Everything to jump for

Thirty eight horses go forward to the show jumping at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. 

One horse failed the final veterinary inspection. Sadly for British rider Piggy French, What A Performance was eliminated by the ground jury. 

Fig Jam (66) the ride of New Zealander Bundy Philpot and Bally’s Geronimo (94) the ride of Victoria Carlerback from Sweden were not presented. While Hunter’s Legend, the ride of Briton Dominic Ruane, passed the veterinary inspection he was withdrawn before the show jumping. 

Just four faults, the penalty for a pole down, divide the top three placed combinations and eight faults – two fences down – the top nine, so there will be all to jump for in order to win the £55,000 first prize and the silver Mitsubishi Motors Challenge trophy. 

Germany has a strong hand with three riders in the top five – 3rd, 4th and 5th – and could provide the first mainland European winner for 56 years. 

Sarah Cohen is the highest placed British rider in 7th place with Hide and Seek II and the evergreen Over to You currently lies in 12th with his long-time partner Jeanette Brakewell. Louise Skelton is the highest placed British first-time rider with her homebred Partly Pickled. 

Six of the nine mares that started the competition are through to show jump – with two, including the current leader Headley Britannia, in the top four.