“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.
Badminton final scores
David Doel has three horses entered. He is expected to start on Midnight Rollercoaster and Ferro Point, and fly Galileo Nieuwmoed to Kentucky instead. Bubby Upton brings forward her veteran campaigner Cola.
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.
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“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.”
How to watch and listen to Badminton Horse Trials
To watch every phase of Badminton Horse Trials live or via catch up, including the trot-ups, from the comfort of your home anywhere in the world, you need a 2026 Badminton TV Pass. Badminton TV is once again powered by ClipMyHorse.TV, but you do not need a full ClipMyHorse.TV subscription to watch – you can just subscribe to Badminton TV for £22.99. Go to badminton-horse.tv to sign up. If you are already a ClipMyHorse.TV premium member, Badminton TV is included in your subscription. Also check out the Badminton app, which provides free live results and much more this year. Sign up for Badminton Plus membership for £4.99 to access the live Radio Badminton broadcast and receive exclusive offers from on-site exhibitors. Search for Badminton Horse Trials in your app store.
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To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news, behind the scenes insight, and the best of the action throughout Badminton Horse Trials with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from as little as £1 a week. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper 28-page magazine report on Badminton, including in-depth analysis and exclusive comments from top names, in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 14 May.
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.
