Great Britain’s Oliver Townend leads Badminton Horse Trials following Saturday’s cross country, adding just 1.2 time faults to his leading dressage score with Cooley Rosalent. This combination is now on 22.3 ahead of Sunday’s show jumping.
“It’s been a good day. I couldn’t be prouder of both horses who are from different ends of the spectrum in experience,” said Townend, who is also placed eighth with Ballaghmor Class on 34.1. He accrued 4.8 time faults with this horse.
“There were a couple of places where Ballaghmor Class wasn’t too impressed with the size of the fence – if he sees a fence he doesn’t think is big enough, he can get out of my hands, but the old-fashioned fences he respects, and his galloping is fantastic.
“Looking back, I think I enjoyed every minute! And, fair dos to Badminton, as the organisers must have been under pressure with the lack of rain but the ground is very consistent and they couldn’t have done more. And it’s great to be back here in the sunshine!”
Townend’s rounds weren’t without some drama, with the rider initially picking up a flag penalty at Fence 26 that was later overturned. “As far as I am concerned, there was no incident. My foot took the flag out but Cooley Rosalent jumped the fence,” he said.
In second place is Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo on 25.3, with this British combination one of six clear and under time cross country rounds on Saturday.
“I am so lucky to have this horse,” said Canter of the horse she won Badminton with in 2023 as well as Burghley last year. “I backed Lordships Graffalo – ‘Walter’ – as a three-year-old and I am so privileged to have a horse that is so calm, although he was shaking in the stable beforehand and his eyes were out on stalks. He knows his job so well. He’s got a turn of foot, but he is also rideable.”
Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight are in third on their dressage score of 29.5. “What a round! I’m not going to lie – that was cool! Last year I had no control, but I have changed the bit and felt much more confident this year. Chilli Knight doesn’t like to ‘whoa’ but he knows now when I ask him to whoa that it is for a jump. At Huntsman’s Close he was unreal. I knew I didn’t have enough seconds in hand to go long,” said Stevens.
Aussies in action
Sammi Birch was clear of jump penalties and added 16.8 time faults to her score with Finduss PFB, finishing the day on 57.6 and in 34th place.
“What a fantastic day at Badminton Horse Trials,” said Birch. “Louis giving his all with a super clear cross country around a tough, relentless track. This horse never ceases to amaze me with his jumping ability and scope. Grateful to have our third Badminton clear cross country – they don’t get any easier!”
Sam Cesnik and Graftango were unfortunately eliminated on course after a fall at Fence 15, but were okay. “So happy with my horse today. I know it didn’t finish right, but we are all okay and learnt lots,” said Cesnik.
Full results from cross country day at Badminton can be found here.
