A total of 46 combinations will go forward to the showjumping phase at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials after this morning’s final horse inspection.
Overnight leader Michael Jung’s La Biosthetique-Sam FBW looked fresh as a daisy when trotting up in front of the ground jury of Marilyn Payne, Andrew Bennie and Angela Tucker before being accepted. He has two fences in hand over his compatriot Andreas Ostholt to become both the first German to win Badminton and claim the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing.
There were worrying moments for Ireland’s Joseph Murphy and New Zealand’s Clarke Johnstone when Sportsfield Othello and Balmoral Sensation were sent to the holding box. Both horses were then accepted by the ground jury when represented.
Balmoral Sensation was accepted by the ground jury after being represented from the holding box
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Badminton final scores
Sadly the same could not be said for H&H blogger Simon Grieve’s Cornacrew (pictured top), who looked sore after yesterday’s exertions. Simon decided to withdraw after being sent to the holding box, bringing his first Badminton to a premature end.
Emily Gilruth, who had been in line to finish as the best British first-timer, didn’t present Topwood Beau.
Alice Naber-Lozeman’s Harry Belanfonte looked ready to go around the 11min 58sec cross-country course again, while a rather drenched Zara Phillips had her hands full containing a fresh-looking High Kingdom after the heavens unexpectedly opened in the middle of the inspection.
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The morning showjumping session for riders outside the top 20 will get underway at 11.30am with Badminton first-timer Kerry Varley and Bluestone Luke first into the arena. Then the top 20 riders kick off at 2.55pm with Ben Way riding Galley Light. Follow all the showjumping action as it happens with H&H Live.
Don’t missH&H magazine next week (12 May issue) for our full 24-page report including columns from Carl Hester, William Fox-Pitt and Mark Phillips.
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.
