Show Jumping Badminton Horse Trials

Well what a competition. My word, this has been brilliant. Such a

partnership, these two. Exceptional. What a fabulous competition... Sheer

class as a rider. Hello, welcome to Badminton, the

historic and grand setting for the most important day of the east

questryian calendar. When this first started the winner got a check for

?150. Now they are presented with the Mitsubishi Motors trophy and get

a cheque for ?100,000. If they can negotiate all three phases without a

mistake, believe me they would have earned it. Particularly around the

Lake, there'll be hundreds of thousands people here, across this

vast estate and many of them will be hoping to see someone make a splash.

Welcome. One of the great titles in the horse world and we have a field

second to none... To us riders, it's totally sacred.

Intense pressure. It's a very tough course. It's big, bold, difficult.

Eventing is one of the only sports that genuinely gives men and women

an equal chance of winning. If you look at the results you can see it,

62 titles. 25 of them won by women. That is 40%. When you look back at

the greats, there are three women who set the standard.

Jenny Holdgate. Pippa Funnell... Sits up. Now pick it up... And she

is a lovely clear round by Lucinda and wins the Whitbread trophy. The

Badminton Horse Trials championship and ?1,000.

The first year I won it was driving my tiny horsebox with my horse

virtually over my shoulder at night. And turning on the news and in those

days the news had who won Badminton. I couldn't believe it. That is what

I remember first about Badminton. So the Queen congratulates Lucinda.

I think I was ordinary. I wasn't super talented, but I really loved

horses and loved the thrill that cross-country gave me. I was fairly

chicken, so I very quickly adopted a seat that kept me as much out of

trouble as possible. In other words, a defensive seat. In those days,

very few people sat ready for trouble.

I never quite imagined I would be able to win it. Incredibly lucky to

have three very different horses, actually.

Priceless, Master Craftsman and Welcome Houdini. All physically very

different and, you know, what a joy to be able to have three horses win

this amazing competition. The first time I won it on Supreme

Rock, I really sensed that the horse just felt amazing. I just had this

sense that I was convinced he had a chance of winning it.

The feeling when I jumped the last show jump knowing I'd won it was

disbelief. The stuff that dreams are made of.

People really underestimate the such huge emotional ties that we have

with our horses. It's about mind games and that's half the intrigue

in the sport. It's about getting into the horse's minds.

One thing about this particular sport is it's so rare with men and

women competing absolutely level. Same dressage, same cross-country,

same showjumping and I cannot think of another sport where that happens.

Why hasn't there been a female winner of Badminton the last ten

years? The dorss we have got in-- the courses we have got into

latterly are possibly centred around strength because they are so trappy

and tricky and technical. You've literally got to be able to have the

strength to pull your horse from one line to another in a very quick time

and it suddenly struck me this is the way cross-country should be

going if men keep winning because there are plenty of very good girls.

And one of the very best in the world is Ingrid Klimke, the

49-year-old from Germany has come close to winning here on Bob. She

empathises the emthe relationship between horse and rider. I got him

when he was five. I bought him while he was such a new jumper and while

so clever and while he's strong minded, he's a real fighter and

knows exactly what he wants. He's very determined. So I really love

his spirit. I know whenever I have a good line and whenever he sees the

jump and knows his job, then I so much know that he will try and get

over it. He's very clever and smart. And he has his own ideas. It's

sometimes good because he takes over when he thinks it's time that he

makes a decision. So he's not shy or spooky. He's very much bold and,

what I love. I think it's really difficult and challenging because

the fences are very high. Really big, big fences. It will not be an

easy round. So it could be a woman for the first time in a decade. But

when you look at the male contenders they are so strong and they include

the best rider in the world, who is also the defending champion.

I think the cross-country is very tough. You have to concentrate from

the beginning to the end. There are many questions directly after the

other. He's a strong powerful horse and the

last months, the last weeks he's given me a very good feeling.

