Tag Archives: Badminton Horse Trials

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T.

Kieffer and Veronica Finish in Top 10 at Badminton Horse Trials

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Shannon Brinkman Photo.

First American Combination in a Top 10 Finish in More Than a Decade

Badminton, England – Land Rover/USEF Eventing Grant recipient Lauren Kieffer and Veronica became the first American combination to finish in the top 10 of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials on Sunday in more than a decade. 2007 was the last time a U.S. combination broke the top 10 barrier, when Kim Severson (Charlottesville, Va.) and Winsome Adante finished third.

Placing ninth overall, Kieffer (The Plains, Va.) and the 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Team Rebecca, LLC contested their seventh four-star event together, showing their experience from start to finish. Ending on a score of 38.6, the pair greatly improved their position from 2017, when they finished 17th overall. This year, Kieffer and Veronica held a spot consistently in the top 10 through all three phases of competition.

After their trip down the centerline, Kieffer and Veronica sat tied for the 10th position on a score of 25.0 after dressage. With the goal of improving upon their run from 2017, the combination headed into the cross-country phase. They jumped a clean course, but added some time penalties, boosting their overall position to seventh and a score of 34.6.

“I am absolutely ecstatic with [Veronica] – she is such an amazing little mare,” said Kieffer after their trip around the course designed by Eric Winter. “I came out and had a bit of a chip on my shoulder from last year and just wanted to prove that we could attack the course. [Veronica] was happy to do it.”

The show jumping phase saw the combination drop a single rail, slipping to ninth overall, but laying claim to a top 10 finish.

“[Veronica] jumped super,” said Kieffer. “We don’t get to practice jumping on grass very often, but she really jumped well out of it. Sometimes at the end of a four-star they are pretty haggard feeling, and she really felt great. She felt like she does every day, so I really couldn’t be more thrilled with how she came out this weekend.”

Fellow Americans Will Coleman (Charlottesville, Va.) and Four Star Eventing Group’s 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding OBOS O’Reilly retired on the cross-country course, while Madeline Backus (Larkspur, Colo.) and her and Laura Backus’s 17-year-old Anglo-Trakehner mare P.S. Arianna were eliminated on cross-country.

Full Results

From the US Equestrian Communications Department

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T., Kentucky Three-Day

Oliver Townend Moves into Contention for Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing

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30 April 2018, Lexington, USA – Great Britain’s Oliver Townend produced a precision round of show jumping in the final phase of the 2018 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event to secure his first Kentucky win and set him just one event away from winning the coveted Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize.

Townend took first place riding Cooley Master Class, with Michael Jung (GER) riding FischerRocana FST in second, and USA’s Marilyn Little on RF Scandalous in third place.

From the 46 horse and rider combinations who started the competition on day one, 32 horses made it through to start on the final day of competition, with an international field of world-class riders from the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, Poland and Germany.

With just one fence separating the top four placed competitors in the show jumping, the enthusiastic patriotic spectators in the Rolex Stadium enjoyed a thrilling sporting display.

Oliver Townend was up against many of eventing’s finest riders, including world number one and reigning champion Michael Jung, who had returned to this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event in a bid to try to set a new record by winning the event for a historic fourth consecutive year, aboard his same horse, FischerRocana FST.

Speaking after his victory and looking ahead to the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing challenge, Townend said: “Today was incredible. I will just take it one event at a time, but I have two great horses next week at Badminton and it is all to play for now.”

ROLEX LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP

Rolex and the Kentucky Three-Day Event have a long and distinguished history, with Rolex as Title Sponsor for over three decades from 1981 to 2017 and proud to be continuing its long-term partnership as Official Timepiece. In 1998 Rolex Kentucky became the third annual CCI4* event in the world and remains the only four-star competition on the American continent. Rolex’s established support has seen the event develop into one of the most prestigious in the world, with top riders from around the globe now vying to compete there.

THE ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF EVENTING CHALLENGE

Since 2001, Rolex has actively supported excellence in the discipline of eventing through the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing – an award presented to any rider who consecutively wins at the three annual events of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA), the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (UK) and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (UK). To this day, the Grand Slam has only been won twice, in 2003 and more recently, in 2016.

All eyes will now be upon Townend to see if he can continue his current world-class form as the live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, with two wins now complete and the final challenge of winning the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, which starts in just days, to be only the third rider in history to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize.

