Top contenders confirm final horse choices at Badminton Horse Trials
The double-entered riders have confirmed which of their horses will start at Badminton Horse Trials (4 to 8 May).
Riders can start with a maximum of two horses at the Gloucestershire five-star, presented by Mars Equestrian. This means that they can enter multiple horses, have to decide which to ride ahead of the first horse inspection at Badminton Horse Trials.
Former winner Oliver Townend had five horses on the entry list, while Harry Meade and Izzy Taylor both had three.
Oliver has opted to start on Paul and Diana Ridgeon’s seasoned five-star contender Swallow Springs, with whom he finished third here in 2022, and will run as competitor number five.
Badminton final scores
He will also be campaigning the great two-time CCI5* and Olympic gold medal winner Ballaghmor Class (pictured, top), owned by Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan, wearing number 77.
This means Oliver’s other three options – Tregilder, owned by the Hazeldines and Mitchell Fox Group, John Peace’s gelding As Is, and Paul Ridgeon’s mare Cooley Rosalent – have been withdrawn from Badminton Horse Trials.
Harry will pilot Away Cruising, a 16-year-old gelding who has had two finishes here, for owner Charlotte Opperman, wearing bib number 14. He will also be riding Tenareze, owned by David Bernstein, Sophie Caruth and Nigella Hall, in bib number 72. Harry’s third option, Cavalier Crystal, also owned by Charlotte Opperman, will be staying at home this week.
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Izzy has withdrawn Monkeying Around, who she owns with Mark Sartori. This means she will start on Happy Days, who made his five-star debut at Pau last year and is owned by Alex Colquhoun, Lavinia Taylor and Caroline Wilson, wearing bib number 15.
She will also ride Graf Cavalier this week, wearing bib number 79, for owner Trevor Dickens, who is also the owner of 2019 winner, Vanir Kamira.
The first horse inspection will take place at 4.30pm today (Thursday).
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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.