The pair would have started as second favourites behind Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, to whom they finished second at last year’s event.
“It is with great disappointment that we announce that we have had to withdraw Cooley Rosalent from Badminton,” said a statement from Oliver.
“We were hugely looking forward to being back at one of our favourite events and one where she has had great success.
Badminton final scores
“Thank you to Disy Ridgeon [Diana Ridgeon, the mare’s owner] for her support in this decision and to our team and sponsors for always standing by us, we are all gutted, but she has a bright future ahead of her.
Last year’s Badminton Horse Trials runner-up Cooley Rosalent has already had seven five-star starts, at 12 years old, and has finished in all the podium places. She was third at Maryland 5 Star in 2023 and won Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2024.
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Oliver was seeking a second Badminton title – he won in 2009 on another grey, Flint Curtis, owned by Robert and Edward Nicholson.
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.