Revolution Sports + Entertainment
Merrick Haydon
merrick@revolutionsports.co.uk
+44 (0)7748 186 833

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T., FEI, Show Jumping

Andrew Nicholson Finally Lifts Badminton Trophy, after a Record 37 Finishes, with Nereo

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Six time Olympian Andrew Nicholson (NZL) and Nereo. (FEI/Jon Stroud)

Michael Jung (GER) and Sam secure second, and now lead the FEI Classics™ standings, with Tim Price (NZL) and Xavier Faer moving up to take third

Fellow competitors erupted in spontaneous cheering as the brilliant New Zealand horseman Andrew Nicholson, 55, at last won the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, fourth leg of the FEI Classics™, after a record 37 attempts over 33 years.

“Of course I knew I would win Badminton one day – I just didn’t know when!” — Andrew Nicholson (NZL)

It was a jumping finale full of surprises as Nicholson, third after cross-country, pulled off a stunning clear round on the 17-year-old Nereo to leave the two German Olympians ahead of him – Michael Jung and overnight leader Ingrid Klimke – no room for manoeuvre.

Jung’s La Biosthetique Sam, also a veteran 17-year-old, hit the back rail of the sixth fence, so the defending champion had to settle for the runner-up spot, but he now leads the FEI Classics™ series leaderboard. Then, to gasps from the fascinated crowd, Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob hit the same fence and Klimke’s problems were compounded with a refusal at the treble, which dropped her to ninth.

“I’m a bit unhappy about the mistake and it was, for sure, my mistake, but Sam has been superb all weekend.” — Michael Jung (GER)

New Zealanders Tim Price (Xavier Faer) and Sir Mark Todd with both his horses, NZB Campino and Leonidas ll, capitalised on clear jumping rounds and moved up to third, fourth and sixth.

There was a new British name in fifth place, 31-year-old Rosalind Canter, who had a superb Badminton debut on Allstar B. Gemma Tattersall (GBR) was delighted to jump clear for sixth place on Arctic Soul and Kristina Cook was at her vintage best in 10th place on Billy the Red.

Completing the international flavour was Japanese rider Yoshiaki Oiwa, whose long-term aim of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 will have been enhanced by eighth place on The Duke of Cavan.

A total of 46 completed the competition with 20 clear jumping rounds. There was disappointment for the British when Alexander Bragg’s Zagreb, eighth after a great cross-country, was withdrawn from the holding box at the final horse inspection.

Nicholson first rode at Badminton in 1984; he has since completed more times than any other rider, and has finished second, on Lord Killinghurst in 2004, and third, on Libby Sellar’s Spanish-bred chestnut gelding Nereo in 2013. He was in the lead on Nereo in 2015, but it all went wrong in the final phase.

His win is even more of a fairytale considering he broke his neck in a fall 18 months ago – the prospect of competing Avebury, his three-time Burghley winner, and Nereo was, he says, a strong motivation during his recovery.

“I’ve been in all sorts of places at Badminton and not won, so it has been hard, but I am lucky that I’ve been able to keep the dream alive and keep coming back.” — Andrew Nicholson (NZL)

Nicholson’s spectacular victory puts him into third place in the FEI Classics™, behind Pau winner Maxime Livio (FRA) and last year’s series champion Jung, who leads going into his home 4* at Luhmühlen next month.

Press contacts:

At FEI:

Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38

At Badminton:

Julian Seaman
Head of Media
J.Seaman2@sky.com
+44 7831 515736

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T., FEI

Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob Snatch Lead after Badminton Cross Country

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Ingrid Klimke (GER) and Horseware Hale Bob OLD. (FEI/Jon Stroud)

Influential cross country day sees Michael Jung (GER) and Sam move up to second ahead of Andrew Nicholson (NZL) and Nereo with just 0.8 between the top three

German Olympic rider Ingrid Klimke rode an exhilarating cross country round on Horseware Hale Bob at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, fourth leg of the FEI Classics™, and holds a slim 0.4 penalty lead over defending champions Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam who were outstanding to finish on their dressage score at the end of a thrilling day’s 4* competition.

“I walked the course with Andrew [Nicholson] and I watched Michi [Jung] and I hoped to do as well as them. It was a difficult course – there certainly wasn’t time to wave to the crowd – but Bobby was so full of himself and was pure pleasure to ride.” — Ingrid Klimke (GER)

Brilliant Kiwi rider Andrew Nicholson, who was last on course on Nereo, brought the day to a nail-biting climax and is now in third place, just 0.8 behind Klimke.