I've come to Badminton to win it. I feel I have a chance. He's a very

good chance. He's not getting any younger. I'm not getting any

younger. I'm relying on him this year to win it for me. All to play

for. He's been galloping very well at home and not feeling like he's

17. Don't tell him he's 17. He doesn't know he is. Badminton is

terrifying, isn't it, from start to finish. There's no let-up. I think

Eric's done a fabulous job. You have to ride very well from start to

finish and there's no let up and you cannot make a mistake. I'm actually

looking forward to getting out there, but I cannot say I'm not

inner vows. I was expecting something softer for the first year

for Eric Winter. But it's been designed in a tough way in my

opinion. I'm happy to see it. It a east not a dressage competition.

It's an old combination now and we get along very well and I can rely

on him and know everything about him. It's very good when you take a

horse to such a tough competition. Well, here's an exact approximate of

what the riders have to face. It is a big course, it requires a horse of

great scope. And Eric Winter has designed it. What sort of test were

you trying to set? I wanted to set a general test. I wanted to change the

velocity of the course and go back a few years to big, bold questions.

Slightly less combinations, but bigger jumping. So something like

this is a real sort of rider frightener, a crowd pleaser. It

looks enormous. When I came here as a child this was the sort of thing I

thought, wow I would like to jump that. As a course designer I come

here and look around and think I want to go back to that. There are

only five difficult combinations on the field but they ask everything. I

wanted to say actually the horse that jumped around here was an

all-round athlete and the rider was an outstanding rider and not

everybody in their first time should come here and think they would jump

the straight ways all the way. It is about a relationship between you and

your horse, the course and a recognition of what your horse is

very good at and what you are very good at and what you are not. For

you, personally of an honour is this? For me, amazing. The first

event I ever came to. I walked aroind looked at fences like this. I

rode a couple of times around here. I started to design. I spent a lot

of time walking along. As many would have done, I would do this, not

that. What an horn tore put out a course in a place like this.

Beautiful! There are more than 807 horses

competing here. They -- 80 horses competing here. There is the

youngest horse in the competition. She a chestnut mare and is ten.

She's ridden by the youngest competitor, at 20.

He this horse is just over 15 feet high. He finished ninth last year.

He's been here five times. This fella, Mouse, is coming to Badminton

for the very first time at the age of 18. I reckon that makes him the

oldest debutante ever. He's come over from Italy. He's big, too. 17

hands high. He'll make the fences look small. The dressage test their

suppleness, it is a sequence of steps and they have to follow it

with complete accuracy. Last year Michael Jung set the pace on Sam.

He's back to defend his title. Let's find out who was impressing the

judges. There hasn't been an injure winner

here at Badminton since 1965. Jonty Evans is trying to become the next.

He produced a career-best dressage, for a score of 37.2, which puts him

into third place. He loves the crowd. He was just brilliant. I am

over the moon with him. I have said before that I know he'll turn up, so

I have come and do my best. I think I did my best and he was there.

If there is to be a first female winner for a decade, the hot

favourite would be Ingrid Klimke, representing Germany on Horseware

Hale Bob. She produced a beautiful dressage, in a high-quality

competition. Her score was second best. He showed all his quality. I

could ride the extensions and everything like I wanted. He walked

so relaxed and quiet. It was really fun to ride him.

Out in front, on his own, is the Australian Christopher Burton riding

the 12-year-old Graf Liberty. He won last autumn and finished

fifth at the Olympics and could be regarded as the rising star of the

eventing world. This is why a dressage test of elegance, beauty

and accuracy for an outstanding score of 32.9. I'm elated. I'm over

the moon. He went in there and he got a little bit spriethly. Lifted

his head and I thought we could be in trouble. He went back to work. He

did everything so well. I was asked before, did I know he had that good

a test in him? Of course, I did. I didn't expect it at Badminton in the

main arena, that's for sure. The standard for dressage gets higher

and higher. You can see looking at the leaderboard. Eight with scores

in the 30s and not Michael Jung. He is ninth on Sam, with 40. The top

seven come from seven Different nations. Not a single British rider

because the leading Brits are in 18th.

It is a truly global competition. For the last time on BBC television

it will be described by Mike Tucker who is stepping down from the

microphone. Our commentary team. I give you an idea of the massive

crowds who are gathered to watch this cross-country course. All the

riders agreeing this is a testing course. It needs plenty of respect.

