Two horses were held at the first Mars Badminton Horse Trials trot-up today (6 May). Both were accepted when re-presented to the ground jury so all 61 competitors go forward to dressage.
Alex Bragg’s ride Quindiva, who is owned by the Roe family and finished third here in 2024, was the first horse to be sent to the holding box by the ground jury of Christina Klingspor, Amanda Miller and Angela Tucker. She slotted in to re-present five horses later, and was given the nod of approval.
Quintera, ridden by Belgium’s Wouter De Cleene and owned by Katrien Arnauts and Bart Goeminne, was also held. The 14-year-old, who made her Badminton debut in 2025, was accepted on re-presentation.
Harry Meade kicked off the Badminton Horse Trials trot-up with his three campaigners – Et Hop Du Matz, Annaghmore Valoner and Cavalier Crystal. The trio sailed through the horse inspection in front of the house, watched by a huge crowd.
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Former winner Greenacres Special Cavalier, ridden by Caroline Powell who owns the 2024 Badminton champion with Chris and Michelle Mann, was on her toes in the chilly spring sunshine. Defending champion Lordships Graffalo also breezed through the first Badminton Horse Trials trot-up.
Tim Price’s 2021 Pau winner Falco, who he owns with Sue Benson, was trotted up by fellow competitor Marcio Carvalho Jorge, as Tim sustained a shoulder injury from falling off a bike the weekend before Defender Kentucky.
The Badminton Horse Trials entries thinned by eight horses in the final build-up to the Gloucestershire five-star following a flurry of late withdrawals this week. All horses named on the start list for the first trot-up presented and passed.
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Harry Meade and Et Hop Du Matz will be the first pair into the arena at 10am tomorrow (Thursday, 7 May).
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
