just didn’t get the stride there.
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8:18am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Joe Meyer and Harbin
Dressage Score: 40.4
Place: 71
Oh, we see Joe having trouble at the sunken road at 12. They don’t get the stride and come to a halt at the rails. That’s a shame. He circles back round and continues on. Harbin stands a long way off the hedge in the water at 14 but he stretches on over.
We see Ryuzo through the finish, he’s picked up plenty of time but has jumped clear.
Lara’s still going well as she nears the end of the track. We see them navigate the Quarry at 28 very neatly.
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EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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8:12am
🇧🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Lara De Liedekerke-Meier and Hooney d’Arville
🌟 5* winning combo!
Dressage Score: 31.7
Place: 22
Lara shouts Good girl! as she gallops away from the hay wagon at 4c. They make nothing of those tricky corners at 6 and 7. No bother for them. We see her get a great shot into the Lake at 9/10. They pop through the combination at 19 and there’s another Good girl! They’re having a great round and actually making those enormous fences look fun.
Ryuzo loses his knitting down the big step at 21a and his horse is wonderful, staying on the line while Ryuzo sorted his reins out. He gets a great jump over the b element. He takes the slightly slower route through Huntsman’s, going around the tree to get very straight for the corner. That works neatly for them.
Tom and Rocky are nearing the end of their round. They come into the arena with the horse looking to have gained confidence on the way round. What a valuable educational experience for this young horse. 20 jumping penalties and plenty of time.
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8:06am
🇯🇵 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ryuzo Kitajima and Feroza Nieuwmoed
Dressage Score: 33.5
Place: 31
Ryuzo and Feroza get a good shot through the sunken road at 11 and then we see them quickly through the water at 14. Very neat and tidy through there.
Tom and ‘Rocky’ are very neat through the sunken road at 12 and look to have put that mistake behind them. He’s letting the horse travel on. He has a little look at the water at 14 but Tom supports him and they continue on with their round.
Black Ice is still going really well. They’re clear up to the HorseQuest Quarry at 28abc. There’s a click-click as the horse picks up through there. This sure seems to have been a great round. Nearly home now. They rattle the second white gate at 30 and can see home now. The horse accelerates away from there, plenty of running left at the end of the course, for sure. They’re through the finish 36 seconds over. Fantastic round from them.
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8:03am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tom Crisp and Dassett Rock Star
Dressage Score: 34.9
Place: =42
Tom makes nothing of the staircase fence at 4 and gallops on along the track. He sets up for the corners at 6/7 and gets the first one really well, but then the horse doesn’t seem to read the second one, he doesn’t really turn and they pick up a 20 there. Tom could have circled between them as they’re separately numbered but decided to go straight after that good jump at the first. He comes back round and continues on for an educational round for this lovely young horse.
Black Ice is very neat over the rails combination at 12. He’s very confident through there. They’re so smooth through the Chasm at 15abcd. Very nice.
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7:59am
🇩🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jérôme Robiné and Black Ice
Dressage Score: 35.2
Place: =44
This is an exciting young combination. They’re very quick through the Lake at 9/10. The horse gets a big pat and a ‘Gut boy’. Wow, that was confident.
Dan’s still going really well as he nears the end of his track. He comes back for the white gates at 29 and 30, really respecting them. They’re a bit over the time, this horse isn’t the fastest, but they’re running on along nicely and the gelding seems to be relishing his time out there. They come through the finish, clear jumping with a fair bit of time.
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7:55am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Kylie Roddy and SRS Kan Do
Dressage Score: 30.1
Place: 14
Oh no. We see their round start and end straight away. They come down the staircase really well at 4, but they’re a bit short and don’t get the distance to the hay wagon at c. The horse puts his back legs down on it, trying so hard, but Kylie’s ejected out of the saddle and flies over the horse’s head. SRS Kan Do gallops on down the track, not wanting to give up on his cross country day. Kylie’s up and looks to be no worse for wear.
Dan’s continuing on nicely. He doesn’t look to be really pushing for the time but he’s having a super ride with his longtime partner. They’ve got the course to themselves for a minute. He decides to take the alternative at Huntsman’s, he’s certainly done his homework and knows all his options as it didn’t seem to waste much time.
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7:52am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Dan Jocelyn and Blackthorn Cruise
Dressage Score: 34.8
Place: 41
We catch up with Dan at fence 13 and they fly those rails as though they’re tiny. They come round to the water at 14 and look good and positive through there.