New course-designer Eric Winter’s track proved as influential as anticipated. Dressage leader Christopher Burton (AUS) on Graf Liberty had a surprising refusal at the third log element of the Hildon Water Pond (fence 15) and third-placed Irishman Jonty Evans (Cooley Rorkes Drift) was going brilliantly when he had a disappointing run-out at the second corner at fence 21.

“Sport’s all about confidence and I’m going to try and take some confidence from it. We made one little mistake, which was my fault, but we’re going home to reboot and aim for the Europeans.” — Jonty Evans (IRL)

Fourth-placed Belgian rider Karin Donckers (Fletcha Van ‘T Verahof) and eighth-placed Bettina Hoy from Germany (Designer 10) both retired after refusals and, under the new FEI rule, Sam Griffiths (AUS), 11th on Paulank Brockagh was awarded 50 penalties for missing a flag.

There were 32 clear rounds and 49 finishers from the 81 starters. Only two were inside the time of 11 minutes 34 seconds: Jung and New Zealander Tim Price, who has leapt 30 places to fourth on Xavier Faer. Sir Mark Todd (NZL) has two horses inside the top 10, NZB Campino, fifth, and Leonidas, ninth.

‘You couldn’t be casual and lollop along. Perhaps it’s my age, but I don’t think I’ve ever concentrated so hard!’ — Andrew Nicholson (NZL)

The home crowd had little to cheer about after the dressage, but strong clears by British first-timers Ros Canter (Allstar B) and farrier Alexander Bragg (Zagreb) have moved them up significantly to sixth and eighth places; Oliver Townend shot up from 47th to sixth on ODT Ghareeb and Gemma Tattersall from 67th to 12th on the ex-racehorse Arctic Soul.

The jumping phase promises to be an absolute thriller with 0.8 of a penalty separating three greats in the sport.

By Kate Green

Press contacts:

At FEI:

Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38

At Badminton:

Julian Seaman
Head of Media
J.Seaman2@sky.com
+44 7831 515736

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., FEI

Christopher Burton Takes Dressage Lead with Graf Liberty at Badminton

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Christopher Burton and Graf Liberty (FEI/Jon Stroud)

Ingrid Klimke (GER) and Horseware Hale Bob close second ahead of Jonty Evans (IRL) and Cooley Rorkes Drift in third

Australia’s Christopher Burton produced a typically elegant display to lead the dressage phase at the 4* Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, fourth leg of the FEI Classics™, with the outstanding mark of 32.9 on the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse Graf Liberty.

The only riders to have bettered Burton’s score in Badminton’s 68-year history are fellow Aussie Andrew Hoy with Darien Powers in 2000 and Britain’s Pippa Funnell on Supreme Rock in 2002.

“I’m so proud of my horse. I can’t believe it. I deliberately didn’t push him too much at the start of the week – I didn’t even get on the horse until Wednesday afternoon – as I have been known to overdo it on him before, but he worked in better and better and to come out of the arena with a 32.9 is fantastic. I’m so happy.” — Christopher Burton (AUS)

‘Burto’, winner of Burghley and an Olympic team bronze medallist last year, leads the 2015 runners-up Ingrid Klimke (GER) on Horseware Hale Bob by 3.5 penalties.

“There was so much atmosphere but as soon as we went into the arena, he felt safe. He is such a sweet horse. I’m looking forward to the cross-country – it’s a mix of big bold fences and accuracy tests and you have to concentrate, but I have ridden some difficult courses in my time and I feel my horse is in good shape.” — Ingrid Klimke (GER)

Irishman Jonty Evans, back at Badminton for the first time in 10 years, broke down in tears on hearing his mark of 37.2, which puts him in third place, and pointed emphatically to Cooley Rorkes Drift, the horse that took him to ninth place at the Rio Olympics last year. The last Irish rider to win Badminton was Eddie Boylan (Durlas Eile) in 1965 and the last top-three finisher was Jessica Harrington, who was third with Amoy in 1983.

