Badminton 2026: Lordship's Graffalo, "Walter", and Rosalind Canter also lead after grounds. Harry Meade second

British Olympic team champion Rosalind Canter and her 14-year-old gelding Lorship’s Graffelo, better known not only in the stable but also internationally as “Walter”, could achieve something historic. With 23.7 points, their dressage score, the pair, who are used to success, are still in the lead after the cross-country. A feeling that is not entirely unfamiliar to horse and rider. The pair have already beaten the field twice at Badminton, in 2023 and 2o25. In 2024, they came second. Walter and Rosalind have also won twice at Burghley, the second great classic of eventing on British soil. A third victory in Badminton would be something that has never happened before. And the word historic is certainly no exaggeration, as the cross-country course in the Duke of Beaufort’s Park around Badminton House has been a place of pilgrimage for eventers since 1949.

Coordinating breastfeeding and cross-country riding

The biggest problem was integrating breastfeeding her second daughter, Seneh, who was born in January, into her schedule. “It’s thanks to Walter that I had such a good cross-country ride. His basic speed helps me, especially now when I’m not so fit,” says Rosalind Canter. “We want to enjoy the day as a family,” said the 2018 World Champion. Looking ahead to tomorrow, she is keen to temper the high expectations somewhat. “In the end, we mustn’t forget: I’m only human and Walter is only a horse.”

Harry Meade, second, 21st and a fall

In second place behind the overnight leaders is the world number one, Britain’s Harry Meade. With Anaghmore Valoner, a 14-year-old Irish mare, fourth at the CCI5*-L Burgley in 2024 and described by Meade as rather introverted and shy, he was eleventh after the dressage (30.3). He remained on this score in the cross-country. The British rider is now 6.6 points off the lead. Rosalind Canter can therefore theoretically allow herself one jumping fault in tomorrow’s final course. Provided there are no unpleasant surprises at the vet check on Sunday morning at 8.30 am (9.30 am German time).

Harry Meade has finished in Badminton for the 15th time so far . His father Richard, an eventing legend in Great Britain and beyond, has already won the classic twice, in 1970 and 1982. He won Olympic gold in 1972. Harry Meet is still waiting for his first win, his best placing so far was third place in 20 with Wild Lone. Perhaps to be on the safe side, Meade has not limited himself to just one horse. He managed a clear cross-country ride with Et hop du Matz. However, he needed eleven seconds longer, so that after adding 4.4 minus points, the intermediate result for this combination was 40.9 (21st place).

Things went less well with horse number three, Cavalier Chrystal, fourth in Burghley in 2025. Until the mare made a mistake, it had been an ideal ride, according to the world number one. But this mistake led to a fall.

Third place for a breeder/rider combination

Sarah Bullinore has 40 starts in 5* competitions. She rode in Badminton for the first time in 1997. With the ten-year-old Corimiro, she is in third place on a home-bred horse ahead of Sunday’s show jumping. She was 19th after the dressage (32.1). The pair also managed one of the seven clear rounds in the cross-country within the time limit. The mother of one of the biggest hopes for young talent in British eventing has herself competed successfully at 5* level.

Bergendahl and Lutien cross the finish line!

Arne Bergendahl, the only German in the field this year, collected a total of 31 penalty points. First, a safety PIN broke. Later there was a run past at jump 28, two high corners that are difficult to judge. As a result, Bergendahl and Lutien, the dam of Bronco, who is eligible for Road2LA funding, are in 42nd place. The mare also had 15.4 penalty seconds.

61 starters entered the dressage arena, after the cross-country there were still 45. Two combinations had already withdrawn after the dressage. Eight riders decided to retire after problems on the cross-country course. This included the winners of 2025, Carolin Powell and High Time. They had to retire after problems with the corners, which had also been Bergendahl’s undoing. Six pairs had to retire.

Course designer Eric Winter’s course was 6550 meters long. There were 45 jumps and 32 obstacles to overcome. The final conformation test is scheduled for tomorrow at 8.30 a.m. local time.