11/05/2014 Badminton Horse Trials

British civilisation has been built on our relationship with horses. We

have lived with them, worked with them, played with them, competed on

them. And right now, British equestrian sport is at an all-time

high because we have the number one riders in dressage, show jumping and

in eventing, with William Fox-Pitt and this is the number 1 three-day

event. We are here at Badminton House in Gloucestershire for the

ultimate test of horse and rider. This year we have record prize

money. ?80,000 going to the winner and 14 nations represented from as

far afield as Australia and New Zealand and closer to home, Sweden,

France, Italy and Great Britain. Let's look at the major contenders

for the Mitsubishi Motors Trophy. William Fox Pi it, t has two high

class horses and will be looking to add to his first Badminton title.

New Zealand's Andrew Nicol sown has four Burley titles and Kentucky to

his name but Badminton has eluded him. He has competed more times than

anyone else. He wants to win. Sir Mark Todd is no stranger to the

podium here at Badminton. At 58 he is the oldest rider and is as

competitive as ever. Mary King, six times Olympian, twice

a winner here and always a crowd favourite. The veteran has two world

equestrian gold medals to her name and would love to add another this

Sumner Normandy. The winner of Badminton and Burley in

this Yorkshire man is tough, uncompromising. This year he is on

Armada and one to work out for. And well World Championship team places

up for grabs, the competition promises to be fierce and exciting.

I'm hoping if I try really hard I may yet catch the selector's eye.

Funds are being raised for Team GB to help improve performance. Despite

William Fox Pi it, t being number one in the world since the first

time since 1993, at last year's European Championships, the team

came away without a medal. What went wrong. It wasn't just our weekend.

In that sport, I think we have had a 15 or 16 year run of getting a team

medal. It was going to be broken sooner or later. Unfortunately it

happened last year. Very disappointing for Great Britain but

we had had a long success of gold medals at Europeans and it wasn't

going to last forever so, hopefully a little blip and I'm sure we will

be back on top, soon. The Europeans weren't a great result for us. With

anything, it is that fine line. You know, just one unlucky performance.

There is no need to be doom and gloom. There are good ones coming

through and there is a lot of strong competition, but the British team

are getting stronger all the time. So what are the qualities at the

forefront of selectors' minds as the World Championships in Normandy draw

near? The number one priority is that we get a team that would

possible give us Olympic qualification. Secondly, we want to

select a team to do that plus win us as many medals as possible. These

recent medals have been won by an elite group of talented individuals.

I think, through time, it has been proven that with anything, whether

it is football, rugby or a three-day event team, you get certain

superstars, world class athletes that will be the backbone of a team

for a certain number of years and lately we have had William Fox Pi

it, it, Tina Cook, and Mary King. Following his success in Kentucky

William Fox Pi it, it claimed the number one spot -- William Fox Pitt.

It is great to be in this era with Geoff and Scarlet. It is a real

honour for me. I shall be hoping to stay here after that weekend and

going into the World Championships with, you know, riders in reach

discipline n that position has to be a boost. With the world equestrian

games looming, who else might be in the running? 2009 Badminton

champion, Oliver Townend has been #24r before and seen how it works.

-- has been there before. I tried to please the selectors and not make

the right decisions for myself. Now I concentrate on my own performance

as much as possible. If it is good enough, hopefully the phone will

win. There are a number of young riders, Whittington, Danny Evans,

Harry Meade and to mention a few, Izzy Taylor, that will hopefully

come up with good results. Izzy Taylor made her debut on the GB

squad last year. A hard-worked opportunity for the mother of two

who loves this sport From being a little girl it is what I loved and I

have got to live that dream. Not many can say that. There are very

good riders out there that will go for it. They can be hard to beat. It

is going to be out with the old and in with the new. There are plenty of

British riders hoping to cement their place that that team for the

World Equestrian Games but their eyes are focussed on these. The

fences have always been beasts. It is an event steeped in tradition. If

you win the title you know you are one of the world's greats. Hue

Thomas, who for 25 years, was the court designer and director has

handed over the course to a new man Giuseppe.

What is your feeling of your first Badminton? Well, I wanted to respect

this you place. It is - I wanted to respect it. You know you are at

Badminton. Talk me through The Lake and what you have done We have come

to a fence quite far from the Lake but it will be a big drop coming

number of the controls to the boat will need to be accurate and again

to the jetties. A gentle, curved line. This is the length that

everybody knows. But you have also introduced a new water jump.

A friendlier water fence than we have seen at maces at Badminton. Big

set of rails. Into the water then the course of the rail on the way in

or out The water gets deep very quick. This is an area of the park

that hasn't been used before. This is totally new. The course never

came up leer. I wanted to see if there was a possibility to change a

bit and to come on this hill. I walked up here, so it is a nice

shot. Different of the house. There was also a bit of water, so we

decided to come here and do the change. This is a a natural pond and

you have used silver birch and made itary so the horses can see what

they are doing. I think silver birch is a lovely material, it is natural

and under shade it can work where the horses can focus on in it. The

riders like this fence. We'll go to one now that they think is scary.

Very daunting and will take a lot of riding. It is terrifying. I woke up

to 50m away and thought - that's the closest I need to get to it. Crikey.

When I'm riding it, it hopefully won't look as big. Big and ugly. You

have to stay on your line. Half way around the course. The old favourite

the Vicarage Vee. Why does this get in riders' heads? If you soo he it

from here, it is a normal fence. It is an upright. The problem is when

you go closer to it and the ditch opens up and the riders at this

point keep looking down. The more you look at t the bigger it becomes.

If you actually can keep the line, a correct line and look at the three

down there, the horse also just flight. Just remember that you have

another fence after. It is not all over here. You have put an element B

in. Yes. You are a mean man. Well... The key to the Vicarage Vee, is

don't look down. What on earth is happening? I

thought it was unridable. A real accuracy test. Not pretty. Asking a

real question of everybody. You have to sit on your backside and work.

Well, this is fence 18. Would it be fair to say this is the trickiest

combination on the course? Will this cause problems? I don't know if it

is the most difficult one but it is surely different. There is no

pattern here. You must ride what you have, what you feel and actually

this fallen tree here I think fits well. It is nice here in the

surroundings and then you go down and you have a right turn and then a

left turn and then back into the gallop. So it is an S shape. You

have used the undulations. Riders need maximum control. Overall it is

a beautiful course. It is a proper four-star test It is. The best of

luck to the riders and horses. You won title three times. What do

you make of the course? There is a lot to like. Giuseppe has done

everything he could with the course. A lot of the open fence, rather than

big boxes, I think it is all very positive. He has fences like the

Vicarage Ditch which is a serious fence. It is almost five-star. Real,

old Badminton. I love T there are one or two places for me -- I love

it. For me, I hope it is his first year and he might make it tougher

next year. There is lots to judgment of we are here in the Quarry. --

there is lots to jump. There is a wall here. It was the

Quarry but no signs of any stones. He has used the material for the

fences. Instead of log after log, we have silver birch rails and a new

wall. I think it is all very positive. The riders like it a lot.

That's good and positive. We have a very international feel. For some of

them they will have an eye on the World Equestrian Games. How

significant is this as a test event? Can you think of that? You can and

some countries do. But, I know for the likes of the Brits, they have

some really good young horses coming through and they wouldn't

necessarily want to bring their horses - the exciting horses here

and give a big challenge and then go on to the Royal Championships later

on in the year and ask for another big challenge. I would imagine the

British selectors this year are probably looking at some of the

three-star courses and looking for horses on their way up their careers

inane up the levels. Last year, for example at the European

Championships as a team we didn't do very well but Malmo was renowned for

not having particularly good footing and I know riders are having

concerns about taking their stars of the future and risking them on that

sort of ground. We could have a pretty good team this year. The most

noticeable omission here was this rider, whose horse tested positive

for a banned substance. He is still awaiting results. Does this sport

have a problem with doping? Or in your spn it clean? I don't think

there is a serious problem. I think it is cleevenlt I don't think there

is intent with what happened to Jock and he along with Kevin McNab, the

Australian tested for the same substance they are saying they think

there has been contamination. I know from past experience, I have had a

problem with horse food being contaminated coming across from the

continent opted boats. So, I don't really think there is a big issue

there. I think what is toughest for Jock and Kevin, is this is their

careers what we are playing with and the FEI are being slow about sorting

this out. It is September and they will not have a hearing until un.