Oh, Google is a bit unsure of the drop at 21a. It’s close, perhaps there was a step back there – that’s one for the judges.
Oh no, Tiana’s run into trouble at the Quarry at 28. They get right underneath the c element, the stump on the hill, and the mare just can’t get her legs up. They circle for the alternative. A round of two halves. Superb until those troubles. But they come and finish up. A shame as they really were having a fabulous ride early on.
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7:47am
🇧🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Senne Vervaecke and Google Van Alsingen
Dressage Score: 38.4
Place: 62
We get to see them through the water at 14 and they look to be enjoying their time out on cross country thus far. Oh, they’re sticky through the KBIS fence at 15. They add a stride and it’s not there, but Senne gives his mare the support she needs to sort things out and they make it through without penalties.
Oh no. David and Galileo have had a fall at fence 26 – Huntsman’s Close. The horse catches the fence, it totally deforms, the safety devices well and truly doing their job. Galileo’s quickly up and walking round. David looks winded but then we see him up too. The vets and medical teams will be there checking them both out.
After having such a great ride, Tiana sadly picks up at 20 the Mayston Equestrian Sunken Road Fence at 21. They drop down the step great but then go straight on past the choice of brushes at the b element. That’s a real shame as they looked to be going brilliantly. They continue on.
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7:43am
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl
Dressage Score: 34
Place: =37
Tiana and Cancaras Girl as great through the Lake at 9/10 – very neat and tidy through there. She decides to go round the tree at 12 and adds a little stride through that sunken road fence but they’re through and clear. They’re quick and neat through the water at 14ab, very efficient through there.
David’s having to work quite hard round here. ‘Good lad!’ he yells to Galileo, and then another one – ‘Good lad!’.
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EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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7:37am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed
Dressage Score: 38.8
Place: 63
David hails a cab at the Savills Staircase at 4. He’s not quite on his line on the related distance between 6 and 7 and then there’s a bit of a flag question at the MARS Lake. He’s taking some chances early out on course but then we see him through the sunken road at 12 and looks brilliant. They make nothing of the parallel rails at 13. Looking good as he gallops on. The horse is really clever through the Chasm fence at 15, skipping on through that complicated combination.
Manuel and Carat’s day ends at fence 12 when the horse grinds to a halt. That comes after another 20 at 10.
Meanwhile Alice and Topspin are through the finish with a clear round.
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7:32am
🇵🇹 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Manuel Grave and Carat de Bremoy
Dressage Score: 41.5
Place: 75
Oh, we see them have a drive by at the corner at 7. They just weren’t on that related line from fence 6 and really had no chance there. They continue on carrying 20.
Alice growls Goooo oooooonnnn! to Topspin as they come into the big ditch and corner at 17/18 taking the straight route. This horse can be a bit ditchy but Alice was having none of that. They fly it.
Bubby’s coming for home. She sees a long one at the last. She points to her horse as she crosses the finish line. A great, positive round for them. 15 seconds over.
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7:28am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Alice Casburn and Topspin
Dressage Score: 37.9
Place: 60
Topspin adds a pony stride as he makes his way through the Lake at 10 – very clever with his feet and looking to be enjoying his time out there. We’re seeing that there’s a flag query for them at the corners at 6. They take the red flag out at the b element. It’s being reviewed.
Bubby takes the straight route at 17/18. That big ditch and corner is jumping really well. They’re smooth through the Eyelash Brushes at 19abc. The cheers are following this popular pair around the track.
We see Arthur at the white gates at 29 and 30, they clip the second but all’s good. They gallop on over the penultimate fence and then into the arena and over the MARS M. He’s more than a minute over the time and picked up that 20, but a Badminton cross country completion for them.
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7:25am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Bubby Upton and Cola
Dressage Score: 30.2
Place: 15
We see them come through the Lake at 9 and 10 and they’re blistering through there. Very confident. Looking good for them. Bubby looks determined.
We catch up with Sammi over the white gates at 30. She asks the horse to Woah and they look great through there. They gallop on and into the arena and then clear the last. 42 seconds over. Finduss PB looks like he could go again.
Meanwhile Arthur is continuing on and has passed the Project Pony Brush Buckets at 23ab.
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7:20am
🇫🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Arthur Marx and Church’Ile
Dressage Score: 37.3
Place: 56
We catch up with them at the Lake at 9/10 and ‘Pumba’ stumbles slightly as he drops into the water over the rolltop at 10a. He’s catlike on his feet though and recovers, but then gets right underneath the brush at c. He makes it over. Phew, a bit heart in the mouth there for Arthur. But they put it behind them and continue on. But then they have troubles at the sunken road at 12ab. They grind to a halt at the a element when Arthur’s not quite got the distance right. They come back round and take the alternative.
