Two horses have joined the Mars Badminton Horse Trials withdrawals list before today’s cross-country phase (9 May).
Irish rider Georgie Goss has pulled out Feloupe, a 16-year-old mare owned by her rider, Suzanne Doggett, Lucy Fleming and Kelly Holmes. Georgie and Feloupe were equal 15th after dressage, having scored 30.8, and were bidding for a third top-30 finish at the event.
“With ‘Lulu’ being 16 years old and having ridden her seven years, I know her inside out and it’s a privilege bringing her to Badminton as she’s a true professional, tough, brave and ultimately loves it but without the rain we were all hoping for and expecting, we have decided to save her for another day and look towards some big aims later in the year,” said Georgie.
“It’s not been an easy decision but as a team we have discussed it in detail and I believe this is the right decision for her. She’s my absolute world and her wellbeing is everything, and I want to be 100% confident in every element.”
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Georgie added: “I am wishing everyone the best of luck for today and wish the real life superwoman Ros Canter a safe and happy clear cross-country (inside the time). For now after many tears, I can relax and be happy my pony is safe and sound and ready for the next challenge.”
British contender Alex Bragg has withdrawn The Roe Family’s Quindiva, another 16-year-old mare, who had been held at the first trot-up. They had scored 39 for their dressage test yesterday, to sit 50th after the first phase. Alex and Quindiva were third at Badminton in 2024.
“Sadly ‘Diva’ wasn’t feeling 100% after her dressage, and you want to be on top of your game to successfully take on the challenge of Badminton Horse Trials. With this in mind we made the difficult but right decision to withdraw,” Alex told H&H.
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Alex added: “We would like to wish everyone heaps of luck riding around the cross-country today. I will be a little jealous! But this is the right decision for Diva. I’d like to say a big thank you for the support that people have given us, especially the Roe family.”
These latest Badminton Horse Trials withdrawals leave a field of 59 horses and riders to tackle Eric Winter’s cross-country course today. The first horse, Et Hop Du Matz ridden by Harry Meade, leaves the start box at 11.30am.
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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.
