Biography

It will be a first Badminton and first four-star for French rider Aurelien Leroy (25), the son of French team rider Pascal Leroy, who is based in Damiatte in the mid-Pyrenees. Last year with Badminton entry Seashore Spring Aurelien was 6^th in the Under 25 championship at Bramham.

Aurelien’s first sport was cyclo cross but he then picked up the reins and competed in pony showjumping classes aged 12 – he is still a regular competitor in international showjumping classes. He started eventing at Junior level and in 2008 competed in his first European Junior eventing championships with Eersteling de Lou, a former ride of his father, finishing in 11^th place.

With the thoroughbred Ostende he competed in Young Riders and contested the 2011 YR European Championships at Blair Castle and in 2013 was 5^th with Rhexia de Petra who he competed in the CIC3* at Blenheim in 2014.

Seashore Spring is 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding. He is by Erudit out of a mare by Jasmin. He was formerly produced by Veronique Real and Aurelien took the ride at two-star level in 2016. Last year the pair was 6^th in the ‘under 25’ championship at Bramham.