Galloping Course
On New Turf
After extensive work on the going at Badminton, the course is
all set for the 2008 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials which
run from May 1st – 4th.
Hugh Thomas’s track is traditionally setting
off in reverse direction to last year, starting in the main arena
with the Mitsubishi Flower Bed. Riders then head left over the roll
top Sheep Feeder as they head to the Horse Deals Quarry, an
imposing log drop, then up the steep slope to another enormous log
out.
The spirit of this year’s course is for direct
routes to be really beneficial for optimum time and rather fewer
‘round the houses’ easier options. The quick way at the Irish Sport
Horse Studbook’s Huntsman’s Close involves a narrow log cottage on
a turn to a wide brush corner and out over a familiar, but respect
inducing, upright five bar gate.
There is then a longish stretch to the bottom
end of the lake where horses will get their feet wet for the first
time in the run up to the Wadworth’s Barrels. Then it is to the
lake complex proper where the first element consists of two backed
up Mitsubishi L200s. The main route into the water is over the
Willow Waves drop, a close brush upright in the water, which will
test rein gathering, and a narrow Willow Wave out. Those taking the
long option might as well stop off at the nearby bar, as their time
will be completely compromised.
With the imposing sight of Badminton House in
front, riders take on the maximum dimension Countryside Dining
Table before heading to the Blue Cross Roundtops, a narrow box
jump, then into the ditch, up a slope, and another serious aiming
job.
The next is the Farm Complex, in honour of
Hong Kong, who are hosting the equestrian part of the Olympic
Games. This is a three parter on a curve, a corner, a hay cart and
another corner, with the need to employ show jump striding
expertise to ensure a smooth passage. Then on up to the Vicarage
Ditch zone with The Colt Pond, a jump into water, through and
out.
The Vicarage Ditch has a completely new look,
with the direct route over a very narrow, angled brush, with a huge
ditch in front. Back over the same stream at the Ditch and Rails
and back again over the very imposing ‘old style’ Grandis Oxer.
Right turn to The Outlander Bank, where the course edges into
Wiltshire, with another ‘skinny’ to negotiate on landing and then
back into the deer park at the Shogun Hollow.
There is then a good open stretch till the big
but inviting Puffa Shooting Butts and then a couple of massive tree
trunks at the Double Oaks. Petrol still needs to be in the tank
climbing up the Immediacy Staircase and the uneven ground at the
Lancer Village is a challenge so late in the course.
The Keeper’s Brush is a nice flyer close to
home, but riders can’t get too carried away as they approach the
angled logs at the Rolex Crossing. Then it is just the Mitsubishi
Motors Garden in the main arena before a successful completion of
the most famous cross country course in the world.