Ros Canter landed her first five-star win at Badminton Horse Trials in style, finishing a whopping 15 penalties in front after pulling off a foot-perfect clear round with just 1.6 time to add, over Kelvin Bywater’s technical track riding Lordships Graffalo.
Going into the showjumping with two fences in-hand, Ros remained as cool and calm as ever, not missing a beat when it came to easing her super taltented horse around the course infront of a packed crowd.
“I felt very uncalm and very uncool [going into the arena], but Walter jumped really well in the warm up and that gave me confidence,” said Ros. “I just had to take my time and try and be calm. I’d also had the benefit of having my other horse earlier to focus on, which was great as it kept me busy.
“Walter is unbelievable and the ultimate event horse. It’s what he lives and breathes for – he’s a bit of a character when he’s not being ridden. He’s like lots of top athletes and needs his mind occupying, and this job fits him perfectly.
“Everyone says it’s what dreams are made of, but I don’t even know if I ever dreamt I could do it, so I think it’s going to take a long time to sink in. When I think back to my Pony Club days and the friends I’ve made, I can’t believe that it’s come to this. It’s very exciting.”
Ros also finished ninth on her mare Pencos Crown Jewel who had two unlucky poles in the final phase to finish on 64.4 ahead of 10th placed Pippa Funnel and Majas Hope who also incurred two fences down for a total score of 66.2.
Despite having a pole in the jumping, Oliver Townend and the reliable grey Ballaghmor Class, still managed to move up a place to second with 50.3 after Ireland’s Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue’s costly two fences saw them drop into third on 51.09.
“Whenever I’m having a rough time of it, Ballaghmor Class comes to the front and that’s what good mates do – I can’t tell you how proud I am of him and the team behind him,” said Oliver. “It’s just another incredible result and I don’t know how many Badmintons, Burghleys and Kentuckys he’s done, but he’s always right there.”
A perfect clear inside the time saw Tom McEwen and Toledo De Kerser push up into fourth place – a fantastic result for the pair who have been consistent all weekend. They finished on their score of 54.4.
“He was phenomenal and finished so well,” said Tom. “He was seriously airborne over those jumps and loving it. Considering the rain we’ve had, the ground was phenomenal, the course was great and he loves these phases when everyone is watching him. He’s aware of everything but he’s also a showman and this is exactly what he was made for, so what a way to finish and what a horse.”
Gemma Stevens and chestnut mare Jalapeno had an unlucky pole and 0.4 time to finish in sixth on 60.1, while Bubby Upton and Cola’s 8 faults saw then in eight on a score of 64.2.
For full results, visit https://bit.ly/42DOhep
With thanks to Presenting Partners Mars Equestrian and Official Partner Lightsource bp for their support of this year’s event.
Image courtesy of Adam Fanthorpe Photography
