Tim Price and Vitali leaped into the lead yesterday. Will they stay there? Photo by Nico Morgan Media.
And so we find ourselves on the final day of this year’s Badminton extravaganza. If you feel like the whole thing’s gone by in a flash, don’t fret – we’ve got your back. Here are all the links you need to catch up on the action thus far:
Dressage Day One:
▶️ Test-by-test blog
▶️ Morning round-up report
▶️ Afternoon round-up report
Dressage Day Two:
▶️ Test-by-test blog
▶️ Morning round-up report
▶️ Afternoon round-up report
Cross Country Day:
▶️ Round-by-round blog
▶️ Round-up report
If you want to follow along with the form as we jump our way through the finale, you’ll be in need of EN’s epic Form Guide, which you’ll find right here.
What a day’s sport we had yesterday. It was a great showing on the world stage and a fitting anniversary celebration for Badminton Horse Trials. In true cross country fashion, yesterday’s competition saw the leaderboard both shaken and stirred – with the speedier rounds making their cross country day climb and unlucky errors seeing a few of the favorites drop out of contention.
There’s an international flair to the top of the scoreboard at this point in the competition, but the margins are tight and we all know just how easily those poles can roll when the pressure’s on. Here’s how things look at the top as we head into the final phase:
1️⃣ 🇳🇿 Clawing his way from third to first with the fourth quickest time of the day – the only rider to have completed all seven of the world’s 5*s (plus the pop-up event at Bicton in 2021) – Tim Price and last year’s seventh place finisher Vitali have been in this position before. He may have joked about his show jumping form (three poles at each of their four 5* runs, and at Tokyo) in the leading rider interviews following the cross country yesterday, but he’s been doing his homework (well, Spain-work) and got in some very good practice on the Sunshine Tour over the winter. Will it all come good for them today? It wasn’t the record-breaking dressage performance we saw them deliver at Burghley last season, but it was mighty impressive nonetheless and slotted them into third place after the first phase on a score of 27.7. They were characteristically quick and brave across the country yesterday, one of few combinations to take on the tricky line out of the water at 17 to the big tree at 18 head on, and made it look easy. Just four time penalties to add for them, leaving them on a two-phase score of 31.7. He’s got three seconds in hand, but not a rail.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Just 1.3 points behind is 14-time 5* winner – ‘will-he-won’t-he’ William Fox-Pitt with Maryland runner-up Grafennacht. William lost a couple of seconds yesterday when he chose to take the longer route and circle before that – perhaps very influential, depending on what happens today – big tree with roots at 18, and still managed to come home with the second fastest round of the day, adding just 2.4 time penalties to his dressage score of 33, jumping him from eighth to second on the clubhouse leaderboard. They’ve got a rail but no more over third place coming into the final phase.
3️⃣ 🇮🇪 We love a leaderboard climb to the top on cross country day, and 5* rookie combination – and ‘amateur’ rider – Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint gave us just that. Streaking up 43 places with the fastest round of the day, just a single second over the optimum time, this combination sure have burst onto the 5* scene with a bang. They started off on a score of 36.8 in the dressage and come into today in a podium place alongside two of eventing’s big stars. They’re 4.2 points behind William and have only two seconds in hand over fourth place.
4️⃣ 🇬🇧 Putting their Badminton bad luck well and truly in the past, Emily King and Valmy Biats were also amongst the fastest around the track yesterday, adding just 8.8 time faults to their dressage score to come into today on 38. Her mom, who’s won Badminton twice, was delighted to see them through the finish flags, for Emily’s first Badminton completion in five starts. There’s just a pole and a handful of seconds between her and the top of the podium – might we see a second-generation win here this afternoon?
5️⃣ 🇮🇪 Irish speed demon Sarah Ennis flew ‘round the course yesterday with Grantstown Jackson and put down the third quickest time of the day, hopping 37 places up the leaderboard as a result. They’re just 2 points behind Emily going into the show jumping and there’s not a fence separating her from the podium.
There are just three poles and a few seconds separating the top-10 (which doesn’t make us think of Vitali’s show jumping record one bit, not at all), and zero fences between 6th and 10th place, just two seconds. We all know eventing’s a sport in which anything can happen and it sure is going to be exciting to see just how Badminton 2024 plays out as the top-20 competitors take to the ring for the final phase of this awesome event. One thing we do know is that the poles were a-flying in the first session of jumping, with no clears in 17 rounds and only three inside the time. It’s all to play for this afternoon!
