Canter and Lordships Graffalo Repeat Victory at Mars Badminton Horse Trials
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo triumphed once again at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials, securing their second victory in three years. The pair delivered a thrilling performance in the show jumping finale, mirroring their 2023 success with Oliver Townend and Austin O’Connor rounding out the top three. The challenging course, designed by Kevin Bywater, saw only five clear rounds, adding to the drama and excitement of the final day.
Drama Unfolds on Final Day
The final day began with unexpected twists as Oliver townend withdrew Ballaghmor Class before show jumping. Reigning World Champion Yasmin Ingham also withdrew Rehy DJ before the trot-up.
Show Jumping course Proves Challenging
Kevin Bywater’s course tested riders with a large oxer near the Members Enclosure, a tricky water tray, and a demanding treble combination, resulting in only five clear rounds from 54 starters.
Canter and Lordships Graffalo Clinch the Win
Riding as the penultimate pair, Canter and Lordships Graffalo navigated the course with precision, maintaining composure and securing the win. despite the pressure and with one fence in hand over O’Connor and just three penalties behind Townend, “Walter” cleared the final fence.
Townend’s Round Derailed by a Rail
Oliver Townend, riding Cooley Rosalent, appeared poised for victory until a rail fell at the 10th fence, dashing his hopes. Townend jokingly acknowledged Canter’s growing legacy, quipping that she might become the “new Lucinda.”
Canter Credits Careful Preparation
Canter attributed her success to meticulous preparation. She said she made sure she watched the horses jump the in the morning, re-walked the course during the break and made sure she took him down to the start area nice and early, giving herself time to get up the gears before the first fence.
Lordships Graffalo: A Horse of a Lifetime
At just 13 years old, Lordships Graffalo has secured two Badminton wins, an Olympic team gold, a European title, and a Burghley victory. Many wonder if a third Badminton victory may be within reach for Canter and her superstar mount in the future.
Ancient Context: Multiple Badminton Wins
Only one horse has achieved three Badminton wins: Be Fair, ridden by Lucinda Green (1977, 1979, 1982). Green is also the most successful Badminton rider with six victories total. Just five horses have won twice:
- Wide Awake (Lucinda Green, 1973 & 1976)
- Toytown (William Fox-Pitt, 2004 & 2007)
- Comanche (Mary Gordon-watson, 1971 & 1974)
- Priceless (Mark Todd, 1990 & 1994)
- Lordships Graffalo (Ros Canter, 2023 & 2025)
Based on the provided text, here are two PAA (Practical Application/Analysis) related questions:
Canter and Lordships Graffalo Repeat Victory at Mars Badminton Horse Trials
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo triumphed once again at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials, securing their second victory in three years. The pair delivered a thrilling performance in the show jumping finale, mirroring their 2023 success with Oliver Townend and Austin O’Connor rounding out the top three. The challenging course, designed by Kevin Bywater, saw only five clear rounds, adding to the drama and excitement of the final day.
Drama Unfolds on Final Day
The final day began with unexpected twists as Oliver townend withdrew Ballaghmor Class before show jumping. Reigning World Champion Yasmin Ingham also withdrew Rehy DJ before the trot-up.
Show Jumping course Proves Challenging
Kevin Bywater’s course tested riders with a large oxer near the Members Enclosure, a tricky water tray, and a demanding treble combination, resulting in only five clear rounds from 54 starters.
Canter and Lordships Graffalo Clinch the Win
Riding as the penultimate pair, Canter and Lordships Graffalo navigated the course with precision, maintaining composure and securing the win. despite the pressure and with one fence in hand over O’Connor and just three penalties behind Townend, “Walter” cleared the final fence.
Townend’s Round Derailed by a Rail
Oliver Townend, riding Cooley rosalent, appeared poised for victory until a rail fell at the 10th fence, dashing his hopes. Townend jokingly acknowledged Canter’s growing legacy, quipping that she might become the “new Lucinda.”
Canter Credits Careful Planning
Canter attributed her success to meticulous preparation. She said she made sure she watched the horses jump the in the morning, re-walked the course during the break and made sure she took him down to the start area nice and early, giving herself time to get up the gears before the first fence.
Lordships Graffalo: A Horse of a Lifetime
At just 13 years old,Lordships Graffalo has secured two Badminton wins,an Olympic team gold,a European title,and a Burghley victory.Many wonder if a third Badminton victory may be within reach for Canter and her superstar mount in the future.
Ancient Context: Multiple Badminton Wins
Only one horse has achieved three Badminton wins: Be Fair, ridden by Lucinda Green (1977, 1979, 1982). Green is also the most successful Badminton rider with six victories total. Just five horses have won twice:
- Wide Awake (Lucinda Green, 1973 & 1976)
- Toytown (William Fox-Pitt, 2004 & 2007)
- Comanche (Mary Gordon-watson, 1971 & 1974)
- Priceless (Mark Todd, 1990 & 1994)
- Lordships Graffalo (Ros Canter, 2023 & 2025)
Q&A: Mars Badminton Horse Trials
Who won the 2025 Mars Badminton Horse Trials?
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo secured the win, marking their second victory in three years.
What made the show jumping course so challenging?
Designed by Kevin Bywater, the course included a large oxer, a tricky water tray, and a demanding treble combination. Only five out of 54 starters achieved clear rounds.
What is the record for Badminton wins by a horse?
Only one horse, Be Fair, ridden by Lucinda Green, has won Badminton three times (1977, 1979, 1982).
What did Ros Canter attribute her success to?
Meticulous preparation, including watching the horses jump in the morning, re-walking the course, and ensuring Lordships Graffalo was focused before the start.
Who is Lucinda Green, and why is she mentioned?
Lucinda Green is the most successful badminton rider with six victories.Oliver townend jokingly compared Ros Canter’s emerging dominance to Green’s legacy.
What other major titles has Lordships Graffalo won?
Besides two Badminton wins, he has an Olympic team gold, a European title, and a Burghley victory.
What should riders do if they wont to improve their show jumping skills?
Just like Ros Canter,focus on detailed preparation,course walking,and getting the horse focused before the start. Practicing with challenging combinations is also critical.
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo’s triumph is a testament to the power of preparation and partnership. Will they achieve a third Badminton victory? Only time will tell!
