The Mars Badminton Horse Trials cross-country phase is done and dusted, and we have a new leader taking over from Ros Canter at the head of affairs.
New Zealand’s Tim Price has won many five-star events during his illustrious career, but he is yet to add a Badminton title to that list. It could now be a strong possibility as he sits at the top of the leaderboard with Vitali.
Here’s a full round-up of all the cross-country action, which took place under the warm Gloucestershire sunshine.
Tim Price has moved up to pole position, thanks to an impeccably judged round, where he picked up only four time-faults on a day when no one made the time.
William Fox-Pitt slotted into second on the lovely mare Grafennacht as he bids for Badminton victory on what could be his final appearance at this event.
Five-star first-timer Lucy Latta, who has a full-time job away from horses, flew around the cross-country to record the fastest time of the day with RCA Patriot.
Looking ahead to the final day, the second horse inspection will take place in front of Badminton House on Sunday morning from 8.30am. The horses that are deemed fit to continue will go forward to a final showjumping round to decide the placings. The lower placed riders will jump from around 11.30am, while the top 20 riders after cross-country will jump in the afternoon, starting at around 2.55pm.
Badminton Horse Trials top 10 after cross-country
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
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Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor
Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