They can't do anything until after that hearing. Whether they will be

able to compete after that remains to be seen. Let them get on with it.

Rightly or wrongly, it is taking too long. Exactly. Let's get on with the

Badminton horse trials and see who faired best in the dressage.

Setting the pace, Clark Montgomerie of the USA. What it is like? It is

nerve-racking for the rest of the weekend. Instead of starting at the

front rather than chasing everybody. 33.3 penalty points. In second

place, the 2010 champion, Paul Tapner.

The actual test was fantastic it is nice when you get a score to match

the score you think you've done. It feels you with confidence going into

the cross-country? I don't know. Dressage is a bit girly. You have to

be precise. Cross-country is more my stuff. Aussie male stuff, come on!

Totally ready for it. He'll be rathering to go on the grey,

Kilronan. Best-placed Brit, Francis Whittington. We've had a fantastic

test this week. I am thrilled with how he worked. . Went in very

nicely. I have a point to prove to myself

that I can follow through. I can finish off what I started. Let 's

have a look at the full leaderboard. The feeling among the riders is that

the dressage will not be as influential this year. That

leaderboard could change, because the cross-country course is tough

and conditions are difficult. Heavy overnight rain, showers now. A

couple of changes to the course because of the weather and because

of this new mound, they have taken out the log at the bottom. Instead

of an S-bend it is easier and they jump the leg out at the end. The

other change at the quarry is fence 26, the wall that came up the hill,

that has gone. It is a shorter course. It is a quicker time. We

will see what effect that has with our commentary team.

81 starters on cross-country day. The young lady to get us under way,

30-year-old Izzy Taylor. She's been here before. She's one

that is very much tipped for the top. This is the year that really

this lady could put her name up in lights. 11.21 seconds, the time.

Over 6, 500 metres. Three jumping efforts for those two taken out.

Two fairly straightforward fences to get them under way. A big dip at

Two fairly straightforward fences to Keepers Brush. The first of the

steady climbs. Here we see the fence at five - the real test of

combination and accuracy, the feature here. Yes, I think that is

right. Interestingly enough, we think of the first few fences of

being a let-up. The ground is up and down, so the horses never, apart

from the first fence, down, so the horses never, apart

get into their rhythm. Here it is steep downhill. These fences are

incredibly narrow. Only a metre between the flags.

incredibly narrow. Only a metre Now, a little gallop uphill. The

famous avenue, looking down to that wonderful backdrop of Badminton

House. Izzy, who made her first appearance in the Europeans last

year - it was a disappointment appearance in the Europeans last

her, but a very good rider to start this course off. A lot of

anticipation with this big chal lepging test ahead and immediately

she looks in very positive mode here. Yes, it is great. She went

wide over these two big oxers. It was a good start for Izzy. Here u

we are looking at the -- here we are looking at the various ways, the

blue is the alternative. It is a mighty long way. I very much suspect

that she will go straight, as I suspect most might, unless they get

into trouble. Big crowds are waiting for action at The Lake. For 65 years

now this has been one of the great features of Badminton. Here

now this has been one of the great the first - Izzy Taylor.

That was fantastic. That would give all the other competitors in the

start box a great boost to see how well that lake was riding. There are

seven previous winners. Here is one of them. The lady who has won three

times and the only one to of them. The lady who has won three

Rolex Grand Slam. That is the big three biggies. She did this in 2003.

This is a new one from the Billy Stud. Her and her husband drive,

Billy Beware, first time at Badminton. Back to the fences at the

hollow. A Brush Oxer - two versions, which

are wide. A rather in inconvenient little rise to it.

A great cross-country girl, this one.

Here is the undulation before the oxer.

Billy Beware and Pippa Funnell. Pippa came back into the world's

elite qu her performance in -- with her performance in Kentucky. This

horse is very inexperienced at this level. She's had to work hard. A

big, striding horse, but good work from both of them.

And Izzy coming down to this fence - it put the frighteners into the

riders. Rattled the top of that, but no problem. Then that tight turn

back to the second element. Gets the stick out to say, come on

Matilda. No problems so far. Very quickly they come to the Mirage

Pond. Brilliant! What a start. She's having a great ride.

Well, 15 nations here. It is a really big international occasion

here now. Andrew Nicholson is away. Quimbo.

When it is wet, it does not really worry me. This time, Quimbo, he

would not have a lot of thorough bred in him. So it will make it hard

work for him if the ground is a little bit more tiring.

So, here is Andrew Nicholson. Here at the escalator. A classic

Nicholson. This horse was so impressive when he won in Kentucky

last year. He has shown a lot of form since. Izzy coming to this

jump. He trips, stumbled, slipped. He did something on the landing

there. It didn't quite work. She ended up on three-and-a-half

strides. An enormous corner. There was no way the horse could negotiate

that. She now has to regroup and take the longer way. You can see how

big and wide these corners are. A big combination of fences.

Two-thirds of the way around. Here is Billy Beware and Pippa Funnell,

really making use of this galloping stretch of fences and here comes the

Vee. A horse that could eat that fence and does. Turns pretty and

puts in a nice step. Big-striding horse. He was so neat there. Pippa

rode a brilliant line. Here is Izzy Taylor coming home on her first two

rides A great performance for the rest of the 80 horses still to come

because they have seen this young lady make this course look very

jumpable. She comes home. The horse with her ears pricked. She will get

time faults. Each one for those 35 seconds over. Moving on to 95.8 -

the first one home. Well, it is quite breezy. It is

quite damp. We see Pippa go through The Lake.

She hits that very hard and gets away wit. -- with it. She did

nothing wrong. I am thrilled with her. Just annoying with. That but

you know, she jump ped the rest of the -- jumped the rest of the

course. We all walked it, as we all said. So very pleased with her.

course. We all walked it, as we all annoying. Good analysis from Izzy.

It is just what the of riders think. This man loves this situation. On to

the... Oh and he didn't seem to go on with as much positive riding as

we would expect from Nicholson! It is interesting, as he was coming

down the hill, he looked as if he was getting slower and shorter in

the can'ter. I expected him to be -- canter and I expected him to get on

to that and the horse was looking to the right. Unusual for Mr Nicholson,

I have to say. And this is a brilliant horse. So I am surprised

there. Is that producing some results that

are surprising us? Is that where it is going? Again, just not the best

of shots to it. The horse just ducks out. It didn't lock on, as you say.

So, that is 20 penalties on the board. The next Kiwi stands up. A

four-time winner. Both horses have good lead-up form. It is a very big

course this year. There's lots of questions.

I am pretty sure that they are able to answer them. I hope I give them a

good ride and we have a good time out there.

Away goes Mark Todd. He's got two rides. He's a lot of people's tip

for the title that year, particularly on the second horse,

which will come much later on during the day.

He is at the age of 50-plus and he is very keen to win these

competitions. And William Fox-Pitt took after over from him after

Kentucky. A huge amount of scope. That didn't seem to concern the

horse there. That was Nicholson at his best. He gave the horse a

beautifully confident ride through there. The riders not too happy

about that Mirage Pond. There is Andrew Nicholson coming

about that Mirage Pond. There is retired. He did of course have

about that Mirage Pond. There is refusal at the Overlander Bank.

about that Mirage Pond. There is You will not see it ridden any

better than that all day, I wouldn't think. So Mark Toddoat. He's been

such -- Sir Mark Todd. He's been such a great ambassador for the

sport. Here is a double Olympic champion -

coming to the Silver Birch oxers. Six and seven.

That's why riders should emulate Mark Todd. The balance, the

smoothness, the ease in which he Mark Todd. The balance, the

jumped those fences. Amazingly, 58 years old and riding as well as

ever, as is this lady Pippa Funnell. Billy Beware, coming home to the

Rolex Rolex Presentation Boxes. It is a tricky angle. This 10-year-old

is looking good. This is is a tricky angle. This 10-year-old

prospect for the future. As she comes into the ring, she is probably

going to be 50-seconds over. She will be happy with this horse.

One of the two horses redesigned, will be her second ride near the end

of the day. Looking comfortable, she hasn't pushed this horse too hard,

which is important. It gives him confidence for the future. There we

are, just over one minute over. 66.3. The current

are, just over one minute over. sure she will not be at

are, just over one minute over. the day but that is a very exciting

performance for Funnell and Billy Beware. And of Tim Price now and

performance for Funnell and Billy Ringwood Sky Boy. Five strides on

the turn. A bit of arguing there. Rattled the

second gate. The riders are concerned about these gates. There's

no ground there. Lying vertical. They have to slow down to jump them.

