The British rider, who won Badminton in 2022 with London 52, was due to start Badminton on two mares owned by their breeders. She has withdrawn Yvonne Ferguson’s Bling from the event but will still start on Lucy Nelson’s Hester.
Laura Collett: Badminton Horse Trials “mixed emotions”
Laura said she has “mixed emotions” as she posted on Instagram that she is “on the way to the best event in the world with Hester, who is ready to tackle her first five-star”.
She added she is “absolutely gutted we have had to leave Bling at home as she’s not 100%”.
Badminton final scores
“I’m devastated for her owner and all the team who have put so much work into getting her to this point, but ultimately her welfare comes first. I know she’ll come back fighting and her five-star debut will just have to be at another time,” said Laura.
“The biggest thank you to my amazing team for getting us here and keeping the show on the road – Tilly Hughes, Polly Holbrook, Elsa Ireland and Eloise Hirst.”
Laura Collett will start Badminton Horse Trials as number 73 on the grey mare Hester.
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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.
