Badminton 2012: One Month To Go

This year’s Badminton promises to be better than ever, with the Olympics in the summer and selection still very much open many riders will be hoping to catch the eye of Yogi Breisner in the hope of a place on Team GBR. The riders who are pretty much guaranteed a spot on that team (William Fox-Pitt and Mary King) have entered their potential Olympic prospects for Chatsworth, the week after Badminton, and
instead will bring a couple of their other 4* rides. Mary King has entered her newly acquired ride Chilli Morning from Nick Gauntlett. They have so far had two runs this season together, a 10th place at Aldon in the OI and an unlucky elimination at Belton in the Advanced after being the overnight leader. Despite this the horse is putting out some great dressage marks and I wouldn’t be surprised if they hold a competitive place after dressage at Badminton. Mary has also entered Apache Sauce, a capable horse who is rumoured to be having his last season at the top this year. Both Apache Sauce and Chilli Morning have had their last run now before Badminton, so the countdown begins for Mary.

William Fox-Pitt however chose not to run any of his Badminton entries at Belton and instead has them entered for Burnham Market (beginning 5th April). Parklane Hawk and Lionheart are both in the CIC class, with Neuf Des Coeurs (winner in the OI at Somerley last month) in the Advanced section. William’s other Badminton rides had runs in March, with Seacookie gaining a 9th in the OI and Somerley and Macchiato a 20th place at Gatcombe. As you are only allowed to run two horses at Badminton I will imagine this weekend’s runs at Burnham Market will be interesting to follow, perhaps the results will deduce who is Badminton bound and who isn’t.

Other notable results from Belton include a 1st in an Advanced section from Andrew Nicholson and Avebury, 3rd from Lenamore and Caroline Powell (who are having a truly fantastic start to the season), an Advanced win for Mark Kyle and Coolio and an AU25 win (and 2nd overall) for Sarah Stretton and Skip On II. In the CIC*** the title (and Grantham Cup) was taken by Sarah ‘Cutty’ Cohen and the promising Treason, they head to Badminton to try and put in another competitive performance. 2nd place was given to Paul Tapner with Inonothing, who is now back from injury last year and in fighting form.

Many other entrants for Badminton this year are having their final runs before the big day, with Burnham Market being the particular favourite event of choice. Pippa Funnell has Redesigned and Pure Addiction entered (Pure Addiction also entered for South of England on the following weekend, so a withdrawal is expected). Redesigned is being run at Badminton in the hope of Olympic selection and so his results will definitely be one to watch. Pippa’s third Badminton entry is Mirage D’Elle, who is entered for a final run in the OI at South of England. Also at Burnham Market is the media’s favourite Zara Phillips with High Kingdom. An exciting horse showing serious potential, he’s had a good couple of runs so far this year and a 10th place at his first 4* at Burghley last year puts him in with a good shot for Badminton. In addition, Oliver Townend has entered both of his Badminton entries (Armada and ODT Sons Rovatio) in the CIC class. Armada was given to Oliver Townend from Andrew Nicholson to give him a shot at Badminton this year, and so far their results haven’t given much evidence of what is to come, so they are definitely a combination to watch.

Exactly one month from Badminton and we’ve had a first withdrawal from the competitive Simone Deitermann and Free Easy NRW. Leaders after dressage at Burghley last year (but a very unlucky fall cross country eliminated them – a similar circumstance to their WEG performance), Simone was a hot shot for putting in a good performance at Badminton too. This withdrawal means Jan van Beek and Bridget from the Netherlands are into the entries from the Wait List, after top of the wait list Declan Cullan also withdrew.

I feel now is the time to pay my condolences to all those involved and close to the ‘tricky but wonderful’ Sir Roscoe. Gaby Cooke’s Badminton bound horse was put to sleep on Sunday after injury at Belton. It is tragic and undeserved and I am sure I speak for everyone in the eventing world when I say I am truly sorry for the loss of such a great horse, Roscoe had the potential for the top and it is clear his connection with Gaby was one in a million. My thoughts are with all involved at this sad time.

(Photos are mine from various events 2010/11.)