Then, as they come into the other end of The Lake, sort of

insignificant-looking fence. The water is very deep. We saw Pippa

Funnell earlier have a struggle there. And Mark Todd had a peck

after that big fence. Here is a another big star, sitting

on his backside! Can you believe that?

That is a reality check for Mark. And falling, it means he is

eliminated. That's the situation. Let's look at it again. Well, the

horse seemed to peck on the landing. It is a big fence this Bull Finch.

It just trips. Has at bit of a stumble. I have to say, I'm not sure

that Mark wasn't riding a little backwards. He got a bit slow here.

He thought about the big stride, changes his mind and then the horse

says - I can't do that, sorry, dad. Huge smiles from Pippa Funnell, you

are really chuffed with that? Really, really, really chuffed. I

have been so worried. You know with everyone saying - it has only done

one three-star, are you being sensible bringing a such a young

horse here. You don't know how they are going to be until you get here

and even though the time obviously was slow but from the future point

of view, I'm really excited. COMMENTATOR: A lovely shot. Now Tim

Pric. . Been here a number of years. He married his long-time girlfriend

last winter. He has two very good rides. Tim Price with Ringwood

Mississippi. He is clear and kept a lovely rhythm. -- Ringwood Sky Boy.

That's the change of route with the second wall being taken out in the

Quarry, as you can see, still looking a little damp. As Francis

Whittington, comes to the escalator. Easy Target. Great dressage. A good,

confident start for this talented Horsman. Hasn't had the best of luck

here in the past. Could this be his year?

Tim Price, a sharp angle. You can see the jump judge carrying the

flag. He jumped the second element without the flag. He won't get

penalised but it makes the fence more difficult to assess for the

horse to approach. Well, it is a pretty good time, I have to say.

That's certainly the quickest so far, without a doubt. Interesting

that 2011 was the last time we went around this way and we did see, in

that year, horses getting tired. You might remember Land Vision and Mark

Todd come home that year. It will be interesting to see, as the day

unfolds with this going, whether the same might happen but here is the

23-year-old, Ludwig Svennerstal, from Sweden.

He works near Swindon. He goes down the left route. One of the early

ones to do that. Most have gone down the right so far.

The big grey here, and the owner has tremendous horses. The horse jumps

close to the red flag over the first one and gets a good line through.

close to the red flag over the first That was pretty neat. Covered every

inch of ground there. After a great test, he wants to come up

inch of ground there. After a great good result. Should be full of

confidence the way this horse has started. Ludwig Svennerstal was in

confidence the way this horse has that bronze medal team for Sweden in

the Europeans. Oh, my word, he left a leg. And he had sat so tight. A

great recovery. He has very long legs, this man, but he recovered. He

clamped on and it saved him there. You can just see a re-. Are you it

is interesting. They accelerated up to the log and without the fence in

the middle, he didn't have to go in quite so balanced. Then a big slip

in the bottom. Perhaps they were right in taking that fence out,

because that horse is certainly slipping there. Now Jody Amos on

Matt. The first time they had a lot of bad luck. They tried several

times but their first time there. Oh, my word. Too close to the last

element and you can see that rail, in that brush. Good too slow and

shipped Jody Amos on to the deck. Watch it again. Well, she's

accelerating. The horse says -- I cannot go on that one, I have to pin

another one in and hit the rail in the middle of that. There is a fair

old bang on the ground she got there. Quite often the riders -

well, they have air vests on and sometimes when they go off they get

winded and sometimes they lie longer because they can't breathe for a

second or two. Ludwig Svennerstal here looking for

his first completion. Well-ridden to the first gate and second. Looks

back, I don't know why, it is not show jumping. It shouldn't fall

down. Now we see the man from the

Netherlands. Andrew Heffernan. Based up in Cheshire with this lovely

horse. 51.8 in the dressage. He wouldn't be the most stylish but he

has certainly helped the Dutch team of late. Ridden in both the

Europeans and the Olympic Games, Andrew. Coming down to this Vicarage

Ve. This horse has looked impressive. From a long way out, you

could see him accelerating. Will he make the turn? Very neat. And wasted

not a second. This horse has always promised a lot. Easy Targeted. He

may just be delivering. Andrew Heffernan. He loves teaching. He

does a lot of good work in the pony club up in Cheshire. He really

enjoys his sport, too. A very determined competitive rider. Oh,

look at that, elbows going. It is not necessarily the style but it is

the determination and where you put the horse and those are the two key

facts here, coming down to the big bank. It has caused more problems

than you would have expected so far. It jumped so well last year, first I

am the hole was there. That's great. Very determined riding there. He is

certainly proactive as a rider, isn't he? He is asking everything of

the horse. You can see through this dip, he is a long way off. The horse

tries, he can not make the spread, but he runs over the top of it. But

doesn't waste time. They are back in the rhythm quickly. Here comes

Ludwig Svennerstal. You will hear a lot more of this young man. He rode

a horse in the Olympic Games that impressed many. He now finishes for

a horse in the Olympic Games that the very first time for Sweden,

Ludwig Svennerstal and Alexander. Coming up next in the

Harry Meade, he is 30. His father won three Olympic golds and

Badminton twice. You can see he has his elbows bandaged up. There is a

good reason. It is a miracle he is here at all. I spoke to him

yesterday to hear his story. What happened? I had a ro tagsal fall

last August. I landed, basically being shot like a vaf Lin and landed

my arms straight. They snapped into the elbows and dislocated and

shattered. -- like a javelin. Was there a point that you thought you

would never able to ride? Yes, they were worried about my arms. They

were shattered into so many places, they weren't sure with even with

pinning, whether they would be able to put them back suitably to carry

on riding. The first we thought we were healing OK and the bones were

showing no signs of joining up. At one point near Christmas, I thought

I wouldn't sit on a horse again. It is extraordinary you are here. It is

also slightly bonkers. I mean, look at this... Well, I worked out the

last sort of - I think this is my ninth time at Badminton. I looked at

the fitness programme for the horses on all the previous years I have

come. I tried to leave it to the last-possible moment. I day I

reckoned I could physically get on the horse and come to Badminton was

the first day I started riding again. I talked to very few people

about the fact I wanted to talk to Badminton. The one I did I think

thought I was going through a grieving process, to try and see it

wouldn't work. But it is mazing, I'm thrilled we have managed to get

here. In the midst of all of this, your wife game birth to your first

child Slightly unexpectedly. It happened very fast and I called the

midwife who said - call an ambulance. The ambulance said they

were not going to get here ambulance. The ambulance said they

I ended up delivering him on the bathroom floor on my own. I should

point out no longer with your arms in plaster but you are Superman.

Let's see how he gets on. COMMENTATOR: The sport is very proud

of this young man. He has worked very hard for this moment. He is

very much like his father who has won pick golds. Away goes Harry with

Wild Lone. This is the moment he has been dreaming of. Here is easy

targeted, looking a shade weary one has to say -- Easy Target. He is

going through the hunts mans close. Up goes the hand. He obviously felt

the horse was getting weary. Yes, as he approached the fence, you could

see the horse had not a lot of petrol left in the tank. He jumped

the log well but he petrol left in the tank. He jumped

have the energy to turn to those two big corners, so a very wise

decision, probably. And a brave decision. You get that far around

and the horse is going so well. Well, here is Wild Lone and Harry

Meade, top of the escalators. This is where he will want his arms, his

brain, all in gear to get that line. Oh, Wild Lone does lock on, doesn't

get a great shot to it but picks it up. Up he goes up the hill. He will

want to put that out of up. Up he goes up the hill. He will

Well, he jumps in quite well but a long way off the second one. A bit

of guesswork going on there. Not a great start. He jumped over the log.

I had nothing. I thought - there is no way, he doesn't deserve to be

pushed now to try to jump what are the biggest corners we will ever

see. I didn't have the energy - there was no point in trying to

expect him to do that. Yet again after another good dressage, we end

up walking home. Very unfortunate for Francis.

up walking home. Very unfortunate he is based up in Cheshire and now

very much riding for the Netherlands. He is going the long

route. He really is using his head. One begins to think, Ian, that this

course is very much about the thinking process, real iedsing what

you have underneath and making the most of what you have got --

realising. Well, there is no real let-up. A good bit of riding.

realising. Well, there is no real Andrew's horse is weary. There is no

let-up. You have to assess the horse's ability there and taking

long routes is sometimes the right decision. Positive riding from

Harry. Flies rhythm. We go back to Andrew Heffernan. Andrew never nan

now down to the Rolex Presentation Boxes. -- Andrew Heffernan.

