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British eventing stars aim to complete historic hat-trick as Badminton entries revealed

Eleanor Jones Eleanor Jones

    • The 2026 Mars Badminton Horse Trials entries are out – and champions Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo are set to return to defend their title.

    Ros, who won Badminton Horse Trials with “Walter” in 2023 and 2025, and gave birth to her second child this year, tops the stellar list of entries for this year’s event (6-10 May), all competing for a top prize of £125,000.

    “Ros Canter, who is number five in the world, and the great Lordships Graffalo have already galloped into the record books as the only combination to win two Badmintons and two Burghleys,” a Badminton spokesperson said. “A third victory here together would seal their place in the sporting canon of all time.”

    Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent and Austin O’ Connor with Colorado Blue, who came second and third last year respectively, are on the list. Harry Meade, the world number one, has five horses to choose from as he eyes a first five-star victory and is likely to start on three of the five.

    European champion Laura Collett is entered with the up-and-coming Bling, Emily King with Valmy Biats, with whom she has been placed for the past two years, and Gemma Stevens with Chilli Morning sons Chilli Knight and Chilli King.

    Bubby Upton brings forward her veteran campaigner Cola and David Doel has Galileo Nieuwmoed, Midnight Rollercoaster and Ferro Point entered and is planning to start on two of them.

    Former winners in 2026 Badminton Horse Trials entries

    Boyd Martin and Tim Price will represent the US and New Zealand respectively, with Miks Master C and five-star winner Falco. Tim’s countrywoman Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier, the 2024 champions, are also in the mix as well as 2018 Badminton winner Jonelle Price, with Chilli’s Midnight Star.

    “It’s always a thrill that so many of the world’s top riders want to return to Badminton as well as the first timers aiming to ‘tick the box’ and be part of history,” said Badminton director Jane Tuckwell. “It’s going to be another exciting competition and will provide, we hope, some pointers to medallists at the World Championships in Aachen this year.”

    Austin O’Connor has also entered with Sixmilewater, who made his debut at CCI5* last year.

    “Badminton is the pinnacle of the sport and I am excited to be heading there again,” he said.

    Badminton first-timers include Sam Ecroyd, who said the ambition to ride at the British spring five-star has “driven my whole career”.

    “It’s been a long-time ambition for as long as I can remember and to be there this year with Boleybawn LeCrae feels surreal,” he said. “I am very much looking forward to the challenge.”

    If you want to watch the live action from Badminton Horse Trials from the comfort of your home, wherever you are in the world, you will need to subscribe to Badminton TV. Badminton TV has teamed up with ClipMyHorse.TV, but you do not need a full ClipMyHorse.TV subscription to watch Badminton – you can just subscribe to Badminton TV for £22.99. Go to ClipMyHorse to subscribe. If you are already a ClipMyHorse.TV premium member, Badminton TV is included in your subscription.

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    Eleanor Jones
    Eleanor Jones

    H&H news editor
    Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
    Eleanor Jones

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