The final horse inspection at MARS Badminton Horse Trials took place this morning. Fifty four horses will go forwards to the showjumping, the top 20 jumping this afternoon, with the lower placed combinations jumping from 11.30am.

There were five overnight withdrawals: Google van Alsingen (Senne Vervaecke), Rehy DJ (Yasmin Ingham), B Exclusive (Lizzie Baugh), MHS Bingo Boy (Nicky Hill) and Shanbeg Cooley (Harry Mutch).

Seven horses were sent to the holding box for further veterinary inspection, but all bar one passed when re-presented to the Ground Jury. The veteran campaigner, Ballaghmor Class (Oliver Townend) was withdrawn from the hold, making it the first time the four-times five-star winner will not complete at this level.

The afternoon showjumping starts at 2.45pm after the parade of horses. BBC coverage starts on BBC2 at 1.45pm with highlights followed by the top 10 combinations live.

Read more about Ballaghmor Class’s incredible record HERE

Photo: Defending Badminton champion, Caroline Powell, with High Time