He will get quite a few time penalties but this is great news for

Netter they wouldn't be one of the leading eventing countries in the

world. -- for the Netherlands. They might be in dressage. But this

team are getting decent results and this is another one. Andrew

Heffernan at the last. This horse not one of the youngest. He has

produced one of the best results of his career with that. Clear with 56

seconds over the time. Oh, a good jump over the first of

the Vicarage Vee, but a peck on the landing. A good turn. And there is

no sign of Harry having any problems with his elbows, which is great news

for everyone. Positive, accurate, flowing and look how quickly he gets

back into the rhythm away from that pond fence. 56-year-old Pascal

Leroy. He was in the top 25 in 2010/11. He has been here a number

of times. A beautifully through the water. A stylish jockey, Pascal

Leroy. He, on a good dressage of 57.3. So he is in such the way the

day is unfolding. -- 47.3. Here is Harry. Can he get back to it? A long

way off but took the flag with him. Oh, it is in his tail. That will

give him compression impulsion. But flying. A fairy-tale at the moment

for Harry. Can he keep it up? Now Pascal will he Roy. Minute os

de-Petra very experienced. -- Minos s Depetra very experienced.

Now through that pond. Away he goes down now to the vik rarge vee, as

Harry Meade comes to the presentation boxes. Not quite so

inside home. There was not much wrong with his elbows there. Picked

up the knitting and drove for home! It is a decent time, as it is

unfolding. Well, he's had a brilliant ride,

Harry. How impressive is this? He just told us what he has been

through with his elbows. Delivering his own baby and now he's clear

cross-country and Badminton. Most people thought he would not ride

cross-country and Badminton. Most again. Well, that is in incredible!

cross-country and Badminton. Most A real fairytale and that is what

this sport is made of. A wonderful character and determination and this

man full of both and a great ride. Now the Frenchman.

Pascal is having a nice ride so far. Just stalled a little bit.

How did it feel? Amazing. I love that horse. I have produced him

since he aus a four-year-old. We know each other like the back of our

hands. I know the going was holding and causing problems. I thought I

would not rather sit on anything else. He is a super

would not rather sit on anything expected to be here. It is

wonderful! I loved every minute of that! Here is Tim Lips. His father

went around the Barcelona Olympics. This was a show jumper. He has

turned to eventing. He had good results in Kentucky about five years

ago. A good jockey and part of this team which are making a mark in the

sport. Pascal coming to the quarry. The

horses are full of running. We have seen quite a few weary horses here.

Downhill, down to that upright wall. Now the

was winner of course on the lovely horse I Know Nothing. This is a

horse he thinks a lot of, Kilronan. He did a wonderful dressage test. He

sets off. Put in He did a wonderful dressage test. He

cross-country round and he'll be top of the leaderboard, I would think.

He certainly set off with great determination, which is good to see

after such a brilliant test.

Minos De Petra, heading home. This horse is full of running. Look at

him abouting accelerate accelerating. This is the most

him abouting accelerate stylish round we have seen so far.

him abouting accelerate It had its moments, slernly did out

of the -- certainly did out It had its moments, slernly did out

garden gates. Not as fast as the very good time of Tim Price. He was

around for a 11-time faults. He has a few more, but seconds. The

Frenchman goes into second place behind Tim Price. Pippa Funnell -

what a round from her! She's in third. Harry Meade, oh, what can you

say! He's in fourth. He was a good winner at the National

Circuit. He's going up to The Lake, while we see Tim Lips now. A good

bit of riding from Tim. The look on his face as he approached that bank

could tell you everything. Absolutely focussed! Kilronan,

The Lake. He's not hanging about.

He's not hanging around and he said, in his interview, there is

testosterone going on. He got rid of the gishly dressage -- girly

dressage stuff. Tim Lips going the alternative

route. A good piece of thinking. Analysing what horse-power he's got

underneath him and then making the alterations. Perhaps that might have

been his long-term goal. These are big corners so far down the course.

This boy has matured, hasn't he? big corners so far down the course.

sure has! This is a real worker, Paul Tapner. A lovely family. He

lives close to Swindon as many riders do.

He does a better job than Toddy one has to say! A pat on the neck,

giving the horse some confidence and that Outlander Bank - a different

story to last year. Yes, last year the fence rode quite brilliantly.

This year they have a downhill approach. That was goodbye Paul. A

downhill approach and then the riders are riding the bank thinking

about the skinny fence after it. The ones that are attacking the bank,

they get the benefit of the skinny as well. Lucinda Fredericks. A

flying finish. Did well after dressage and oh, I have a feeling

there's something wrong. She sits down and looked down and she's

pulling up. What? Such a disappointment. Lucinda Fredericks

has popped off and is going to lead the horse home. Yes, quite sore and

that's very bad luck for Lucinda Fredericks.

Well now Tim Lips has come home. This is a good day building for the

Netherlands. A grim mace and a smile as he finishes. Two for the Dutch.

So, one still to come. Two good rounds. That is an

indication of sheer joy. He's gone wide. The good thing about

that is you get a more narrow ditch rather than angling the ditch. A bit

of time-wasting. That is the only problem there.

Has this man got enough horse left to pick it up and get to it? He

certainly could do. It feels like Badminton! It was so

big. My horse is such a good jumper and finally it felt quite easy.

Before I thought, why am I doing this? Why do I want to ride bad mip

on the? When I pass the finishing line I want to go again.

It is interesting hearing Tim. This a surprise - he's going to have

to work. He's gone the long way. Are we seeing the 2011 situation

returning, with with horses getting weary towards the end of the course?

As we heard Tim Lips say, they knew it was big, it was Badminton and

they were positive and they have it was big, it was Badminton and

ride and this man is joining them - Paul Tapner, going for home.

Oh, and a bit of aggressive riding there!

He just looked as if he went a little bit wild on this stride. The

horse couldn't make that. Fortunately both horse and rider up

and OK. Done a great job in the dressage.

Look at it again! You see him accelerating. Thought he had seen

the stride and thank goodness the pins gave way on that fence, that

would have been a nasty fall. pins gave way on that fence, that

is both get up and of walk away safely. That is a very good example

of what the pins are all about. That was absolutely a classic

demonstration and sad sadly he walks home.

Time is getting difficult. It is now the Rolex boxes.

He's going to be, I would think, between 40-50, maybe 50-60 seconds

over the time. Of course he had that very good dressage score of 48.8. In

fact, even better than that in the 36 it was. Those are the penalty

scores clocking up, as they add 0.4 for every second that elapses. Ears

pricked. That is good enough for the lead? Yes, it is. 56.4! Paul Tapner

says, "I am back! " And Coolio for Ireland with Kyle. Another one to

leave a leg. I think with the middle element, if

it had been there, they would have to come in shorter and pop that

first log. As it is, you can see accelerates to a good stot, but the

horse is not -- spot, but the horse is not quick enough in front and the

two roll down that hill. Wow! Twice around the Olympics, Mark Kyle and

Coolio walking home and another surprising sight on this

cross-country course. You are in the lead. Have you done

enough to stay there? There is a possibility somebody could go in

front of me. If anybody can go faster than me, then they are a

better horse on the day. I went as fast as my horse was physically

capable of today. I have no qualms that. This course is causing

problems. Hardly any riders getting around. Even the top ones are having

problems because of the wind, because of the fences - no-one

inside the time yet. Perhaps is this an opening for Tina Cook. She is

riding her horse, known as Herman. When he was born they thought he was

ugly and looked like Herman Monster. Well, beauty is as beauty does!

So here is the home-bred of De Novo News. Just flies past that red flag!

His eye was a bit to the right. That was good for Tina. Again he's

hanging right there and took the red flag out. Needs to be straighter. It

is a difficult one when you have a run-out so early. Do you stop and

finish and go to another competition or do you persevere and see what the

Here is an interested speak taor, horse's second Badminton.

