Oliver Townend, who has never made any secret of his desire for another MARS Badminton Horse Trials victory, is now at the head of the leaderboard at the conclusion of the dressage phase.
The former world number one and Olympic gold medallist conjured a superb performance from his exciting grey mare, Cooley Rosalent, who showed all her star quality and potential to score 21.1 penalties.
This puts Oliver 1.3 ahead of his Tokyo Olympics team mate, Tom McEwen riding JL Dublin, and 3.6 penalties in front of Gemma Stevens on another mare, Jalapeno, in an all-British top 10.
The 2023 winners Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo are in close contention in fourth place on 25.3.
Just a handful of time penalties separate the top combinations and a thrilling day’s cross-country is guaranteed for tomorrow with both Oliver and Gemma running near the end of the day on their second horses – the pair are lying in ninth and 10th places respectively on their first rides, Ballaghmor Class and Chilli Knight.
Oliver’s first ever five-star triumph came at the age of 26 at Badminton in 2009 on another grey, Flint Curtis. Since then he has twice been runner-up, on Ballaghmor Class, as well as scoring multiple victories at Kentucky and Burghley. He is the most experienced competitor at Badminton this year, with 18 completions to his name.
The 11-year-old Cooley Rosalent, owned by Paul and Diana Ridgeon, has shone at every level so far, winning Kentucky last year.
“She is still quite babyish, but she coped very well in the atmosphere of the dressage,” Oliver said. “She is very nippy across country, she can adjust her stride and she has a great galloping pedigree – her dam [Bellany Jewel] was a Scottish Grand National winner and her sire [Valent] was a show jumper.
“She has the stamina and it’s up to me to give her the ride – and sometimes it’s your day and sometimes it’s not.”
Gemma Stevens, 40, was delighted with the 17-year-old mare Jalapeno, like her first ride, Chilli Knight, by the Badminton-winning stallion Chilli Morning and owned by Chris and Lisa Stone.
“The two horses are similar types, but have different ways of going,” said Gemma. “Alfie [Chilli Knight] will want to gallop to the end, but the mare, who can be lazy, will tell me she is tired three minutes into the course and I will be clicking – luckily I have been to the gym. I will be terrified, but, then, if you’re not terrified at Badminton, why are you here!”
The cross-country action starts at 11.30am tomorrow and will be shown live on Badminton TV, powered by ClipMyHorse.tv