Harry Meade, the world number one in eventing, is the busiest rider this weekend with three horses to ride.

Although he has previously achieved this feat at five-star level (at Burghley last year, with three horses in the top 10), it is a rarity at the highest echelons of the sport.

The last rider to complete Badminton with three horses was Lorna Clark in 1970 with Gypsy Flame (fourth), Popadom (12th) and The Dark Horse (15th) – and she did all her own plaiting and saddling up as well.

Five years before that, the Australian Olympian Bill Roycroft rode three around: he was second on Eldorado, sixth on Stoney Crossing and second on Avatar in Little Badminton.

Harry, who scored 36.5 on his first ride, Et Hop Du Matz, admitted that he thought the better tests are still to come tomorrow, from the mares Anaghmore Valoner, fourth at Burghley last year, and Crystal Cavalier, fourth at Badminton in 2025 and twice third at Burghley.

A cross-country specialist – it is his outstanding performances at five-star level last year that propelled him into the top spot in the FEI Eventing World Rankings – Harry said: ‘I’ve had a quick look at the cross-country and am now about to walk it in much more detail, assessing it for each of my three horses. ‘I am looking forward to Saturday. It’s going to be a great day’s sport.’