“He is my horse of a lifetime. We have trained so hard and I’ve wanted to get under 40 for so long. It’s unbelievable, very special. I’d like to think the cross country will suit my horse – he doesn’t look big because I’m so lanky, but he’s got a long stride. Finishing on my dressage score is the aim!” — Jonty Evans (IRL)

Belgium’s Karin Donckers (Fletcha Van ‘T De Verahof, 37.3), the USA’s Lauren Kieffer (Veronica, 38.0) and New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson (Nereo, 38.0), who has completed Badminton more times than any other rider (35), have now overtaken first-day leader Thibaut Vallette (FRA) and are in fourth and equal fifth. Defending champion Michael Jung (GER) is now ninth on La Biosthetique Sam but cannot be ruled out.

Riders are looking forward to the cross country course, variously described as ‘massive’, ‘imposing’ and ‘needing total concentration’ with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Britain’s Izzy Taylor sums it up: ‘Eric [Winter, designer] has handed the responsibility to the rider, which is the right direction. I think we’ll be looking at some different results tomorrow.”

Press contacts:

At FEI:

Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38

At Badminton:

Julian Seaman
Head of Media
J.Seaman2@sky.com
+44 7831 515736

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., FEI

Thibaut Vallette and Qing Du Briot Lead Dressage on Badminton Debut

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Thibaut Vallette (FRA) and Qing Du Briot ENE HN. (FEI/Jon Stroud)

Germany’s Bettina Hoy and Designer 10 a close second ahead of defending champions Michael Jung and Sam

Thibaut Vallette, 43, a member of France’s victorious Olympic team in Rio last year and an instructor at the legendary Cadre Noir in Saumur, has made a brilliant debut at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, fourth leg of the FEI Classics™. He leads the scoreboard after the first day of dressage at the 4* event on the 13-year-old Qing du Briot ENE HN, his only ride at this level, on a mark of 38.7.

‘I didn’t expect to do this well, so I am very happy. Coming here is a dream for any eventer. This is the best dressage test the horse has done this year, as we had some difficulties after Rio – the experience made him very tense. But it’s not going to be a dressage competition!’ — Thibaut Vallette (FRA)

The next four placed riders have years of experience and four-star wins under their belt. Veteran German team member Bettina Hoy, who is now the Dutch team trainer, was thrilled to be just 0.5 of a penalty behind in second place on her only top horse, Designer 10.

Defending champion Michael Jung, fresh from victory in Kentucky last weekend and currently second on the FEI Classics™ series leaderboard, admitted that he was feeling some pressure, and his test with the 17-year-old La Biosthetique Sam FBW did contain some tension, but they scored 40.0 penalties and are in third place.

However, all riders who have observed the handiwork of new course-designer Eric Winter agree that it will not be a dressage competition. There are only five combinations on the track, but there are plenty of old-fashioned big fences and some difficult lines designed to slow riders and test the strength of their partnerships with their horses.

‘I am happy my horse is full of energy as that will be good for the cross-country and he is brilliant at that. The conditions are perfect and I’m feeling motivated and looking forward to it.’ — Michael Jung (GER)

Vallette’s Olympic team mate Astier Nicolas, who many people have tipped to be only the second Frenchman to win Badminton (following Nicolas Touzaint in 2008), is in close contention in fourth place with his 2015 Pau winner Piaf de Bneville on 41.5.

Four-time Badminton winner Sir Mark Todd, 61, was thrilled with the performance of the 13-year-old Leonidas ll, currently in fifth on 42.9 after a mistake in the final halt.

By Kate Green

Press contacts:

At FEI:

Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38

At Badminton:

Julian Seaman
Head of Media
J.Seaman2@sky.com
+44 7831 515736

Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Show Jumping

Michael Jung Crowned New Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Champion after Winning Badminton

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Photo courtesy of Rolex.

8 May 2016, Badminton, UK – It was a day of records at the 2016 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials as world number one Michael Jung was crowned the new Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Champion having kept his lead from the first day of the competition despite huge pressure from the world’s leading riders.

Jung is the first German rider to ever win the Badminton Horse Trials in its 57th running and he created further new records by being the rider to finish on the new lowest ever score of 34.4, and the first time in 10 years to lead the dressage and then go on and win the Badminton title.

Having won both the 2015 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and the 2016 Rolex Kentucky, Jung is now the new Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Champion, receiving a Rolex watch, the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing trophy and the USD$350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize.

Riding La Biosthetique Sam FBW, Jung was last to go into the packed arena in front of HRH Duchess of Cornwall and went into the final show jumping phase at Badminton with two rails in-hand overnight. Showing no signs of pressure, Jung rode another immaculate clear round without touching a single rail.