🇺🇲 If you’re following the North American camp, best of the US after cross country is Grace Taylor and Game Changer who are currently sitting in 17th, up from 31st after the first phase. They jumped clear across the country, adding 19.2 time penalties to their dressage score of 34.5 and go into today on 54.6. Another clear cross country round for the States came courtesy of Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl who were 24th following yesterday’s competition and jumped earlier on. They completed their Badminton on a score of 73. Cosby Green and Copper Beach also delivered a clear round yesterday, finishing up in 29th going into today. They also had their round in the first session and complete on a score of 102.1. Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSFl did not have the day Boyd would have wanted yesterday – there was an unlucky crossing of tracks added to a glance off, resulting in 60 penalties, which Boyd freely admitted were totally errors on his part and “Thomas was a champion”. Boyd is going for a completion in all seven of the world’s 5*s this week, a feat only achieved by one other rider, Tim Price. He jumped earlier today and has, in fact, achieved this elite challenge. They finished on a score of 122.6.
🇨🇦 Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit have been flying the Maple Leaf this week, making their characteristic climb up the cross country leaderboard yesterday to hop from 67th to 30th. An unlucky 11 penalties for activating a frangible device kept them from leaping even higher. They go into the final phase on a score of 72.9, jumping in this morning’s session and completing their Badminton on 98.1.
Click here for the full scoreboard.
Based on EquiRatings’ stats, William’s favorite for the win this afternoon, and there’s no doubt that he would be a popular winner at what he’s teasing may be his last Badminton, 35 years after his first. Tim is second-favorite, surely due to that show jumping form, but if it’s come good at the right time – as Tim hopes it has – then he’ll be a no less popular winner. The stats say that the champion is sitting somewhere in the top-5, but as we know, it’s not over ‘til the final horse has passed through the finish line.
Here’s a look at the stats of the overnight top five:
I’ll be bringing you live updates of every round, which will begin at 2:55 p.m. BST / 9:55 a.m. EST, so keep this page refreshed, and watch this space! 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, although, spoiler alert – I will be revealing the winner.
Click here for all of EN’s Badminton content.
US peeps – I know today is not so much of a dragging yourself/jumping excitedly of bed because it’s Badminton kind of start time, but total props to those Stateside ENers who’ve been here for All. Of. It. And everyone, really. Eventing respect to all.
Let’s find out who’ll win Badminton 2024.
Eyes on, and go eventing.
EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton Horse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse — thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!
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11:00am ET
What. A. Competition.
After all’s said and done, we have new Badminton champions:
1️⃣ 🇳🇿 All hail Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier who’ve delivered the goods and taken the top spot with a score of 43.2.
2️⃣ 🇮🇪 In second – just 2 points behind – we have Irish 5* debutant Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint. What a showing from them.
3️⃣ 🇬🇧 And rounding out the top three, on the same score as Lucy, are Alex Bragg and Quindiva.
Emily King ended up having her first Badminton completion end with a fourth place finish with Valmy Biats.
Tim Price and Vitali ended up in 8th spot, and William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht in 13th.
🇺🇲 Best of the US is Grace Taylor and Game Changer who complete their Badminton in 17th position.
You’ll find the whole scoreboard here.
Truly, these results show what an exciting sport we’re so lucky to be a part of. Fairytale endings for some, disappointment for others, but sportsmanship from start to finish.
And there you have it. Badminton is over, eventing hangovers beckon, and I’m off to rest my now considerably shorter fingers after all this typing. It’s been a blast ENers, thanks for coming along for the ride.
Keep an eye or two out for our full round-up of what’s been a truly magnificent 75th anniversary edition of MARS Badminton Horse Trials. In the meantime, you’ll find all our Badminton blood, sweat and tears right here.
I officially have eventing jet-lag, have eaten nothing but pizza since last Tuesday and can’t remember the last time I wasn’t tapping away at my keyboard. But I’ll do it all over again in a heartbeat. Until next time…
Over and out, and go eventing!
10:58am
Ireland’s Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint have finished 2nd in their first ever 5* on a score of 45.2.
In third is Alex Bragg with Quindiva who has his best 5* finish ever. They land on 45.2.
He’s in third as Lucy was closer to the time on the cross country.
They were also tied after dressage.