Here is an interested speak taor, the world chasm chasmfion Zara

Phillips. Not fit enough yet. How many months has it been? Four

months. Getting there. Kind Ofstedy. I didn't want to come here with not

enough runs and not being fit enough. This is the top of the

sport. You need to be as fit as you possibly can. We'll wait. It is a

sport in which you have a lot of examples of

sport in which you have a lot of children and come back to top-level

competition. You have a lot of people to turn to for advice? It is

great. Many said to me, Sarah people to turn to for advice? It is

both of them said they had come back too early. You know, you can ride,

but you're not very effective at the beginning, so you need to give your

body time. It has been a massive help having those guys around.

Lovely to see you here. Thank you very much. Tina Cook with De Novo

News. Now at the mounded 18.

Oneholds one's breath as they jump that first log. That was beautifully

done. An unlucky 20 penalties will be on her mind as we see the

American - an outstanding young rider at The Lake.

I have to say The Lake is riding well.

Still inside the optimum time. There'll be a few time faults for

Tina. I don't think she'll be that worried. This horse, only 11, in

terms of mileage is young. The horse has done very little wrong. . No,

terms of mileage is young. The horse think she made the right decision to

continue. It with us a silly run-out. I don't think Tina will be

too worried about that. Disappointed, but not too worried.

Merel Blom, she's at the Outlander Bank. A good positive approach. The

positive approach seems to be working. That

positive approach seems to be riding. As you said earlier, they

have to tackle that bank and then worry about the Skinny. The time is

not great, but that is really not what it is about now. It is about

getting this horse around and getting its confidence and

experience under the belt. A long way home from the

combination. The crowd thin in here. A long way home from the

I bet your bottom dollar it will be full when we get towards the end

because there is still a lot of dra many in this competition -- drama in

this competition for sure. It is Paul Tapner in front. As Tina comes

home - a round in the Paul Tapner in front. As Tina comes

Tina and her talents in a British squad is an advantage.

There is only three strides there. You have to be quick in reactions to

get away with that. You can see he is a long way off that. Manages to

keep going, keeps his balance but there is no way he can get back to

that. The ground actually, it is hard work but it is not jarring for

them. I thought - you know what, let's keep going. This is what

Badminton is going to be like for now. Let's jump that Vicarage Vee

and some more difficult fences. He was super. I took the pace away.

Well, there was no pace, really, I just wanted to jump around. Nice to

hear the positive thoughts from Tina.

Australian, Sam Griffiths now at the Lake.

He jumps through there. Well, he is in a good position at the moment.

He jumps through there. Well, he is 46.3, close enough as this

He jumps through there. Well, he is competition is unfolding. Tee

He jumps through there. Well, he is Coudray coming to the last. Not a

bad time considering what we have seen today. Nobody has got near that

opt minute time. One to go for Tiana. A talented horse. She will be

happy with that. That's a good one for America. The leaderboard now

looking pretty international. Sam Griffiths now coming to the big Vee.

Oh, not the best stride there. He took the flag with him but got the

right side of the flag. That's the most important thing and a quick

turn. So good recovery there from Sam. Merel Blom on Rumour Has It. He

has had good records on this course. Oh, another one there to hang a leg

but fortunately recovered quickly and a good turn. Another near-miss,

though. And those feet belong to Imperial Cavalier. Ridden by the

great Marying King. One of the favourites away. Mary twice winner.

Seven winners. My word, Mary has set off pretty quickly. Here is

Seven winners. My word, Mary has set Blom now. Rumour Has It coming into

the arena and the Dutch manager here will be absolutely overjoyed with

his riders. The way this competition has gone, to have three from the

Netherlands home clear, has gone, to have three from the

expect them to be the top of the three in the world of dressage and

show jumping, but not here. Today they have given a

show jumping, but not here. Today demonstration. 73.8 and they go

eighth and that's three now in the top nine. .

Mary on imperial Cavalier. He certainly doesn't look his 17 years

young. He is pulling away. The usual style of Mary - sit back

and just steer. Sam Griffiths Paulank Brockagh in huntsman close.

Certainly being very influential. He just squeezes inside that flag and

then jumps the last well. Well this is one of the great sights in

British sport, The Lake in front of Badminton House and the huge crowd

waiting for one of their favourite riders. On her way is mayory King.

52 years old now. She has completed the course 21 times. This is

Imperial Cavalier which she rode into fifth place at the London

Olympics. Coming through The Lake. Lovely. Showing all her experience.

He nods a bit there on landing. Away she goes, with huge support, to

fence 10. COMMENTATOR: Big crowds all around

this park, despite the weather as Sam Griffiths rides her home. And

this is a quick round. Sam Griffiths, who has twice ridden for

Australia in the Olympics. Has had falls on both occasions. There is no

doubt of his talent. Can he persuade the selectors to give him another

chance. He is through the last. Australia definitely regrouping.

They won three golds on the trot and are beginning to emerge as a strong

nation. Oh, hang on, Mary, hang on there,

keep going. That was quite impressive. Mary

looked like a youngster there, I have to say, clinging on like a

monkey. I'm not sure about the monkey bit but 52-year-old Mary was

very quickly thinking then to avoid a jumping penalty and I think she's

got away with it. There was a quick bit of thinking there from Mary and

a brilliant piece of riding. You see bit of thinking there from Mary and

stride there. The horse gets up there a bit short. Chips in here

stride and almost gets stuck. But watch the horse's expression. Look

at him, he just says, "Sit tight, mum." 17 and the old boy is staying

in the right place to keep Mary on the plate. "I have done it. What do

you want next?" He does look a bit surprised the horse, doesn't he? !

Lucy Jackson from New Zealand. Born in Britain. Went to New Zealand to

do physiotherapy and got New Zealand nationality and they are

benefitting. This tall young lady is going very well indeed. Lucy

Jackson, 47.2 dressage. Mayor joy back into a good gallop now at the

Vicarage ditch. Showing all her experience there. Quick turn back.

Lovely. Oh, loss of balance on landing, Mary.

This mirage pond has ridden well today, despite the fact that middle

element is pretty serious. Well, that was not what I expected, Mike.

Was that your fault? Commentator's problem? Probably. I hope she is not

listening. Well, is Mary? No, hand goes up. What a disappointment. Had

last year off. She was so hoping to come back and win another World

Equestrian Games gold medal. That has to be a doubt now, as you see

yet another star walking hope in the Mitsubishi motors Badminton 2014.

New Zealand's Lucy Jackson. A nice bit of extra push there on

that last stride. I had a bit of a strange jump

through the owl hole but we kept it together. I think that knocked his

confidence and we had together. I think that knocked his

at another unbrushed together. I think that knocked his

drop in the water. I thought - there is knob point going on as a horse

which has been so great is knob point going on as a horse

through his career. is knob point going on as a horse

Well now, the individual silver medallist at London.

Riding a new horse, is Sara. She medallist at London.

a syndicate to buy it through Facebook, getting enough money. This

horse used to be called Mrs Medicot. Now called Reality and going well.

horse used to be called Mrs Medicot. Lucy Jackson coming to the

horse used to be called Mrs Medicot. gates. It has been

horse used to be called Mrs Medicot. riders down on this course which is

what Giuseppe wanted. What he was looking for, rather than galloping

at all the fences and this little logpile. It was a surprising jump.

Nothing to look at but it's been pretty seriously ridden in all sorts

of different ways today, Mike. Well, now this girl very experienced.

She had an individual silver. Could have been gold in London, but she

didn't quite make that. And Oliver Townend on the great Armada. Oh,

what scope. He looked as though he was just in his school at home

there, having a little play. Lugsy Jackson - smiles all over her face.

That's her best performance at Badminton. A young lady on the edge

of selection. She was a reserve for London but she put her name in the

book for France now. Lucy Jackson moves into the top ten.

She was 21st after dressage and that's the story all the way

through. Tim Price has moved up from had 1st after dressage and more

riders are not finishing this cross country course than finishing.

Conditions really tough. So Reality now in Hunts mans Close.

Thanks too 45,000 Facebook friends syndicating this horse and raising

would you believe over ?75,000 to buy this horse, Reality. Going the

long way. Playing safe. Still motoring on. She is right in touch.

Oh, she is not now. She is the wrong side of that flag and gone down.

Well, that will not even be a dispute over the Grand Jury with the

flag because that fault sees her walking home. Watch it again. She is

a bit to the right. You can see the horse drifting right. Definitely the

wrong side of that flag as he jumps on top of t and rather than jumping

off, sort of fell off. Keeps its balance but poor Sara hits the deck.