The 15,000 spectators held their breath as Jung expertly guided ‘Sam’ around the 13-fence course, with Jung punching the air to the delight of the supporters, fans and watching global media. In second place was his fellow compatriot Andreas Ostholt riding So Is Et, who rode a superb clear to hold his position. In third place was Great Britain’s Gemma Tattersall riding Artic Soul who finished in her highest ever Badminton place.

In the previous cross-country action, 48 of the 75 starters finished, with 32 clear rounds, 11 of them inside the optimum time.  The experienced Kristina Cook will have impressed the GB selectors having risen 35 places from their starting dressage in 42nd to finish 7th on Star Witness.

NEW ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF EVENTING CHAMPION

Speaking after the final show jumping phase, a triumphant Jung said, “I think this [the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing] is really special as you know that just only one person has won it before; that says that it is really difficult to win all three events in a row. I am very, very happy and so proud of my horse.”

Andreas Ostholt said, “My aim was always to be here on the podium, so I feel really, really happy. For me it is like a win. To finish in second place is more than I could ever wish.”

Competing for the third time at Badminton with her best ever finish on her horse Artic Soul, Gemma Tattersall said, “To come back with this horse who I have had such a journey with and coming third at Badminton is a total dream come true! The crowd was amazing; I managed to keep his concentration and he jumped the best round of his life.”

THE ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF EVENTING HISTORY

In 2001 Rolex was inspired to link the three foremost Eventing competitions in the world into a Grand Slam. Badminton – the British horse trials on which the modern sport of eventing was founded, Kentucky – the premier US event, and Burghley – the East of England’s showpiece event, formed the competition.

Every year these three events attract world class competition and crowds of enthusiastic supporters eager to bear witness to equestrian greatness. It became immediately apparent that, completing the challenge and winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, would require a series of outstanding performances from a remarkable athlete.

Since its inception in 2001, only one rider has risen to the challenge: Britain’s much loved and highly decorated team member, Pippa Funnell. In April 2003 she rode Primmore’s Pride to victory at Rolex Kentucky, beginning her Rolex Grand Slam campaign. A week later, this time riding double European champion Supreme Rock, Funnell was crowned Badminton winner. A few months later, Funnell reigned supreme at Burghley, riding Primmore’s Pride again, outperforming fellow Rolex Testimonee Zara Phillips, who finished in second place. Pippa Funnell immediately joined the ranks of sporting greats and became a Rolex Testimonee.

Since then, two of the three legs of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing have been won by four different riders: Australia’s Andrew Hoy, Britain’s William Fox-Pitt and Oliver Townend, and New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson. None of these top-class riders have yet succeeded in triumphing over the series and winning the final element of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Rolex SA
Virginie Chevailler
virginie.chevailler@rolex.com
+41 (0)22 302 2761

Revolution Sports + Entertainment
Rod Kohler
rod@revolutionsports.co.uk
+44 (0)7770 647 662

Eventing/H.T., Show Jumping, USEF

Head and Sir Rockstar Excel at Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials CCI4*

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Libby Head and Sir Rockstar (Shannon Brinkman Photo)

Jung Clinches Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Title

Badminton, Gloucestershire, England – The 2016 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials CCI4* came to an exciting conclusion on Sunday over Kelvin Bywater’s show jumping track. U.S. duo Libby Head and Sir Rockstar brought their wonderful weekend to a close by finishing in 31st place on a score of 89.4. Michael Jung (GER) made history by winning the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing after clinching the Badminton title with La Biosthetique-Sam FBW.

Head (Talbotton, Ga.) had a respectable dressage test with her own Sir Rockstar, tactfully riding through moments of tension to receive a score of 57.8 from the Ground Jury consisting of Marilyn Payne (USA), Andrew Bennie (NZL), and Angela Tucker (GBR). She and the 1998 Thoroughbred looked fantastic the whole way round Giuseppe Della Chiesa’s challenging cross-country track, which caused several problems for more experienced pairs, adding 27.6 time penalties to their score. They had a solid show jumping round with a single rail down at fence three to finish in 31st place on a score of 89.4. In addition, Head was awarded a Worship Company of Saddlers’ Saddle as the highest-placed competitor under the age of 25.

“He was jumping out of his skin,” said an ecstatic Head about her longtime partner. “I got a little nervous and didn’t really ride as well as I could have, but he really helped. He was jumping two feet over them I think. I don’t think I will ever forget coming here; it has been such an experience.”