More scores/placings coming…
10:55am
She’s had 4 top-10 finishes and has completed at Badminton – now – 17 times.
She’s also taken the trophy at both the British big Bs for Ireland – Burghley in 2010 and Badminton in 2024.
10:54am ET
NEW ZEALAND’S CAROLINE POWELL HAS WON BADMINTON WITH GREENACRES SPECIAL CAVALIER.
10:48am ET
🇳🇿 Tim Price and Vitali
Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 7th Badminton, 4th Burghley
2022 – 10th Luhmuhlen, 3rd Burghley
🔥Tokyo 2020, 24th individually
⏩ Tim took over the ride from fellow Kiwi eventer James Avery for the 2021 season.
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: Won 4 of the 5*s and been on the podium two of the three he hasn’t (already) won and top-10 at the other. He’s actually completed at all 7 5*s.
Adelaide – 9th (02)
Kentucky – 2nd & 18th (21) 3rd (19) 2nd (15)
Badminton – 7th (23) 20th (22) 10th (19) 12th (18) 3rd (17) 15th (15) 9th (14)
Bicton – 9th
Luhmuhlen – 9th & 10th (22) 1st (19) 4th (16) 15th (15) 1st (14)
Burghley – 4th (23) 3rd & 17th (22) 5th (19) 1st & 10th (18) 5th & 18th (17) 4th & 21st (16) 2nd (15)
Maryland – 1st (22) 3rd (21)
Pau – 34th (23) 1st (21) 3rd, 13th & 14th (20) 6th (19) 3rd & 29th (15)
🏸 form: Made his Badminton debut in 2004 and has nine starts and nine completions on his record; Armada Dish presented in 2018
🥉 World Championships team and individual bronze 2022; 2018 – 8th individually
🔥Tokyo 2020, 24th individually; Rio 2016
📈 Three poles at each of their four 5* runs, and at Tokyo. He did jump clear last time out though. Can he keep those legs out of the way today? That is the big, Badminton-winning, question.
Score after dressage and XC: 31.7
Place: 1
This is it! The final round of Badminton. Will Vitali (finally) pull it out of the bag? Hold your breath…
Tim’s now got two fences in hand.
He’s over the first, and the second. But he takes the third with his back legs. The fourth stays up, and the fifth. They rattle the first part of the treble, but it stays. Another rub at 7, but it stays. Oh no! The first part of the double’s gone. He’s got nothing in hand now. He’s clear through the wide oxer at 10, but it’s all coming apart for Tim also. 11 goes, then 12 and the last. They’re dropped right out. Oh Vitali. Oh Tim.
Tim Price and Vitali finish their Badminton on a score of 51.7.
10:46am ET
🇬🇧 William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht
Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 14th Badminton, 2nd Maryland
Rider:
Ridiculously impressive 5⭐ form: Won 5 of the 7 5*s!
🏆 WINS:
Kentucky – 10, 12, 14
Badminton – 04 & 15
Luhmuhlen – 08
Burghley – 94, 02, 05, 07, 08, 11
Pau – 11 & 13
🏸 form: 24 completions on 16 different horses – made his debut in 1989 – 5 Armada Dishes, 2 wins, 3 2nds, 1 3rd
1️⃣ 4 time World No. 1
🔥 5 time Olympian
🗺️ 4 World Championships
🥇🥈🥉World Championships team bronze 2002, 14th individually; team silver 2006, 15th individually; team gold & individual silver 2010; team silver & individual bronze 2014
🥇🥈🥉 European team gold 1995, 5th individually; team gold & individual silver 1997; team gold 2001, 6th individually; team gold 2003, 8th individually; team gold & individual silver 2005; team gold 2009, 4th individually; team bronze 2011, 7th individually; individual bronze 2013; team silver 2015
📈 They lowered one pole at Maryland on their way to 2nd place last year. They had three poles here. It’s a mixed bag in terms of their form – a clear round is not a given here, but the mare does generally keep it to one pole when she does have penalties.
Score after dressage and XC: 33
Place: 2
‘Will-he-won’t-he’ William’s jumping for a 15th 5* win and third time topping the podium here at Badminton. He needs to keep the poles up to keep the pressure on Tim.
