EIGHTY-THREE CELEBRATE 60^th BADMINTON   

Eighty three horses will contest this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials – the 60^th anniversary of the three-day-event at Badminton. Eighty five stepped forward in front of Badminton House for the first horse inspection that was assessed by the ground jury of Angela Tucker (GBR), Michel Asseray (FRA) and Eric Smiley (IRL). Sadly for British rider Hannah Bate (no 79) and Badminton first-timer the Brazilian Marcelo Tosi (no. 63) their horses did not pass the inspection. 

British riders William Fox-Pitt, Louise Skelton, Georgie Spence, Tristram Owers, Richard Jones and Zara Phillips all have two rides as do New Zealanders Dan Jocelyn, Joe Meyer; Australian Paul Tapner and leading Belgian rider Karin Donkers. William is also one of three who have previously won here – the other two are Mary King and Rodney Powell who was the winner eighteen years ago in 1991 with The Irishman.

Twenty-four riders will be attempting the course for the first time including last year’s European Young Rider team and individual gold medallist Emily Llewellyn who at 19-years old is the youngest rider in the field this year. Fifty-six-year-old Frenchman Bruno Bouvier is the eldest while New Zealander Andrew Nicholson is the rider who has completed the competition the most times. This year Andrew will be riding the Spanish-bred Armada and aiming for his 28^th completion – and his first win.

Under-21 National Champion Laura Collett and Rayef will be the ‘guinea pig’ dressage test rider and William Fox-Pitt will be the first competitor into the arena with his 2008 Luhmuhlen winner Macchiato.