Badminton 2019 Round Up

Badminton 2019 was once again another incredible event for the HTSG, especially as our fundraising events raised over £3000, more than doubling the total from 2018. These funds will go directly to supporting the British team heading to the Tokyo Olympics. A big thank you to all those members and guests who came to the marquee and brought raffle tickets and bid in our auction.

Amazing collection of raffle prizes

As you’ll know the British riders had a successful event with Piggy French winning her first 5* and making it the 100th British 5* winner ever.  In total 6 of the top 10 placed riders were British which is fantastic news for our teams going forward towards the Europeans this year and Olympics next year.

Piggy French & Vanir Kamira - 2019 Badminton Winners

Our marquee was the usual epicentre of activity at Badminton with riders, trainers, world class teams and of course our members coming in to have refreshments all week and of course our infamous pre-cross country breakfast.  We organised two events this year, our now traditional cross country preview evening on the Friday and an evening of comedy with Rory Bremner following the cross country. ​

Our cross country preview evening panel

The cross country preview proved to be very popular again this year with the marquee full with members and guests.  On the panel were HTSG Ambassador Laura Collett, former Badminton winner Pippa Funnell, Team GBR Performance Manager Dickie Waygood and Badminton course designer Eric Winter.  In addition to this we had Diarm Byrne of EquiRatings picking out the ones to watch and where he thought the event could be won and lost.  As usual, committee member Spencer Sturmey did a great job of compering the evening. 

Following the cross country on Saturday evening, members and guests joined us for a very entertaining evening of comedy with Rory Bremner, who also acted as auctioneer for our fund-raising auction.  Rory is a big equestrian fan with his daughter competing regularly and he brought us some very topical and hilarious impressions, including President Trump and Oliver Townend.

Rory Bremner and his impressions...

Throughout the event we ran a series of cross country course walks with Yogi Breisner, Ginny Elliot, Spencer Sturmey and Irish rider Joseph Murphy, all of which were very popular and well supported.

About the Sunday course walk HTSG Chair, Ginny Elliot said:

​Spencer, Sarah (Kellard Smith) and I walked the cross country course with enthusiastic HTSG members on Sunday morning which proved to be very interesting as we were able to go right up to the fences and also see the foot prints showing the different ‘lines’ the riders had taken.

Walking the foot bridge, I decided to show everyone the vicarage V as no doubt it will be in next year, I was asked which line I would take, I walked the line and said ‘this is the line and the large tree in the distance is where I would be aiming for’

Without a blink, Spencer replied:
​
‘Yes of course, but remember the tree was a sapling the last time Ginny rode here !!!!!’

Both HTSG Ambassadors, Alex Bragg and Laura Collett were competing at Badminton but neither had the best of times unfortunately.  Alex was disappointed with Zagreb’s dressage score of 31.7 and on Saturday morning he made the decision to withdraw and reroute to another event and now heads to Chatsworth in the Event Rider Masters this weekend. 

Alex Bragg and Zagreb

Laura and Mr Bass started Badminton as one of the favourites and didn’t disappoint in the first phase with a dressage score of 27.6 to be in eighth place before cross country.  On the cross country Laura and Mr Bass had a brilliant round, jumping clear with 17.2 time faults.  Everyone in the HTSG marquee was thrilled to have witnessed this success.  Sadly, as members arrived for the trot up on Sunday morning, they learned that Mr Bass had been withdrawn.

​Laura said: “I can’t quite believe I’m having to write this. Mr Bass was totally awesome jumping clear round the toughest track he’s ever seen but sadly he has sustained an injury. My special boy will be given all the love and care in the world to nurse him better. He’s my horse of a lifetime and my best friend. We will be back fighting.” 

Laura Collett and Mr Bass

All at the HTSG wish a speedy recovery to Mr Bass.  Laura will be joining Alex in the Event Rider Masters this weekend on hot favourite London 52 so we wish them both the best of luck.  Members who can’t be there can tune in to eventridermasters.tv to watch the livestream.

The next big event is Burghley and members are now able claim their members passes.  You should have all received an email from The Ticket Factory detailing how to claim yours online. Any problems let us know.

If you came to see us at Badminton and would like to give us some feedback, positive or not please do contact us via social media (links below) or via our contact details.

Don't forget to keep an eye on the website and social media channels for all the latest eventing updates and news. 

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All photos taken by HTSG Committee Member, Michael Rogers © MDR Photo