And we Seaman any number of stories unfold. Could Christopher Burton add

Badminton? Could Ingrid Klimke become the first female winner for

10 years or could Andrew Nicholson finally win the title which has

alluded him so far at the age of 55? We will find out now, as we see how

the early starters fare on the cross-country.

THE COMMENTATOR: Mark Todd, first of two rides. This, the first real test

on the course. He's away to the Lake.

OK, here we are at the famous like. I started to come here in 1984 and

been here since then and well before that. I'm going to jump the Flower

Garden, land on my back side. A bit of leg pressure. Centre of the fence

and then look up behind it and keep the leg on and ride up to the jump.

As they jump I want to sit backwards. It is a 2 m jump. We

don't want them pecking on landing and be shifted out the front or even

take a few strides to get balance back again, you then miss almost B.

Get to here, my eyes glued on the element behind us. Then we have one

stride to here. So it is a very narrow, on a big angle, the jump is

angled away from us. So we want to make sure we get the horse up close

enough that it is very clear, he has to come up, jump through the gap,

land, turn away we go and that's the Lake done for another year.

COMMENTATOR: Well a lot has to happen here as Andrew Nicholson

suggests. Oh, very hesitant. He has to sit tight,k by up the reaps. He's

got the line? This isn't looking - a quick change of mind. You have to

get the right track here, it is easy to pick up penalties. New rules,

complicated but quite possible. I think he might have got away with

that. He has got a bang in the face, I think. Well, now the Showgun

Hollow comes up at 10. Two corners either side of the hollow. The blue

route, red route, short route and very long route. This man, remember,

rode in two show jumping Olympics as well as winning two medals eventing.

A brilliant eye A superb exhibition of how that should be jumped. He

heads to the bridge. This is one of the big famous Badminton fences. I

don't think you will find anyone taking that red route. But there is

a big scary ditch here. He needs the right shot. A little laboured. Had

to reach for it, but safe. Look at the clockp counting down. Alexander

Bragg at the Staircase. A good dressage test and a positive start

for them. Here we are, fence 5. ABC, the Hildon Water Pond. For me starts

at the top of the hill. The hill might help to close the horses up a

bit but that's what we want to do, putted them in a more of a show

jumping canter or collecting canter for the question to come then riders

will be looking for the line. Choose a spot in the fence to jump. For me

I want to look at the red flag to make sure I've go the my line early.

The other important thing to remember is the who ares might not

know it is a water jump until this late in the distance, so here we are

keeping our leg on, sitting tall, trying to get a good strike at the

fence then you see riders sitting up and looking. The most important

thing is the line, you don't want the horse going left or right, you

want them to follow the rider. Ideally you want them to land with

you, take a stride. First stride, somewhere about here. Very important

to hold my line. I really want my toe of my boot on that red flag. You

can see how clever he has been the with course design because the

horses will feel and the riders will naturally want to go left which

wouldn't be a problem expect for the C element. So ideally, staying

straight, keeping the right rein a little bit out here. Really good

distances. You will see, in my opinion, riders doing it really

nicely and making it look easy but plenty of things can go wrong at

this tough fence, that's for sure, with these steep banks. COMMENTATOR:

A very big log in. He has to land, balanced. His body position perfect.

Has he got the line? Yes he has. He makes it look easy. Not sure all are

going to do it that well. ! And the 13-year-old Zagreb at the Lake. A

little bit of balancing there. A very nice jump a quick recovery from

the rider there. That was a long stride there. He does it in two.

Here we are at the Corral fence, it is a new fence for Badminton, it is

really difficult. You have to climb up a hill to theist if,

really difficult. You have to climb up a hill to theist if, very,

upright railings, a hill, make another turn to climb up another

hill and over for some railings. There are two options and it is up

to us as riders to decide which is the best for our horse.

COMMENTATOR: To Leonidas II coming to the Corral. He jumps that and is

he going left or right? They are on an angle. Again, looking very well,

very easy and looking good on the clock, too. Zagreb, a massive jump

at the Bridge, looking impressive. So we are at fences 21 A, B and C,

the Ewells Corners, the three jumps are big, wide, boxy fences, the

first fairly straightforward to jump but finding a ride for in is

important and it could be tricky. The riders are conscious of the fact

they would like to get five canter strides, five strides between this

part and the next part which will require riding forward. The riders

will becomep around this corner and what becomes interesting, as they

get to this point here, as you look down the line, you see accuracy

starts to become apparent. Riders need to mentally build a wall on

white flags on the left and the red flags on the right. As you look as

you come by the width of the fences, their maximum height and top width.