The crowd seems to be holding their breath. There’s a tiny tap at the first but it stays, and then she gives the second space to spare. Oh no! The mare’s not high enough at the third and it comes straight down. He gets her back for the oxer at 4 and the green rails at 5 are fine. But then the first part of the treble goes and then the second part of the double at 9 goes. Oh, it’s coming apart. 10 goes, and 11, then 12 and there’s 0.4 time to add also. Oh, what a shame for William. But that’s eventing.
William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht finish their Badminton on a score of 57.4.
10:43am ET
🇮🇪 Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint
5⭐ rookie combination.
Horse:
Recent form: 4th in the 4*-L at Blair Castle last season; 29th at Burnham Market this year where they added just 8 XC time penalties to their dressage score.
Rider:
🐴 Lucy’s a one-horse rider.
📈 Their last six runs look like this: 0 | 4 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 4.
Score after dressage and XC: 37.2
Place: 3
OK, here we go – top-3.
Patron Saint’s got lucky Irish clovers on his quarters, let’s hope they do the trick today.
They’re safely over the first and then careful over the second. They’re a bit quick to the third and drift a little right and it drops. They clear the next two and are ultra careful through the treble at 6. This horse is really trying for her. They’re clear through the Liverpool and then over the double really nicely. They rub the wide oxer but it stays, and then the Liverpool at 11 goes. They clear the final two. That slips them behind Caroline, but they’ll finish no worse than 4th or 5th.
Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint finish their Badminton on a score of 45.2.
10:40am ET
🇬🇧 Emily King and Valmy Biats
Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 24th Luhmuhlen, 25th Burghley
2022 – 8th Pau
🏆 Winner of the Grantham Cup at Thoresby this year, retaining their title from 2023. This win put them on EquiRatings’ radar as being in with a shot at Badminton.
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 4th on her debut at the level in 2015 at Pau.
Luhmuhlen – 24th (23)
Burghley – 25th (23)
Pau – 8th (21)
🏸 form: Retired on cross country last year in a display of excellent horsemanship – ‘Val’ was going really well but Emily decided that he wasn’t enjoying the very wet going and so walked home. She’s had 4 Badminton starts and is looking for her first completion here this week.
🏆 British Under-25 Champion 2018
📈 Clear at their two FEI runs this season and one pole at Burghley last year – that broke a streak of four clears, including one at Luhmuhlen. ‘Val’ is the fourth most reliable jumper in the top-20 here today.
Score after dressage and XC: 38
Place: 4
C’mon Emily, we all want to see what your mom does when you complete, or perhaps win!
Emily looks to mean business as she comes in and clears the first. They rub the second though and then the third comes down. That’s a shame. They clear the wide oxer and then the Grand Slam rails at 5, but that white rail in the middle of the triple combination comes down. He looks a little flat over some of these fences. They get things back together and clear the rest. Two down for them and 0.4 of a time penalty. But this is a Badminton completion and that it great.
Emily King and Valmy Biats finish their Badminton on a score of 46.4.
10:37am ET
🇮🇪 Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson
Horse:
5⭐ form: 22nd Pau 23
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 32nd (17) 34th (16) 38th (13)
Pau – 22nd (23)
🏸 form: 3 completions
🥈 World Championships team silver 2018, 5th individually
🔥 Tokyo 2020 Olympics; World Championships 2014 & 2018; European Championships 2013, 2017, 2019, 2023
📈 4 penalties in each of their last three FEI runs, including at Pau last season. Based on this gelding’s form, we’re expecting penalties here today, but he’s most likely to keep it to one pole.
Score after dressage and XC: 40
Place: 5
We’re into the top-5 now!
They get their round underway clear over the first and then are careful over the second. They’re a bit keen at 3 but it stays, but they pay the price at the wide oxer at 4, and then the Grand Slam rails comes down. They’re clear through the triple combination at 7, but then have the second part of the double at 9. 11 goes also. They clear the last two. Five down and 0.4 of a time penalty. That’s been an expensive round, a real shame after such a great showing yesterday.
Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson finish their Badminton on a score of 60.4.
10:34am ET
🇳🇿 Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier
Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 30th Badminton, 6th Maryland
2022 – 5th Pau
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 30th (23) 29th & 31st (18)
Burghley – 20th (19) 31st (18)
Maryland – 6th (23)
Pau – 5th (22)
🏸 form: 16 completions, 3 Armada Dishes, 4 top-10 finishes
🔥 Olympic team bronze London 2012
🥉 World Championships team bronze 2010
🏆 Won Burghley 2010 with the late, great Lenamore
📈 Caroline has the most Badminton show jumping clears since 2010 in today’s field and ‘Cavvy’ is the third most reliable jumper. This pair were clear at Maryland but lowered two poles here last year. There are many, many more clears on their record than penalties.