The weekend for the other two U.S. combinations came to an end on cross-country day. Buck Davidson (Ocala, Fla.) had a smooth, relaxed dressage test with Sherrie Martin’s The Apprentice in the horse’s Badminton debut, earning a score of 45.7. He gave the 2004 Irish Sport Horse gelding a solid ride through some sticky moments on cross-country, but elected to retire at fence 28, Alexanders Silver Birch, after having a previous runout at fence 23, Shogun Hollow. Land Rover/USEF Eventing Competition Grant recipient Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) had a consistent dressage test with Lucy Boynton Lie’s Cracker Jack in the horse’s European debut to score 51.0. He was having an excellent cross-country round with the 2003 Thoroughbred gelding until fence 21, the KBIS Vicarge Vee, when a miscommunication resulted in a fall for both horse and rider. Both Martin and Cracker Jack walked away unscathed, and plan to reroute to the Luhmühlen CCI4* presented by DHL.

Jung’s textbook performances throughout the weekend set him up for success and enabled him to add more titles to his already phenomenal record. He had a beautiful dressage test with La Biosthetique-Sam FBW to earn an impressive score of 34.4. They tackled the substantial cross-country course with ease, adding no penalties to their score. Jung and ‘Sam’ had a nine-point lead heading into the show jumping phase, but did not need to rely on it as they jumped a masterful double-clear round to win on their dressage score. After winning the 2015 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials CCI4* with La Biosthetique-Sam FBW last fall and the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover CCI4* with fischerRocana FST just a week ago, Jung’s Badminton victory makes him the second Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Champion and the first in 13 years.

Fellow countryman Andreas Ostholt (GER) finished in second place with So Is Et on a score of 43.4, while Gemma Tattersall (GBR) and Arctic Soul ended up third on their dressage score of 44.6.

Find out more about the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials CCI4* and view complete results.

By Kathleen Landwehr

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T., FEI, Show Jumping

Michael Jung Rides into History at Badminton

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Michael Jung (GER), riding La Biosthetique Sam FBW (Sebastian Oakley/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), May 8, 2016 – There were happy scenes at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR), fourth leg of the FEI Classics™ 2015/2016, as a sell-out crowd watched the phenomenal Michael Jung (GER) La Biosthetique Sam FBW make history.

He is the first German to win the 67-year-old event and, in the process, has become only the second winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing.

The top four riders after Cross Country all went clear in a tense final Jumping phase, but Jung was the clear winner by a huge nine-penalty margin, and his final score of 34.4 was the lowest in Badminton history.

When asked the secret of his success, the Olympic champion and world number one said simply: “I just like riding horses. It’s not only my job; it’s my hobby.”

And when asked if he felt like shedding a tear, he smiled and said: “I think I might. Sam is more than just a good horse to me; we’re a special partnership.”

He added: “I need a bit of time for this to sink in, but it is a special moment for me, especially when you think of the history and tradition of Badminton and all the great riders who have won it before.

“We [my family] agreed that we would treat this as a normal competition but now I can realise what it means. It’s not just for me; it’s a win for my whole team.”

Jung’s extraordinary run of success began with victory at Burghley (GBR) last September on his parents Joachim and Brigitte’s La Biosthetique Sam FBW, followed by the European title a week later on FischerTakinou, his potential ride at the Rio Olympic Games, and, last weekend, a repeat win at Kentucky with FischerRocana FST.

Andreas Ostholt (GER) scored a career best in second place on the 13-year-old Westphalian gelding So Is Et and said: “It’s like a win for me. My only expectation after two unlucky times at Badminton was to finish in a good way, so this is much more than I could have wished for.”

Gemma Tattersall (GBR) thrilled the home crowd in third place on the fabulous Cross Country horse Arctic Soul and looks to have a good chance of securing a place on the British team at the Olympics.

“I’ve had such a journey with this horse, managing to keep him when he was going to be sold, so this is a dream come true,” she said.

“What a fantastic horse – he was still racing over fences when he was six years old. He has been in the form of his life this spring and I knew it was just a case of us competing at the top of our game. He did a personal best in the dressage and he’s finished on that score, so I could not be more proud of him.”