Well, good to see horse and rider non-the worse at the moment. Despite

the number of incidences we are seeing, horses and riders getting up

and walking away. Now seeing, horses and riders getting up

Townend, Armada. Remember he won in 2009. He has been in the wilderness

over the last two or three years but the man looks steely determined this

afternoon. Pippa Funnell. Redesigned. The horse she finished

fifth in Kentucky in 2010. Owned by the same owners as another horse on

which she won here. Away she goes. A disappointing dressage. The horse

was extremely tense. I'm quite surprised in many respects that she

is running this horse across country. But she has realised that

this is so open, that if she could get the best out of this horse - and

at his best he is a really good ride across the country - she could still

make up what she lost in the dressage Well we are right at the

top of the course for Oliver. This is where the horses have been

getting weary. He is riding strongly to get over that wall. This horse is

jumping. That's what counts. 9 jumping. That's what counts. 9

horse, as long as they want to get to the other side, and there is not

an issue about how tired the horse is, there is no reason they

shouldn't continue. Redesigned at the Lake now with Pippa. . That was

brilliant in but almost the Lake now with Pippa. . That was

short, the striding in there. She angled into the water, which was

great to see. Very quick. Oliver Townend. The normer Andrew

great to see. Very quick. Oliver ride, now over the last of the

combinations. One fence left. 43 jumping efforts on this Giuseppe

Della Chiesa course. It will really causing some scratching of the

heads. But there is no doubt Oliver Townend has answered all the

questions set. This man could be back. He won two of the three legs.

He had a Burley win and couldn't make it in Kentucky. And at his

best, he could be another strong candidate for Britain. Good time. He

says He goes fourth.

Well, Mark Todd this horse's first four-star but he thinks so much of

it. You looked pumped as you came across

the finish line. Well done. Yes, it is a gentlemen genuine horse. I have

never feel him bottom out. I felt tired. He felt fairly unconscious

coming up to the Quarry. All of a sudden, he took a big breath, picked

himself up and ran home. He is just go very good.

Mark Todd at the Lake. Leonidas was so impressive when he

won the big competition. He is in trouble. He lost his balance in and

now he is in deep trouble. He lost his balance in and

And it does get deep there. It certainly does get dee. I thought

Mark was going swimming for a second. And I get he thought he was,

too. Now he has to re-route and go the long way. That is a difficult

route to fathom out, I find. It does take a long time. He is quickly back

in his rhythm but for a moment or two, the

in his rhythm but for a moment or was going to disappear and submerge.

Lost the reins at the last moment and got in trouble.

The first one to do! Isn't that - it is very narrow, but it goes up

steeply on the left. A big route comes out it is much, much bigger.

You can see her turning quickly. I have to say, if that middle

element had been there, they would have turned tighter than that. She

did give the horse plenty of time, but it didn't work. The medical team

quickly on hand. I don't think but it didn't work. The medical team

any the worse - she's on her feet. She will certainly reflect on that

ride. Out goes Redesigned. Here is a horse that is again looking a shade

on the weary side. I think he got away with a white flag. I think he

just did. I have not seen Toddy work so hard for a long time. Quite a lot

for an old man! It is the second ride now Forte Taylor. Thistledown

Poposki -- for Izzy Taylor. Thistledown Poposki. Barely a third

have got around without faults. This last section could shake things up.

William Fox-Pitt has been waiting, watching for his moment. He pulled

out his fishss t horse. This last section of riders includes

Montgomerie and the man going last of all, the man who has never won

bad Badminton. And the world's number one, William

Fox-Pitt away a. He -- away. As home comes, Mark

Toddoat on Leonidas II. Well over the Mark Todd.

He has Leonidas II in 25th place at the moment.

Izzy Taylor had a great ride on her first horse. Here she is on her

second one, having an even better ride.

second one, having an even better We got around and finished I was not

one of my better rides it has been an abouting

Izzy Taylor coming home for the second time. I think, looking back

quickly through the records. She's is the only one still to have two

horses in the competition. What an horses in the competition. What an

achievement! And this a first timer owned by Lady Ann Whitely. Her

husband chairman of the sport for many years. A great contrib burter.

This is a great -- contributor. This is a great performance. This first

timer does it clear. And William at

Such style! Such control. Effortless! Yes, don't want to spoil

his luck, but this man looks on fire. Now Nicola Wilson. A very

popular lady. You might remember the great opposition buzz. This, an

exciting young horse. It is only a ten-year-old.

William coming to the water combination. It has

William coming to the water trouble all day. Hopefully for

William it will be OK. Of great! You don't see too many coloured

horses at this level. This, a horse with a lovely attitude and lovely

jump too at the Escalator. A lovely, positive ride from this lady.

William Fox-Pitt now approaches the gates.

William Fox-Pitt now approaches the and the jockey ready for the last.

30-30 counting down. It is not the quickest. Of course he has that good

dressage of 41. He puts six strides behind these gates.

Now we have got Nicola turning in behind these gates.

She is riding for her life. And the mare is responding.

She had two rides but withdraw her first horse, not having been quite

right this morning. Just the one ride for Nicola, as way agoes the

dressage leader. Montgomery, the man from tennis.

dressage leader. Montgomery, the man He had -- Texas.

He gets the extra stride in on that turn. Can he make the next one? Yes!

He will be very happy with. That very few a now taking that direct

route. Oh, and the pins have dropped there.

If the grand jury felt that release of those pins would have stopped a

fall... There is a fall. That is William Fox-Pitt. What is happening

to this competition, Badminton 2014? It is a whooping fence, but that was

definitely the biggest surprise of the day! There has not been any

trouble there all day. They have all jumped that fence, even if they were

getting weary on their legs. A great disappointment to see William and

Parklane Hawk having to walk home. A huge shock because he had this lead

at the end of the day. Very much written all over him - the way he

had been gone - the way he had gone, rather! It looked as though he must

have got a bit close. He hit the fence on the way up with his right

front leg. And it just tipped him side way. Well, well, well!

What else is in score. Here is the American at the lake.

Clark Montgomery. Very measured through

Beltane Queen - this could be a great one.

This long route is not looking that safe either.

She's taken the long route, but she did one of the quickest turns

between those two elements. Didn't waste any time.

Oh, yieks! -- yikes. What side of the flag was

she? I think she was on the left. That is one for the grand jury to

have a look at. And the grand jury have been very busy. Now it is Clark

Montgomery, driving on for the vik rarge vee. Gets a -- Vickarage Vee.

It is a tough line of fences down here. He is at the Mirage Pond. We

have seen plenty of action here. The time looks good. He's about just

under halfway. He's literally metres under halfway. Nicola Wilson and

Beltane Queen come to the Rolex Rolex Presentation Boxes.

She will be thrilled with this. Very inexperienced, two first time

Badminton horses here. First one did not start cross-country, but this

one has and has shown there is a lot to look forward to. Really enjoyed

it, this little horse. ??FORCEWHITE It is all for an

exciting cause in the future, I feel. Over the last and I think

you'll see the feel. Over the last and I think

Yes! There it is! She goes 11th feel. Over the last and I think

the moment. Tim Price and feel. Over the last and I think

The Lake. Turn, turn u turn! Oh -- turn, turn,

turn! Oh, good horse. The crowd have got what they wanted, not what Tim

Price would have wanted though! I think he's going to stay there. We

are now to the last horse or two in what has been an amazing day of

sport. As soon as he landed, he let go of

the left rein. He left his back legs and fired poor Tim into the water.

Oh, that is so cold! Well, that is an interesting picture

because that is the gel gate who looks at -- the delegate who looks

at problems for the grand jury. I think that will be about the flag.

There is her husband. They will be looking at the flag in Hunt

Huntsmans Close. They will be talking about the pins. It is all

eyes on the last, Andrew Nicholson with Nereo. A great combination to

finish the day here in the cross-country. It has been a

thrilling day of cross-country riding. I don't think I have

thrilling day of cross-country the score board quite like it for a

long, long time. Certainly the dressage has not been that

influential. Here is the dressage leader. He's in hunt huntsmans

Close. He's not looking to respond that quickly and that is the result.

Remember, this is what happened to his first ride. Now, why is that?