Score after dressage and XC: 43.2
Place: 6
They clear the first convincingly and the mare is really giving the fences some air as she clears the next few. She’s ultra careful through the treble combination at 6 and then again at the Liverpool at 7. Her ears are pricked and she’s really working hard. She’s superb through the double, which she takes on a long one. They’re not even close to touching anything. They clear the rest, inside the time. No worse than 6th for them.
Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier finish their Badminton on a score of 43.2.
10:31am ET
🇨🇭 Felix Vogg and Cartania
5⭐ form: 15th Badminton 23
🗺️14th World Championships 22; 8th European Championships 21 (very nearly finished on their dressage)
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 6th (19)
Badminton – 15th (23)
Luhmuhlen – 1st (22)
🏸 form: Made his Badminton debut last year.
🔥 Tokyo 2020; Rio 2016
🗺️ 14th World Championships 2022; 8th European Championships 2021
📈 Three poles here last season, but that’s the most they’ve had since 2020. They’ve got plenty of clears on their record and more often than not keep it to one pole when they do have penalties.
Score after dressage and XC: 43.4
Place: 7
Felix gets off to a great start with a super shot over the first fence and then the second. The mare doesn’t respect the third and jumps straight through that top rail. They have the first part of the triple combination at 6 as well, and then things seems to fall apart a bit and they have the Liverpool at 7 also. They get back together and are clear through the double, and then the final line gives them no trouble. Three down for them – Alex Bragg is on the climb.
Felix Vogg and Cartania finish their Badminton on a score of 55.4.
10:29am ET
🇬🇧 Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift
Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 5th Badminton
2022 – 16th Badminton, 2nd Burghley
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 5th (23) 16th (22) 35th (19)
Luhmuhlen – 6th (23)
Burghley – 2nd (22)
Pau – 20th (23) 7th (21) 13th & 18th (18)
🏸 form: 5 starts, 4 completions
📈 According to EquiRatings, this is the most reliable show jumper in the field. They’ve had a single pole in twelve FEI runs since 2020.
Score after dressage and XC: 44.4
Place: 8
Ah, this pair have the first down – it’s right by the grandstand. They’re extra careful over the second though and then clear the next couple. The horse is great through the triple combination at 6 and is really giving the fences a lot of space, he’s really trying hard after that early mistake. The double is easy for him and then they’re clear to the final line. 12 is no bother, and they clear the last. One down for them, putting them behind Alex, but they’re top-10.
Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift finish their Badminton on a score of 48.4.
10:26am ET
🇬🇧 Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Pau last season and finished 11th.
Rider:
Recent(ish) 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 6th & 14th (22) 1st (03)
Badminton – 10th (23) 16th (19) 12th & 23rd (15) 6th (14) 56th (13) 1st (05) 1st & 6th (03) 1st (02) 9th (97)
Bicton – 2nd & 5th (21)
Luhmuhlen – 16th (23)
Burghley – 6th (23) 8th & 16th (22) 1st (19) 13th (18) 16th (13) 28th & 30th (11) 15th (10) 1st (03) 6th (02)
Pau – 11th & 15th (23) 3rd (07)
🏸 form: 3 time winner (19, 05, 02); 23 starts, 2 Armada Dishes, 9 top-20 placings
🔥 Olympic team silver 2000; team silver & individual bronze 2004
🥉 World Championships team bronze 2002; 5th individually 2010
🏆 European Champion 1999 & 2001
🥇🥈🥉 European team gold 1999; team gold 2001; team gold & individual bronze 2003; team silver 2015; team silver 2019
📈 Five down at Pau last season, breaking a streak of five clear rounds. They were clear in their one FEI run this season.
Score after dressage and XC: 45.1
Place: 9
Pippa looks to mean business as she salutes to the judges. They’re very careful over the first and have a huge jump over the second. They make nothing of the tricky line to the third and clear the wide oxer at 4. She clears the Grand Slam fence at 5 and then Pippa rides for everything through the treble at 6. The double’s no trouble for them either. Pippa’s cutting the corners keeping the time in mind, but then have the Liverpool at 11 down and then the planks at 12. They clear the last. That’s two down for them, moving Alex, Jonelle and Tom up.
Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick finish their Badminton on a score of 53.1.
10:23am ET
🇬🇧 Alexander Bragg and Quindiva
5⭐ form: Made her 5* debut here at Badminton last year, but like a lot of the competitors at that wet and wild Badminton edition, Alex pulled up on course when he felt like the mare wasn’t enjoying the ground. They came back out at Burghley and came 15th.
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 36th (18)
Luhmuhlen – 3rd (19) 20th (17)
Burghley – 15th (23) 34th (16)
Pau – 29th (23) 18th (21) 4th &32nd (20) 4th (19) 5th (17) 5th (16)
🏸 form: 6 starts since his Badminton debut in 2017.
📈 EquiRatings have ‘Diva’ down as the second most reliable show jumper in the field – there’s nary a pole on her record since 2019.
Score after dressage and XC: 45.2
Place: 10
We’re into the top-10 now!
Alex came into this phase on the same score as Jonelle, but nabbed the final spot in the top-10 because he was slightly quicker yesterday, and therefore picked up less cross country penalties.
Diva looks ready as they canter round towards the first. They’re class over the first and clear the second with a lovely big jump. They’re a little close to three but clear it no problem. He’s good over the green rails at 5 and then he rides brilliantly through the treble at 6. They get a great shot to the triple bar and then balance for the double and clear it. This is a really confident round. Alex is getting his best finishing score – he’s holding on to top-10. He’s delighted. Super clear round for them.
Alexander Bragg and Quindiva finish their Badminton on a score of 45.2.
10:20am ET
🇳🇿 Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera
Horse:
5⭐ form:
2022 – 1st Pau
2021 – 28th Kentucky
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 18th (22)
Badminton – 11th (22) 1st (18) 10th (16)
Luhmuhlen – 2nd (15)
Burghley – 4th (22) 3rd (16) 5th (15)
Maryland – 8th (21)
Pau – 1st (22) 3rd (21)
🏸 form: 8 starts over 20 years, 6 completions – 1 win, Armada Dish presented in 2019
🔥 Olympic team bronze London 2012; individually 12th Tokyo 2020; individually 17th Rio 2016
🥉 World Championships team bronze 2022; 4th individually 2014
📈 Clear on her way to winning Pau in 2022.
Score after dressage and XC: 45.2
Place: 11
Jonelle takes her time to make sure this mare is ready before she sets off. They’re clear over the first three and then make a great turn after the wide oxer at 4. They take the white rails at the middle element of the treble, after clipping the first element but it stayed in the cups. They’re good up to the planks at the second last, which they rub but it stays. They clear the last. Just one rail for them, and they’re just inside the time.
Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera finish their Badminton on a score of 49.2.
10:17am ET
🇳🇿 Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte
Facts and Form:
Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Pau last year but was eliminated on the cross country.
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 11th (21)
Badminton – 19th (19)
Luhmuhlen – 19th (18)
🏸 form: Completed on his Badminton debut in 2016, returned in 2017 but didn’t complete. Came back in 2019 for a top-20 finish.
🔥Tokyo 2020, 22nd individually
📈 His form’s a bit of a mixed bag, but he for sure can go clear on his day. His last five runs look like this: 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0.
Score after dressage and XC: 46.5
Place: 12
Jesse’s mom must be so happy that she decided to get that last minute flight from New Zealand to see Jesse compete at Badminton in person.
They take a chance at the first but it stays up, and then give the second plenty of space. They’re good over 3 and 4. They come round for the green rails of the Grand Slam fence and then are super through the triple combination. They run slightly into the Liverpool at 7 and take that, then make a real mistake at the wide oxer at 10. They finish up with 3 down, inside the time.
Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte finish their Badminton on a score of 58.5.
10:14am ET
🇬🇧 Tom Rowland and Dreamliner
5⭐ form: 12th Luhmuhlen 22 (with Oliver Townend)
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 19th (23) 46th (22) 36th (19)
Burghley – 27th (18)
Pau – 21st (23)
🏸 form: 3 completions from 3 starts
📈 Two clears thus far this season, and two clears to end last season. Prior to that, a few faults throughout his form.