The New Zealanders showed what a force they will be in Rio. The legendary Sir Mark Todd was a popular fourth on Leonidas ll and Badminton first-timer Clarke Johnstone’s journey from New Zealand paid off with fifth place on Balmoral Sensation – he is now second, behind Jung, in the FEI Classics™ 2015/2016.

Jock Paget was sixth on Clifton Lush, Jonelle Price 10th on Classic Moet and Blyth Tait, riding at his first Badminton for 13 years, 13th with a double clear on Bear Necessity V.

The British selectors also have interesting choices to make. Kristina Cook (GBR), a medalist in Beijing and London, has three horses qualified for Rio and, although Star Witness, on which she finished eventual seventh at Badminton, is considered the weakest in the Dressage phase, he rose 35 places as the fastest horse across country and jumped a double clear.

Izzy Taylor, a great-niece of the 1962 Badminton winner Anneli Drummond-Hay, could also be going to her first Olympics after finishing ninth on the CCI4* first-timer Allercombe Ellie, the highest-placed mare.

The French, who had such a good day on the Cross Country, fared less well in the Jumping. Astier Nicolas (Quickly du Buguet), Gwendolen Fer (Romantic Love) and Jean Teulere (Matelot du Grand Val) each hit two fences to drop to 14th, 16th and 17th places, respectively.

Worryingly for everyone, Michael Jung joked that he was not ready to retire Sam yet. “He was like a three-year-old this morning and I like to think that Tokyo (the 2020 Olympics) might be his retirement event!”

About the winner

Michael Jung (GER), 33, is the first rider in history to hold Olympic, World and European titles simultaneously and was the first to win four championship titles consecutively. He came to prominence in 2009, when he won the Luhmühlen CCI4*, the FEI World Cup™ Eventing final in Strzegom (POL) and an individual European bronze medal in Fontainebleau (FRA), all on La Biosthetique Sam FBW.

The pair went on to win the world title in Kentucky (USA) in 2010, double European gold in Luhmühlen in 2011 and double Olympic gold in London (GBR) in 2012. In 2013, they were second at Badminton CCI4*; last year they finished third at Kentucky (USA) and now they have added the Burghley and Badminton CCI4* titles to their collection. Jung has also won Kentucky twice in succession on FischerRocana FST.

Jung has equaled Ginny Elliot’s (GBR) record of three European titles on three different horses: in 2011 on La Biosthetique Sam FBW, in 2013 on Halunke and in 2015 on FischerTakinou. He also won world team gold and individual silver medals on FischerRocana FST in 2014. He lives in Horb, Germany, where his parents, Joachim and Bridgette, own a riding establishment.

La Biosthetique Sam FBW is a 16-year-old by Stan The Man out of a Heraldik mare. He is owned by the Jung family, Erich Single and DOKR.

Full results on www.badminton-horse.co.uk.

Use hashtags #FEIClassics #Eventing.

By Kate Green

Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials Media Contact:

Julian Seaman
Head of Media
J.Seaman2@sky.com
+44 7831 515736

FEI Media Contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145

Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38

Competitions, Eventing/H.T., FEI

Olympic Champion Jung Reigns Supreme at Badminton

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Michael Jung (GER) and La Biosthetique Sam FBW (Sebastian Oakley/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 7 May, 2016 – For the second time in a week, Michael Jung (GER) showed exactly why he is world number one, producing an outstanding display of sympathetic horsemanship to retain his lead after the Cross Country phase at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR), fourth leg of the FEI Classics™ 2015/2016.

He has a wonderfully trusting partnership with La Biosthetique Sam FBW and the pair gave a masterclass in bold, accurate jumping and galloping over what was to prove an influential course.

The Olympic champion now has two Jumping fences in hand, not only to win Badminton for the first time, but also the Rolex Grand Slam following victories at Burghley 2015 and Kentucky last weekend.

“Wow,” was the Olympic champion’s initial reaction. “It was an amazing feeling. Sam is so beautiful to ride. I had many options in my head in case I didn’t get a good jump anywhere, but Sam was so powerful and strong and knew what he had to do. I am so proud of him.”

Andreas Ostholt, who is celebrating his first clear Cross Country at Badminton, made it a German one-two at the top of the leaderboard after collecting 5.2 time penalties on So Is Et. “What a lovely pony,” he said elatedly.

“I am not disappointed with my time penalties. I wanted to complete so I went quite steadily to begin with, but the horse was really fresh in the end and I am very happy with my result.”

