She has opted to take Majas Hope out of the competition, following a disappointing dressage test yesterday, which left them in 63rd.
Pippa said after her test yesterday (9 May): “Majas Hope is 17 now and in my heart of hearts, I don’t really want to run him to finish 20th or 25th – he doesn’t need that experience, I don’t need that experience.”
Among other Badminton Horse Trials withdrawals is Kirsty Chabert and the exciting 11-year-old mare Opposition Heraldik Girl (Rocket). They were 14th after the dressage.
Kirsty gave an update on social media: “After a lot of deliberation we have decided today is not the day for Rocket to make her Badminton cross-country debut, so have chosen to withdraw her, she is on such good form and will reroute to Luhmühlen.”
There have already been some other withdrawals from the competition, including David Doel (Galileo Nieuwmoed), Harry Meade (Cavalier Crystal and Red Kite) and Arthur Duffort (Toronto D’Aurois).
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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.