Score after dressage and XC: 49.3
Place: 13
Tom and ‘Dreamy’ are very high over the first and then make the second look tiny. They’re good for the distance to 3 and he gives a lot of air to the wide oxer at 4. The green rails at 5 don’t bother them and they’re clear through the treble. Dreamy’s really responding to Tom, who’s really riding this positively and accurately. They’re clear up to the planks at the second last, and then clear over the last. Clear jumping and 0.8 time. They’ll be 13th at worst. They get a huge cheer as they finish.
Tom Rowland and Dreamliner finish their Badminton on a score of 50.1.
10:12am ET
🇬🇧 Wills Oakden and Arklow Puissance
Horse: Made his 5* debut at Pau last season but retired after a 20 out on cross country.
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 12th (23) 25th (19)
Burghley – 5th & 8th (23) 13th (22)
🏸 form: 3 starts, 2 completions
📈 Dropped one pole at Burghley last season. His form in his four runs before that looks like this: 8 | 0 | 8 | 4.
Score after dressage and XC: 51.8
Place: 14
Wills and ‘Mr P’ look good over the first and make a very tidy turn to the second, which he’s really careful over. 3 is no trouble and he puts in another massive jump over the wide oxer at 4. Unfortunately they take the white upright rails in the middle of the treble combination at 7. They jump the Liverpool and then are clear through the double. They’re super down the line through 10 and 11, rub the last, but it stays. One down for them, no time.
Wills Oakden and Arklow Puissance finish their Badminton on a score of 55.8.
10:09am ET
🇬🇧 Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight
Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Pau in 2019 but was withdrawn before the second Horse Inspection. Came back out after/during the Covid hiatus and won the pop-up 5* at Bicton in 2021, where they finished on their dressage.
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 6th (23) 20th (19) 4th & 22nd (18) 7th (17) 3rd (16) 16th (15)
Bicton – 1st (21)
Burghley – 7th (19) 3rd (17) 5th (14)
Pau – 2nd & 23rd (18)
🏸 form: Made her 5* debut at Badminton in 2007, 8 completions, Armada Dish presented in 2019
📈 Gemma has the second most Badminton show jumping clears since 2010 in today’s field. She’s also no stranger in the pure show jumping ring and has competed in the Hickstead Derby and the Puissance at London International. This horse jumped clear at both of his FEI runs this season, but prior to this year does have a smattering of faults in his form.
Score after dressage and XC: 53.9
Place: 15
Gemma came into this phase on the same score as Bubby, but a place ahead because her overall cross country penalties were a few points less than Bubby’s.
Gemma looks right at home in the show jumping ring. Chilli Knight looks great too. They absolutely leap the first and he’s very careful over the second and third. He’s jumping his socks off over these fences so far. They clear the green rails at 5 and Gemma’s clicking as they make their way through the treble. They veer a little left over the Liverpool at 7 but it stays, but then the first part of the double goes. She brushes the wide oxer but it doesn’t come down and finish up the rest of the course without problem. That drops her behind Bubby, but she’ll finish no worse than 16th.
Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight finish their Badminton on a score of 57.9.
10:06am ET
🇬🇧 Bubby Upton and Cola
Horse:
5⭐ form
2023 – 8th Badminton
2022 – 36th Badminton, 14th Burghley
2021 – 12th Pau
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Badminton – 8th (23) 36th (22)
Burghley – 14t (22)
Pau – 6th (22) 12th (21)
🏸 form: 2 completions – 8th last year
🏆 British Under-25 Champion 21 & 23
📈 Two poles here last year but clear at their season opener in the 4*-S at Kronenberg on the way to 2nd place.
Score after dressage and XC: 53.9
Place: 16
Excuse me a minute while I have a little blub for Bubby. It’s been an emotional comeback for this determined young lady and, although we were hoping for a fairytale podium finish after they danced their way into second after the dressage, we’re all so delighted to see her here, at the top of the sport and completing Badminton.
There’s an extra loud clap for Bubby as she comes into the ring. The bell goes and she gets a perfect shot to the first. Cola’s got his ears pricked as he flies the second and the third and fourth are no problem either. They easily clear the Rolex rails at 5, brush the first part of the treble but it stays, and then sail over the Liverpool at 7. They have a massive jumper over the wide oxer at 10 and Cola really shows he knows his job through the double. The last three are no trouble either and the crowd erupts. Clear inside the time. Bubby’s crying and pointing to Cola. What a horse. And what a girl.