Sammi and Finduss meanwhile are showing as clear through fence 25 – the Back British Farming Hay Rack. We haven’t seen a lot of them but by all accounts they’re having a good run.
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7:15am
🇦🇺 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Sammi Birch and Finduss PFB
Dressage Score: 40.8
Place: 73
We don’t get to see the start of Sammi’s round but she’s showing as clear through the Holland Cooper Corners at 17/18.
We see Alex coming towards the silver birch rails at 13. SAVE OF THE DAY COMES EARLY ON. They just clip them a little and Alex is tipped out of the plate. He’s hanging on and Chicko’s really good but wondering whether to duck under the roping. He doesn’t. Alex manages to right himself and just checks his horse is all OK before continuing. But then there’s trouble for them at 17. They’re not going forward and come to a stop. Alex walks off course with his lovely gelding. Another day for them.
Meanwhile, Aistis has completed with Commander VG. He’s showing as having picked up a 20 but we didn’t see it.
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7:12am
🇨🇳 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Alex Hua Tian and Chicko
Dressage Score: 31.6
Place: 21
We see Alex and Chicko bank the hay wagon at 4c but it slows them down none and they gallop on up the track.
Aistis rides the right hand line at 19abc, the Eyelash Brushes, and it comes up really well for him. He sets up for the big drop at 21. Commander VG needs a bit of encouragement, there was plenty of dithering there but didn’t seem to be a step back. He goes and then jumps the skinny brush at the b element nicely.
Jonelle’s just come through the quarry at 28abc really neatly. They’re close to home now. We see her fly the pheasant log and then come into the arena to finish up their round over the MARS M. 29 seconds over. ‘Grape’ gets a huge pat.
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7:08am
🇱🇹 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG
Dressage Score: 51.3
Place: 81
We don’t get to see the start of Aistis’ round but he’s clear through the Lake at 9 and 10.
Harry gives the first corner at Huntsman’s at 26 a bit of a rub, but he’s dead straight through there and they continue on. He’s close to the time as he makes his way into the arena. Will he do it? YES HE DOES!!! He’s exactly on the time. What a beautifully judged round. A masterclass in cross country riding.
We see Jonelle have a moment at MARS Sustainability Bay at 14ab, taking the right curve through the water and ending up scrambling over the hedge at b. They kick on though and put that behind them.
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EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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7:03am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera
🌟 5* winning combo!
Dressage Score: 35.3
Place: 46
We see Jonelle coming into the MARS Lake at 9 and 10. She really makes things happen there, riding really positively and hunting her way through. They come to the sunken road at 12ab and take the direct route but choosing to go outside the tree. The horse is galloping on well and looks to be enjoying her trip round Badminton.
Harry and Superstition are in a really great, quick rhythm, and they’re up on the clock at this point. He brings the horse back for the Project Pony Brush Buckets at 23ab and then gallops off towards the final water.
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6:59am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Harry Meade and Superstition
Dressage Score: 31.8
Place: =23
Harry sees a great spot through the Agria Corners at 6 and 7 and gallops off to really get stuck into the track. He makes a very tight turn at the sunken road at 12ab and looks to be really going for it. A great ride through there. He’s quick through MARS Sustainability Bay at 14ab. and then makes the KBIS Chasm look like a Pony Club exercise. Harry’s got the bit between his teeth, for sure. He takes the direct route at 17/18.
Gemma’s on her way home now and Chilli Knight is still totally full of running. She’s close to the time. 8 seconds as she comes into the arena. So close… Will she do it? YES SHE DOES!!! CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!! What a round. She’s obviously thrilled. What a ride she gave that horse and what a horse. Fabulous.
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6:54am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tom Rowland and Quintilius
Dressage Score: 37.6
Place: =57
We catch up with Tom at the Agria Corners at 6 and 7. He gets a great shot at 6 and chooses to go straight through the related distance, but it just doesn’t come up and they scoot to the side of 7. He opts to put his hand up.
We still haven’t seen much of Joseph, sorry, but he looks to be through fence 27 on the live fence analysis. OK, we see him coming home. He’s fair bit over the time and carrying that 20, but he’s through the finish to complete his Badminton cross country.
