Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo Make History at Badminton Once Again

Ros Canter has secured her second Mars Badminton Horse Trials title riding Lordships Graffalo, the now 13-year-old gelding already being hailed as one of the sport’s all-time greats. The pair climbed the leaderboard throughout the weekend—from fourth after dressage, to second after the cross-country phase—and ultimately took the win when long-time leader Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent knocked a rail in the showjumping arena, dropping to second place.

In doing so, Lordships Graffalo—affectionately known as Walter and owned by Michele and Archie Saul—became the first horse in Badminton history to reclaim the title in non-consecutive years. The achievement evokes comparisons to legends like Kauto Star, who famously regained the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Ros was visibly emotional after her win, dedicating the moment to her late mentor:

“This was for Caroline Moore. She stood beside me my entire career and passed away just a few months ago. I really hope I made her proud. This was the first time I’ve done something without her. She was my trainer, my mentor, and my best friend.”

Their showjumping round was polished and precise. At most, they took a slightly long stride at fence six, but otherwise delivered a performance worthy of their growing legend.

“I’m not sure it was my best round,” Ros admitted. “I was incredibly nervous. Usually, Caroline would be keeping me busy, but this morning I found myself alone for long stretches. It was a battle of mind over matter. I’m very grateful to Nick Turner and Chris Bartle—they stepped in and gave me the belief I needed.”

Ros also shared that she didn’t watch Oliver Townend’s round.

“I didn’t want to hope for anything bad to happen. I would have been perfectly content with second—this is just the icing on the cake. Oliver is an incredible competitor and his mare will have her moment at Badminton, without doubt.”

Final Showjumping: The Top 10 Unfolds

While the top of the leaderboard was tight, there was breathing space behind Ros and Oliver. Gemma Stevens, sitting in third, had five rails down with Chilli Knight, an unusual result that opened the door. Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue capitalised with a clear round—just a fraction over the time—to secure third.

Only two combinations jumped clear within the time during the afternoon session. Among them was Harry Meade, who set the tone with a faultless round on Cavalier Crystal, his Burghley third-place horse, eventually finishing fourth. His second ride, Superstition, had two down after a miscommunication at fence 10 but recovered admirably to finish sixth.

Tom McEwen was also among the standouts, delivering a flawless showjumping round aboard JL Dublin. However, 11 cross-country penalties from a frangible device activation meant they could only climb to ninth overall, despite sitting second after dressage.