Bubby Upton and Cola finish their Badminton on a score of 53.9.
10:03am ET
🇺🇲 Grace Taylor and Game Changer
Facts and Form:
Horse:
5⭐ form: Made his 5* debut at Burghley last season but was withdrawn before the show jumping after jumping clear ‘round the cross country.
Rider: Made her 5* debut alongside Game Changer at Burghley.
🏸 form: Making her Badminton debut.
📈 Generally more faults than clears, although they can keep the poles up on their day. Their last five runs look like this – 4 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 12.
Score after dressage and XC: 54.6
Place: 17
Grace gets her final phase of Badminton underway. She takes her time circling before she starts and must use all of her time up. It’s worth it as they clear the first really convincingly. There’s a little rub at the second but they manage the tricky distance to the third and clear it. They’re clear through the treble at 6, have another rub at 7 but they’re lucky and it stays up. They’re good through the double but the wide oxer at 10 goes and then the Liverpool at 11 also. That’s two down and no time for them.
Grace Taylor and Game Changer finish their Badminton on a score of 62.6.
10am ET
🇬🇧 Harry Meade and Away Cruising
Facts and Form:
Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 16th Badminton, 27th Burghley
2022 – 29th Badminton
2018 – 16th Badminton, 6th Burghley
2017 – 14th Luhmuhlen, 15th Burghley
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 5th (21)
Badminton – 16th (23) 16th (18) 3rd (14) 10th (09)
Luhmuhlen – 5th (23)
Burghley – 3rd (23) 6th (18) 15th (17)
Maryland – 7th (22)
Pau – 24th (22)
🏸 form: 12 completions, 6 top-20 finishes, 2 Armada Dishes
5️⃣ World No. 5
🥈 World Championships team silver 2014
📈 Clear at Burghley last season but three down here last year.
Score after dressage and XC: 55
Place: 18
Harry and ‘Spot’ start their round off with a tiny tap on the first fence, but it stays and they give the second more space. They don’t manage the difficult distance to the third an it goes. They’re clear through the treble at 6 but make a real mistake at the Liverpool as Spot seems to look into the tray. They have the first part of the double at 9 also. The rest of the course gives them no bother though, although get 0.8 of a time penalty.
Harry Meade and Away Cruising finish their Badminton on a score of 67.8.
9:57am ET
🇬🇧 Zara Tindall and Class Affair
Horse:
5⭐ form:
2023 – 15th Kentucky
2021 – 30th Maryland
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form:
Kentucky – 15th (23) 3rd (17)
Badminton – 23rd (16) 16th & 19th (08)
Luhmuhlen – 2nd (13)
Maryland – 30th (23)
🏸 form: 8 starts, 4 completions
🏆 World Champion 2006; European Champion 2005
🔥 Olympic team silver London 2012, 8th individually
🥈 World Championship team silver 2014
🥇 European team gold 2005
📈 On a streak of four clears, but there are penalties scattered throughout their show jumping form. ‘Socks’ is still the fifth most reliable show jumper in the top-20 here today.
Score after dressage and XC: 55.6
Place: 19
Zara and Socks clear the first and then the second and the third. The next few are fine but there’s a rub on the first element of the triple combination but it stays. They good over the Liverpool at 7 but then the first part of the double goes. They have another rub at the Liverpool at 11, but they’re lucky again. They clear the final two and finish inside the time.
Zara Tindall and Class Affair finish their Badminton on a score of 59.6.
9:55am ET
🇬🇧 Rosie Bradely Hole and Romantic
Horse:
5⭐ first-timer
Recent form: 3rd in the 4*-L at Blair Castle last fall.
Rider:
Recent 5⭐ form: 47th Badminton 22
🏸 form: Completed on her debut in 2022.
📈 One fence in eight FEI runs since the fall of 2021.
Score after dressage and XC: 56.4
Place: 20
Getting the afternoon’s sport underway, Rosie and Romantic enter the ring and get their show jumping round off to a great start. They clear the first four very convincingly and the Rolex Grand Slam at 5 is no trouble for them either. Ah, the first part of the treble combination at 6 goes, but they clear the rest. The Liverpool’s fine for them, and they’re clear through the double. They’re good for the second Liverpool at 11, but unfortunately have the second last down. They clear the last and finish inside the time.
Rosie Bradely Hole and Romantic finish their Badminton on a score of 64.4.
9:50am ET
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