Remember, this is what happened to that because the horse is not fit

enough? What is the reason for that? I know this horse has had a wind

operation in the past. I don't know whether that has affected it. He has

a band bandage railing -- trailing as well. We talk about being flat,

but there's a long climb from the Mirage Pond up to the Quarry. It has

been telling on the horses today. We look again. It is easy to

been telling on the horses today. We after, but this horse was not

responding and instead of being positive there, he was thinking a

little backwards, probably wondering whether he should be going on. And

the leader is out. Is this the opportunity for this man? 33

completions here at Badminton. He's been second, third, fourth and fifth

on different horses, but this horse won him a bronze individualally and

a team bronze in Kentucky. He was the fourth individualally in London,

but won a team bronze. The dream would be a Badminton win. Will this

be his year? He's looking pretty calculated about it all.

The flags are going regularly. A lot of these fences are incredibly

skinny. It doesn't matter. You pay no attention as a rider, so long as

you are at the right side of them. This man has got better and better.

Now over 50. Still improving A great team of horses. Covering the ground

here - looks full of running. Turning to that New Pond, which has

jumped so well. Oh, and that rail's gone! Wow! That

is a surprise! And so has Andrew Nicholson! Can you believe it?

I don't think I've ever seen that from Andrew to get tipped out from

the side. An unseated rider, as we call it in racing. I have to say,

that pin did break, but the horse hardly touched that rail. It should

not have gone that easily. This is unusual, the horse leaves its front

right leg and leaves Andrew no chance. Well, a day of drama right

to the very end. But indeed no horse is hurt. No rider is hurt. Well, if

you wonder what this massive crowd are looking at, it is the score

board after the cross-country. They have seen the thrills and spills out

there. Eliminated, retired, withdrawn, from 83 starters, just 35

are left. And this man is in prime position.

Paul Tapner, who has one fence in happened going into the final

showjumping phase. In many ways it is unfamiliar.

Tim Price up to second. Nicola Wilson was given 21

penalties. She moves down to 25th. In fact, this morning of Nicola

Wilson pulled out Beltane Queen. You have to prove your horse is well and

fit before they go in for the showjumping.

There were looked weary this morning. That will

have an affect today. A lot of discussion about the cross country.

Some saying chaos and too tough. discussion about the cross country.

Others say it was like it used to be. Like the good, old days. It

doesn't matter where you were in the dressage, you had the chance of

winning if you could go fast and clear in cross country. I have to

say there were some pictures yesterday that weren't ideal for the

sport. There were 50-odd horse that is didn't finish and that's not

really good statistics. . I don't think the course was too tough. It

was a fair course but the cumulative effect, nearly all had a riser or a

dip in front of them and it was having an effect. I wobdser if some

of the horsers were not fit enough. Now Paul Tapner has a lead. He could

have a fence down and win. But it is hard to hold on to that lead when

you come into the show jumping? Are you suggesting something there? I

was six times in the lead. Three times I won and three times I blew

it big time. It is very difficult. There is a lot of pressure on the

riders when they come into this phase. Paul Tapner's horse is a good

jumper. He has one jump in hand but the horse looked a bit weary

yesterday. There are really good horses behind him. And Pippa

Funnell. The horses sometimes give much more than the other horses. I

would love to see her win. Bred for show jumping with Pippa's influence

from her husband. Well it is four penalty points for a

fence knocked down. The time is fight. 90 seconds, a

minute-and-a-half. For every second over that, you pick up one penalty

point T could yet change. Let's see the action unfold: -- it

30-year-old Harry Meade. The fairy story. Remember, he smashed his

elbows last August. Made a wonderful recovery through grit and

determination. Currently lying eighth. 67. 4. He has three fences

in hand to stay in eighth place. On Wild Lone. A brill yapt round

yesterday. It is a horse he thinks an awful lot of. -- a brilliant

round. He has to put it together here. This course has taken its toll

this morning. Very twisty which usually helps event horses. It stops

them getting long and from the after the rigours of the cross country.

This next fence is a flimsy vertical fence. Not a lot to look at. They

then double back to the left. Then 24 this next fence, interesting

enough, Harry took his horse right down into the corner. That fence

goes right into the corner and into the crowd. One or two horses have

been distracted by the horse and having -- by the crowd and having

that down. And the final line. Just, remember, we have had no clear

rounds yet. One with three time faults. Oh.

Just the one down. 71.4 for Harry Meade and Wild Lone.

He will stay eighth. Will 71.4 for Harry Meade and Wild Lone.

higher? He was the youngest man ever to complete five Badmintons by 25.

He was a little bit off that first one, the horse dropped on the back

rail. But that was a brilliant round from Harry. One of the best we have

seen all day. I quite agree. Harry Meade really has really come of age

here. He's ridden some good rounds around here but this is the best,

for sure. Well, there is no doubt that show

jumping has been part of this young man's career. We made predictions in

the past and they have gone out of the window here. It is Tim Lips from

the Netherlands with three in the top 20 here.

Netherlands and New Zealand have three through the last 20. Britain

got four. This is a horse that yesterday went well indeed. 66. A 5

he got. Lying in 7th. It's not been the best show jumper in the world.

Tim's done a lot of show jumping through his young life. So this

horse can have the odd fence He gave the triple bar a lot of

height. That was one of the best rounds I have seen Tim ride, cross

country, yesterday. Very mature, very professional.

That goes too. That puts him below Harry Meade and Wild Lone. He has

crept up a place. In 7th place, Harry goes on to ?15,000 as a prize

pot. The most valuable Badminton ever. ?80,000 to the winner. !

I remember back in the '80s winning it and the first prize was ?6,000. A

bit of a change. Three down. And jumps the last.

78.5. So he drops Three down. And jumps the last.

Meade comes up. This is the most extraordinary

storey. Harry Meade when you still had your arms in braces in January,

did you ever imagine you would finish top 7 in Badminton? I didn't.

It was just a dream that I had to come back here. This is my 9th

Badminton. I thought I might not get here again. I stubbornly thought if

I was going to be able it start riding again, I would focus

everything towards this week but it was a distant goal. Your wife,

Rosie, she deserves a lot of credit? . She has been a star. She tries to

shrink from the limelight. She has . She has been a star. She tries to

any of this without her, she looked after me for months. And

any of this without her, she looked and two small children. A great

performance. You got a warm applause from the crowd. Rightly so.

performance. You got a warm applause done Thank you. Well, back inside

the ring, one of the great show jumpers from around the world. Pippa

Funnell. Two European titles and of course, won Championship medals on

this young ten-year-old, Billy Beware, owned by Jonathan and Jane

Clark by a very good horse Kenan. It is one of the best stallions in the

world. He produced the Olympic champion. Billy Beware, 66.3 and he

is in 6th. And there is now just a fence covering the next five riders

to Pippa. It's absolutely vital now every fence down could be very

costly. Or a clear could take you right up the leaderboard. He looked

so impressive impressive at the three-star last year when he won

this, lovely young horse. He jumped a clear round there. It is the only

three-star, three day event and we heard Pippa saying that. So it is a

big question this horse this week, and he certainly has risen to the

challenge. One of the lovely stud horses that William and Pippa are so

involved with these days. Oh, just ran a little bit long. That was just

a green mistake, really. We could see yesterday, he got a little long

and a little argumentative at times with Pippa. The same thing, a little

bit happening here. It is just lack of experience. He has such a good

jump. Still just ahead of Harry Meade but if she has another, it

will be Harry who benefits. Pippa done a lot of show jumping on

the young horses of the Billy Stud and it has shown. She has four time

faults, though. 74. 3. She does drop below Harry Meade. Wild Lone comes

up to 6th. He has jumped two places and Pippa Funnell drops down one

place. A little bit running on into that

fence. You can see Pippa trying say, "Steady, wait for me." But a

little bit overenthusiastic. say, "Steady, wait for me." But a

will be thrilled with him. What a star for the future that is. It is

great to see Pippa right back star for the future that is. It is

top of the tree. I couldn't agree more. Such a talented rider

top of the tree. I couldn't agree still riding as well as ever.

top of the tree. I couldn't agree now it is time for the next horse.

top of the tree. I couldn't agree Sam Griffiths riding Paulank

Brockagh. He went well yesterday to finish finish 5th place on 63.9.

He's now just a little over two fences behind the lead, so very

close. He's got two fences ahead of Harry Meade. Oh, I was just thinking

he jumped the first three fences so well, so big and lots of air and he

rattles the fourth one, but it stays up. Sam is certainly working hard

trying to get everything out of this horse. So often when the horses have

been cross country they can get a little bit flat. It is nice to see

that the horses are actually keeping their rocks under them on some of

these turns, but it is not helping all the time. In fact, if he does

have another fence down, Meade will go up again, with just half a point.

