Yesterday was the final stage of Badminton Horse Trials and with the leaders being close, with just a fence between most, every mistake mattered! Oliver Townend, who had been leading on both of his horses at one stage in the competition had a pole and 3 seconds in hand as he headed into the ring as the final competitor. But unfortunately for Ollie, this wouldn’t be enough.
After an unlucky pole down towards the end of the course, he was close to the time. We all thought he had just managed it, until the clock ticked to 4 seconds over as he crossed the line! Which meant the fabulous Piggy French won with Vanir Kamira.
Having been amongst the leaders throughout the competition, her clear round within the time was enough to secure her the last Mitsubishi Motors Badminton win ever! As Mitsubishi announced earlier this year that they would be ending their 28 year sponsorship of Badminton Horse Trials, which was celebrating their 70th year this year.
The Top 10
- Piggy French – Vanir Kamira – 26.8
- Oliver Townend – Ballaghmor Class – 27.1
- Christopher Burton – Cooley Lands – 28.1
- Christopher Burton – Graf Liberty – 33.7
- Andrew Nicholson – Swallow Springs – 35.8
- Oliver Townend – Cillnabradden Evo – 36.1
- Tina Cook – Billy The Red – 40.5
- Imogen Murray – Ivar Gooden – 41.2
- William Fox-Pitt – Little Fire – 41.2
- Tim Price – Ringwood Sky Boy – 43.4
Ex Racehorses
Arctic Soul
After a bit of a disappointing week at the office, Arctic Soul managed to finish 20th with 56.5 penalties after having a pole down in the show jumping. It was a bit disappointing to see him out of the top 10 for the first time in 4 years. But when I caught up with Gemma after her round she said he has done well this week. He has just had a bit too much energy and she has struggled to keep him contained. It was this tension which led to their slightly disappointing dressage score and probably why they didn’t make the time cross country like they usually do. But she plans to take him to Burghley later this year where hopefully he will be back to his best.
Captain Jack
Captain Jack had a bit of a messy show jumping round, taking down 5 poles in total and racking up a triple digit penalty score. However, this combination completed Badminton on their first attempt and it was their first UK 5 star completion after having an elimination at Burghley a few years ago. It was fantastic to see this combination back for another go and I really hope this completion is enough for Savannah to compete him over here more regularly. It would be great to see him at Burghley again later this year!
It has been another fantastic Badminton and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I even caught up with Ben Way, who has competed ex racehorse Galley Light at this level previously about any plans for him. After a quiet few years recently, he is aiming to have him running in a few short format four stars. So that is something to keep an eye out for!
Read all of our Badminton news
Since Badminton I have discovered another ex racehorse who was competing. Find out about Wont Wait here.
Last Updated on 22/12/2021
