Four horses were sent to the holding box at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials final trot-up today (Sunday, 10 May), with three of them leaving the competition at this stage.
Ireland’s Sarah Ennis was the first to be asked to go to the holding box with Grantstown Jackson, owned by Peter Cole and Susanna Francke, and they were not passed on re-inspection. The pair went clear yesterday, with 3.6 time-faults, to sit 19th overnight.
“Grantstown Jackson trotted up well this morning under the supervision of our team vet, but sadly the stewards at the final inspection saw something they were not completely happy with,” said Sarah.
“While it is of course disappointing, we fully respect and accept their opinion. Jackson’s welfare will always be the most important thing to us, and we would never take any risks with him.
Badminton final scores
“The good news is that he is bright, happy, and comfortable back in his stable being thoroughly spoiled by the team. We are incredibly proud of him and grateful for all the support and kind messages.”
Cancaras Girl, ridden by the US’s Tiana Coudray and owned by her rider and Jatial Ltd, was also sent to the holding box and she was passed when re-presented. They had 42 jumping penalties and 25.6 time-faults yesterday for 45th place after cross-country.
Kate and Peter Willis’ Chicko, ridden by China’s Alex Hua Tian, was the third horse into the holding box at the Badminton Horse Trials final trot-up. Chicko broke a frangible at the Holland Cooper Vicarage Vee (fence 25ab) yesterday and had 14 time-faults for 34th overnight. He will take no further part in the competition after being spun when re-presented today.
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Tom Rowland’s Dreamliner, owned by his breeders Mark and Angela Chamberlayne, was also held and Tom then decided to withdraw. He was 18th overnight after jumping clear and incurring 5.6 time-faults yesterday.
Badminton Horse Trials final trot-up: new route for horses
Eagle-eyed fans may have noticed a slight logistical difference at the trot-up this year – Badminton has brought in a new system for horses leaving the horse inspection, so they go away through the gateway to the right of the end of the strip and don’t clash with horses coming through the arch from the stables before their turn.
Forty-three horses came before the ground jury this morning – Sweden’s Christina Klingspor (president), Angela Tucker (Britain) and Amanda Miller (USA) – after the withdrawal of two horses ahead of the inspection. Forty will therefore now progress to the final showjumping phase.
The showjumping starts at 11.30am with the lower-placed competitors. The top 20 then jump in the afternoon session at 2.45pm.
How to watch and listen to Badminton Horse Trials
To watch 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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Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.