It was a day of mixed fortunes for British riders, but Gemma Tattersall gave the huge crowd plenty to cheer about with her thrilling performance on the classy thoroughbred Arctic Soul. She has moved up 13 places to third, a career best at CCI4* level, after finishing inside the optimum time of 11 minutes 58 seconds.

“He skips over the fences and is like a racehorse to ride,” said Tattersall, 31, who is hoping to secure her first place on a senior British team.

“I actually laughed after the Vicarage Vee [fence 21, the most influential obstacle] because he was so amazing and then had to remember to concentrate. It’s everyone’s dream to get to an Olympics and I’m going to give it my best shot.”

Sir Mark Todd, a four-time Badminton winner and dual Olympic gold medalist, showed all his experience when surviving a dramatic near unseating from Leonidas ll at the Shogun Hollow (fence 23). The horse twisted over the second curving brush and pitched Todd right out of the saddle, but a combination of long legs and determination got him back in place and the pair galloped on to complete a clear inside the time to move into fourth place.

“It was an amazing ride, but I did have a couple of lives,” admitted Todd, who is aiming for a seventh Olympics. “The horse is so brave and does tend to over-jump, but it shows that he wants to do the job. He travelled very easily.”

His fellow New Zealanders, Jock Paget (Clifton Lush) and Clarke Johnstone (Balmoral Sensation), are in fifth and sixth places ahead of speedy Frenchman Astier Nicolas on the aptly named Quickly du Buguet, seventh. The equally dashing Gwendolen Fer (FRA) is 10th on Romantic Love and, in a good day for the French, the much-respected veteran Jean Teulere, 62, is 12th on Matelot du Grand Val.

Oliver Townend (GBR) retired Black Tie, eighth after Dressage, after a refusal near the end of the course, but he proved an inspired pathfinder on the 17-year-old Armada. The athletic chestnut which looks as if he is just stepping over the fences, made a spectacular sight as he strode towards the finish, and the pair rose 16 places to eighth.

This will be the horse’s last Badminton and Townend said: “I’m so pleased that this is the way people will remember him. We’ll have to find something for him to do though. He jumps out of his field when he’s bored and he’s not much fun as a hack!”

Izzy Taylor (GBR) was the first of 13 riders to fault at the Vicarage Vee (fence 21), a historic bogey fence at Badminton, and retired KBIS Briarlands Matilda, but she is in ninth place on CCI4* first-timer Allercombe Ellie with six time penalties.

Forty-eight of the 75 Cross Country starters finished, with 32 clear rounds, 11 of them inside the optimum time.

The experienced Kristina Cook (GBR) rose 28 places to 14th on Star Witness, a thoroughbred bought as a three-year-old at Doncaster bloodstock sales. They had the fastest time of the day, an impressive 54 seconds under.

“I’m 45 years old and have been riding here for 20, and it still means so much,” said Cook, a triple Olympic medalist. “But this morning I did wonder why, as a middle-aged mother, I wasn’t watching it on television!”

There was a tearful end to Emily King’s Badminton debut when the 20-year-old Dressage runner-up, who was earning praise from the commentators for her dream ride on Brookleigh, had a fall at the penultimate fence, the double of logs at the Rolex Crossing. The horse tried to fit in an extra stride, got too close to the second log and abruptly sat down, tipping off King in the process.

World number two Christopher Burton (AUS), fifth after Dressage, was also going beautifully when he had a fall with Nobilis 18 at the Shogun Hollow.

Dani Evans (GBR), equal sixth after Dressage on Raphael ll, fell at the Vicarage Vee, as did Boyd Martin (Cracker Jack, USA) and New Zealanders Lucy Jackson (Bosun) and Tim Price (Ringwood Sky Boy). Price’s wife fared much better and is now in 11th place on Classic Moet.

At the end of an exciting day, the overnight leader appeared to be keeping a cool head, and wasn’t ruling out a few celebratory beers. “I will treat it like any other day and hope it goes well,” he said.

Don’t miss Sunday’s excitement on www.feitv.org (geo-restrictions may apply for certain territories. Please check on FEITV.org for further details).

Live results and Radio Badminton available on www.badminton-horse.co.uk.

Use hashtags #FEIClassics #Eventing.

By Kate Green

Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials Media Contact:

Julian Seaman
Head of Media
J.Seaman2@sky.com
+44 7831 515736

FEI Media Contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145

Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38