The time is going to be all right, I think. He has done a good job. A

very good job. 67.9. Nothing to add for time. So, he stays fifth for

Australia. Australia with two in the top five. Well, a fence down and

time faults for pip fa funnel. You are cross with yourself but the

horse is fantastic. -- Pippa Funnell. He was fantastic. That

phase I rode him so badly. I think it has been a while since I have

been like that. I'm ashamed of myself. For a young horse and with

such little experience he has, I'm delighted with him. And bred at

home. He is one of the family. Yes, he is the first. He is the first

Billy around Badminton. He has answered all the questions. Really

exciting. He is named Gorgeous by a dear friend of ours who passed away

a couple of years ago. She said to me, "He will be a superstar", and he

is. Here is a man who knows what it is to win Badminton. Oliver Townend

with Armada. They dug deep yesterday. They both did. A steely

performance. 62.7. In 4th place. Just 14 time faults. He is really

very much in touch. He is on 42.7. He is just a little bit more than

one fence behind the leader. Anything that happens now throws

this 2014 title wide, wide open. Well, one away so far. Such a good

jumper this horse. So brilliant cross country but he has got this

enormous stride and sometimes his stride takes over and you can see

when he hit that upright, he got nool a little bit hollow in position

-- he got in a little bit hollow. He dropped his back legs. That's Oliver

trying to contain that canter. It is fair to say, Ian, this is a horse

that came out of the Andrew Nicholson yard. Andrew always had a

job to jump clear rounds on this horse. He has never been easy.

Ollie, too, has found him difficult. He has eight to add. He drops down

below Sam Griffiths. Still a while behind, Wild Lone but one more would

put Wild Lone up another for Harry Meade. The time is good and he jumps

it. A good round for Ollie despite having fences down. It is not that

clear. Eight. It could have been worse. He goes down to fifth. Sam

Griffiths comes up to 4th. Three left to jump. One for France, one

for New Zealand and one for Australia. Sam Griffiths of

Australia is our leader. It is taking some jumping out there? After

running so hard around the cross country yesterday, they need to be

special horses today. I'm welling up. My mare tried so hard for me.

She was a star. I couldn't ask any more of her. #

Doesn't he come through time and time again -- doesn't it come

through time and time again that these riders worship these horses.

The love and care and attention that goes into these horses is pretty

special. It is. You know, the emotion we've seen from some of

these top riders, they are professionals, but they love their

horses and they appreciate what their horses give them. There's no

question these horses give us a lot. They give us everything they have

and an enormous amount of pleasure to boot. Le le le, the -- Pascal

Leroy. Another one who has done well. 56 years old and with Minos

Leroy. Another one who has done Petra. He is owned by Pascal and his

wife. He jumped a very stylish round. He had a 47.3 dressage.

Across the country, just added 15.2 to claim third place.

If he jumps a clear round then it is game on to beat Tim Price and Paul

Tapner. There's nothing in it. France won - the only French winner

here at Badminton. This partnership looked so good

yesterday. Never looked in a hurry. It was so sort of non-French if you

like, in the way he rode cross-country, because brilliant

rider and brilliant... Oh! And that was just a classic miss, I am

afraid. 66.5. Still stays in third place.

Doesn't know! This is the the last time he might

get a time fault and he does. Oliver Townend moves up, so does Harry

Meade. Oliver Townend, second, with two to jump and Harry Meade third.

He just didn't get it right there at all. The horse touched down and had

no choice but to crash through the fence.

Out here in the collecting ring you can see Paul Tapner warming up.

He'll be last to go. The leading Britain, whatever happens will be

Oliver Townend. You must be thrilled. In 2010 you had a fall you

were pretty lucky to survive. Armada was a tricky horse in that phase. I

didn't get the distance I wanted and he ended up with his head up.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but - I am very pleased with the -- but

I am very pleased with the overall result. Horses like Armada, a

straightforward and at the same time her ability is fantastic and I thank

to Mr Nicholson for letting me ride the horse and for the owner because

without this horse I would not be here. It is good to see you back.

Well done! Thanks. Tim Price for New Zealand. 35 years old. Married to

Jenell this year. This is his most outstanding performance so far.

Second place. outstanding performance so far.

He's got one fence in hand over Sam Griffiths at the moment. He hasn't

got that now. He's got less. Price 61.6 he started op. One down

so far. One down. Could have had more. A

little bit casual in here. He's got a bit on his brid le.

little bit casual in here. not got the greatest record in this

phase. Tim was a bit concerned... Another one away. So, he's going to

move up into second place. Could it be an Australian 1-2?

He seems to jump the oxers very well, this horse.

height. The uprights, he is a little casual. He doesn't have a lot of

respect for them. Such a good horse cross-country.

Tim is giving him such a good ride. All he can do he is doing.

And that's gone. Harry Meade has gone up another place and that's

gone. Oh, dear! It drops him right down. Ninth place. 80.6.

What other drama is in the locker here at Badminton before that

What other drama is in the locker is decided for that Mitsubishi

Motors Trophy? And here is the man - Paul Tapner.

He's done it before. He knows what it's all about.

Now with the Barkers, 56.4. So, he's got two fences in hand. He did have

one in hand overnight. In fact, he's now got two but not

three to stay in front about win the trophy for the second time.

It will be a new starter, whoever wins this title. Can it be this man

for Australia? What a brilliant round this partner

partnership gave yesterday. He looked a little weary in the end. I

was about to say he looked good in the collection ring, the little bit

we saw of him. That is an early pole to have down. It is a long way

around here. He can afford to have one more down

and stay there. Good riding there.

He was quick to make that decision. There'll be one man listening to the

reaction of the crowd outside and that is Sam Griffiths and he's got

it. Sam has got it. Is there anyone else that is going

to slip ahead 68.4. Another would move up. Oliver

Townend and Harry Meade. Oh!

And that's gone! 72.4 and he drops down to fourth. Believes the last.

Is he inside the time? Yes, just! So near, yet so far and this

competition, for the Mitsubishi Motors Trophy, has been drama from

start to finish. So, he drops down to fourth. It is

Australia who wins though. It is Sam Griffiths. Oliver Townend, sex onned

and Harry Meade third -- second and Harry Meade third.

Here he is. 25th after dressage. Coming into this with plenty of good

riders ahead of you and you have come out as the winner. Perhaps I

was the last man standing, but my horse was a star. I knew I could

claw my way up because she is such a good jumper. I am so proud of my

horse. She tried so hard. You were not even watching of Paul Tapner's

round. I am great friends with Paul. I am thrilled for how I have ended

up. Is this the highlight of your career so far? Without doubt. As a

little boy I always grew up watching highlights of Badminton back in

Australia. It was a thrill to win it here and to win is like a dream come

true. . You have a team around you. The grooms and everyone at home. My

head girl, she has worked so hard. My horse has looked beautiful all

week. I cannot give her enough credit. Was there a moment when you

thought you might win? No. I never really entertained the idea,

actually. So, it is just a thrill. Almost a bit of a shock. Listen, go

and celebrate now. Many congratulations to Sam, who has won

Badminton, 2014. Well, there are the Australians

celebrating, as well they might. It is Sam Griffiths who wins with the

11-year-old mare. This is a very, very good line-up

for the 2014 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Trials. We have celebrated

with Sam Griffiths. We must co-miss rate with Paul Tapner. That was a

great, great shame. It is the sport. The horse has been amazing in the

first two phases and did the best he can. Unfortunately he didn't get the

same out of him today, which is a real shame for everybody.

But, you know, that's just how it happens. At the beginning of the

week and you had told me I would have been fourth, I would have been

more than happy with that. You will be hugged deeply by your children!

What an extraordinary competition we've had here. Coming up on BBC Two

straight after us is the brilliant programme Inspire. This week we meet

three people striving for excellence and leaving nothing to chance. We

will catch up with a sprinter, a judo star and the squash world

champion. Inspire The Olympic Journey, next on BBC Two. So it is

on straight after us. On BBC One Final Score.

I have to say, we knew this would be unpredictable. Three-day eventing

always is. No-one expected that the winner would come from 25th place

after dressage, fifth after cross-country and win the major

trophy. Well done to Sam Griffiths. What a story for Harry Meade, who

last August was told he would never ride again. He recovers and finishes

third.