A childhood dream come true: Laura Collett wins Badminton 2022. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.
The 2023 Badminton Horse Trials field thinned by one today with Laura Collett’s announcement that she has withdrawn 2022 winner London 52 from this year’s competition. An ill-timed heel grab with lingering soreness was cited as the reason for the withdrawal; Laura will instead aim the 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding at the German CCI5* at Luhmühlen in June.
“Absolutely gutted to say I’ve withdrawn LONDON 52 from this years Badminton 5*,” Laura wrote on her Instagram. “He struck into himself last week and was very sore … Thankfully with some special shoes from @greigelliott [sic] he is now sound and back in work but he has missed all his prep runs … after many sleepless nights I’ve decided that it’s just not meant to be this year.
LONDON 52 owes me absolutely nothing and I owe it to him to make the right decision and I know deep down that this is the right decision even though it’s heartbreaking.
The main thing is he’s ok and we will now reroute to Luhmuhlen 5*.”
We wish London 52 a speedy recovery and will look forward to seeing these Tokyo medalists and Pratoni partners back in action in June. In the meantime, Laura still has one ride to focus on at Badminton in the 14-year-old Dacapo.
[Click here to view the current 2023 Badminton entry list]
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