'Winning never entered my mind'
Horse & Hound|May 16, 2024
A breakthrough star, the retirement of a legend and a shock result are among the factors making this a superb milestone edition of Badminton
'Winning never entered my mind'

AS the week of the 75th anniversary edition of Badminton unfolded, one brilliant winner’s story after another came into focus through the rays of perfectly timed sunshine.

Oliver Townend wins the Rolex Grand Slam. William Fox-Pitt lands his 15th fivestar and retires. Tim Price finally coaxes a showjumping clear from Vitali to hold on to victory. Emily King becomes a second-generation five-star winner on her first completion and fifth start here. An unknown Irish amateur debutante trounces everyone. Bubby Upton makes a victorious comeback from a potentially career-ending injury less than a year ago.

And yet, one after another, these stories faded away. In their place, galloping round in the winner’s rug when all was said and done, were New Zealand’s Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier, owned by Chris and Michelle Mann and her rider.

No one expected Caroline to win. Data analytics experts EquiRatings put her victory chance at 2% before the event.

“It never entered my mind that we would win it – you get to an age where you start slowing down a little bit and said Caroline, 51, admitting that at one point in the buildup she had told her groom Tristan Hudson never to let her enter again.

It is 14 years since Caroline, who is based in Suffolk, won Burghley in 2010 with the much-loved Lenamore; she has never been on a fivestar podium bar that result, although the cheeky, popular grey gave her plenty of top 10s.

“You always come here and hope to get your double clear and everyone go home safe and happy, but to win it is just unbelievable,” she declared.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 16, 2024-Ausgabe von Horse & Hound.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 16, 2024-Ausgabe von Horse & Hound.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS HORSE & HOUNDAlle anzeigen
Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future
Horse & Hound

Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future

A group insurance option has been found to protect the officials showing needs but only if enough sign up

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 28, 2024
IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding
Horse & Hound

IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding

The first successful use of frozen semen in the technique has been recorded in an American study

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 28, 2024
Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses
Horse & Hound

Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses

The 2024 FEI general assembly heard how we should all challenge ourselves to give horses the best lives possible

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 28, 2024
Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services
Horse & Hound

Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services

A new centre in Galashiels has been built thanks to a legacy donation

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding
Horse & Hound

How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding

It is hoped the new model will help break down barriers to the sector for a wide range of people

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 28, 2024
Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve
Horse & Hound

Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve

Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 28, 2024
Humble pie
Horse & Hound

Humble pie

How many ladies does it take to cook a shepherd's pie? It’s a complicated one, says Tessa Waugh, on a quest to find appropriate ovens for the impending hunt auction dinner

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 28, 2024
I love an underdog
Horse & Hound

I love an underdog

The arrival of the winter mud brings with it a Venetia Williams hat-trick, but the day belongs to a warrior gelding, who never stops trying”

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 28, 2024
Jumping Jack cracks it
Horse & Hound

Jumping Jack cracks it

A scopey grey is learning to be quick” anda broodmare makes up for lost time

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 28, 2024
A star is born
Horse & Hound

A star is born

A nine-year-old mare helps put Luxembourg on the map and we celebrate a remarkable grey’s comeback

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 28, 2024