Gemma’s having a great ride. She’s very positive at the massive corner and ditch at 17 and 18, taking the quick route there. She’s riding really confidently, giving her horse confidence and putting him in all the right places to set him up for success. They drop down the step at 21a and make the line easily to their choice of skinny brushes at b – the riders get to pick from four there.
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6:50am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight
🌟 5* winning combo!
Dressage Score: 29.5
Place: 10
This is a fast combination so it’ll be interesting to see their time. They look strong through the Agria Corners at 6 and swing out to get the line at the MARS Lake at 9 and 10. He was a big wiggly through the two rolltops at 9 and 10a but Gemma keeps him on line and they hunt their way through there.
We see Joseph come down the drop at the sunken road at 21 but then run into troubles. He had to slip his reins and that left him with no steering to the skinny brush at the b element.
Tim looks to have taken his foot off the gas after that 20. He comes right back for the Joules Gates at 30 and then comes round to canter into the arena. He clears the last. 49 seconds over and 20 jumping penalties.
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6:46am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit
Dressage Score: 39.2
Place: =64
We don’t get to see the start of Joseph’s round but he’s clear through the Guide Dogs Cord Pile at 11ab.
Tim’s had troubles at the LeMieux fence at 19abc. They have a huge jump over the angled hedge, and then over the water filled ditch at b. They’re off their line and don’t make it to the angled hedge at c. It’s an s bend through that combination that didn’t work out for them. They continue on and are very confident off the drop at 21a and make nothing of the tricky sunken road combination.
We see Oliver bring Thomas back for the white gates at 29 and 30. They’re cleverly included to slow riders down at the end of the course. He gallops into the arena and the crowd congratulate them as they clear the last. Oliver punches the air. 12 seconds over. Thomas is still looking fabulous after his efforts, which didn’t seem like an effort at all for this superstar gelding.
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6:42am
🇳🇿 THIRD COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Tim Price and Viscount Viktor
✨ Multiple 5* winner 🙋♂️
Dressage Score: 33.2
Place: 30
We first see them as they fly through the Lake at 9 and 10 – blink and you’ll miss ’em. They sure looked to be going well in the early stages of their round.
Oliver is now clear through the keyhole into the water at 24 and we see him make little of Huntsman’s Close, skipping through there with no trouble. Thomas looks great as he nears the end of the course, he flies on through the brush mounds at 27ab.
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6:35am
🇬🇧 SECOND COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class
✨ Multiple 5* winning combo!
Dressage Score: 29.3
Place: 9
Oliver and ‘Thomas’ have left the startbox looking determined. They’re dead straight through the Agria Corners at 6ab. Very confident. Thomas looks great, and certainly isn’t showing any of his 18 years. Ooo, there’s a moment at the Lake. He’s right underneath the b element in the water but Thomas knows his job and he makes it happen. They put that behind them and take the inside line at the Sunken Road at 12ab. Thomas is clever with his feet there to get the striding. Good job. Oliver goes the straight route through the Holland Cooper combination, taking 17 and 18 in one – the ditch is under the corner there at the straight route. Thomas is traveling really well and Oliver’s wasting not a second of ground on his turns.
Kirsty is making this look really smooth, that’ll be reassuring to the riders watching on. She flies through the KBIS Chasm at 15abcd. They take the longer route at the Holland Cooper Corners at 17/18 – two jumping efforts rather than one, with the ditch being jumped separately from the corner. Kirsty’s smooth through the brush buckets at 23ab – the Project Pony fence. Kirsty asks Betty to ‘Come on’ at the brush mounds at 27ab, and she responds. They’re flying for home now. Nearly there. They clear the MARS M at 32 and come through the finish to huge cheers from the crowd. She’s 45 seconds over. She looks delighted with Betty.
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6:30am
🇬🇧 FIRST COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI
Dressage Score: 33.6
Place: 32
They’re off! A roar from the crowd and Kirsty and ‘Betty’ are out on course.
The ground’s quick at Badminton this year and our trailblazers sure look fast as they gallop along the track. They’re blistering through the Savills Staircase at 4abc – really strong through there.
They squeak through the flag at the Agria Corners over the a element at 6 – Betty was drifting through the shoulder slightly, but they’re through and on to the Lake at 9 and 10. They’re brilliant through there – straight and bold. Kirsty’s elbows are going as she pushes for the distance between the two roll tops to drop into the water. She made it happen and it rode brilliantly. The crowd there is enormous already, and loud.
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MARS Badminton Horse Trials: [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [XC Maps] [EN’s Coverage]
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EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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