So the horses need to be scopy, accurate and bold. Ideally horses

will land within this two-yard area of the back of the fence and then

it's measured by four steps and we should find that take-off point is

about here. As you can see, the apex of this corner moves away and the

accuracy required is really important. We want horses and riders

focussed on that line and then hopefully the accuracy carries you

over the width of the fence. There should be some big pats as riders

love away to the Lake at this point. COMMENTATOR: Two-thirds of the way

around this course, Mark Todd and Leonidas II. 6,500 m. Got the line.

And makes it look easy. Optimum time 11.35. Is he on target? And coming

to the Hildon Pond for Alexander brag. He is going to be influential

in this competition. That was very quietly popping his way through.

Looking very impressive so far, this combination. The new course designer

eased off the pressure of the course towards the end, Huntman's course

looking easier. Mark Todd flying through there and off it the last

quarter of the course. Coming to the two gates, very upright. Really

breaks the rhythm. You can see Mark Todd just setting the horse up. 180

degree turn, can go inside the tree and jump the next one on the angle

and he does go inside the tree and jumps it beautifully.

Looking for that time of 11.35 when he'll get no time penalties, 0.4 of

a second after that. Well the Mirage Pond comes quickly after the Hildon

Pond. Horses getting very used to water but it isn't a nice jump in. A

good line. Interesting the. The horse had his eye on the little

house on the ride. The rider knew where he was going but the horse

wasn't so convincing. So, Mark Todd, remember the first of his two rides

at the Quarry. Another accuracy test and this big castle wall. This horse

looks full of running. And we turn to the very talented young French

chap, Astier Nicolas Nicholas. He was so impressive in Rio last year

with this horse and again, looking convincing.

Within 400 m of home, Leonidas II, Mark Todd. Already over the time.

That's significant, that red score up in the top is now counting up the

seconds he is over. Four for every second. The penalties kicking up for

Mark Todd. There were thoughts there would be quite a few inside the

time. But I'm not so sure. He is he flies the last. And he's home. 78.1

for the New Zealander. Has he made it look easier than it's going to

turn out? CLARE BALDING: How did you feel the course looked? As it

walked, he was big, he was tough, he is funny at waters sometimes, we had

strides here and there but he was so gene wine he kept going but you have

to ride all the way. And the time is tight. The time is tight. I think

without my detour at the Lake, I could have' been closer but, I think

the ground is fast and the horse finished full of running so I think

it is possible to get within the time. COMMENTATOR: Well Astier

Nicolas coming to the famous Lake. A massive drop in over this rail. This

is for the stride and gets another one. Well, Astier recovering from a

broken shoulder. I shouldn't think that did him much good. Support from

the crowd. Again, we will just have a look at this. Pushes for that one

stride. The horse almost looks as though it has stopped. It was

incredibly honest to jump that. And hang on to his back teeth. Well, now

the famous Quarry, still an accuracy test right in the middle before the

big stone wall. The blue route, short one, the very long red route.

Don't think too many will take that. Here comes the talented part-time

Farrier. Alexander Bragg with Zagreb. He has ridden great maturity

his first Badminton. Beautifully through the quarry.

This is a very interesting horse. Huge strides as it gallops here. He

has already seen a big stride right up the ramp. Made that look just

like a little jump at home. Making his way up to the Hildon Povenlted a

very big log in this. You really need the right spot for take-off.

Oh, just leaves a leg there. And Astier, is shouting to the jump

judge, telling him he is going the long way. A quick change of plan

there but a good bit of riding. A massive jump in. Good reaction from

the rider there. 38-year-old, Alexander brag has really impressed

at first Badminton. He had that very good dressage of 34.6. He will add

time faults but it is not going that many. The way it is working out,

this is a brilliant round for the first timer. Alexander Bragg from

Britain, completes. CLARE BALDING: Well I have an elated

Alexander. Clear at your first Badminton, what was it like? I'm

elated relieved. Emotional really. The horse tried really hard. Our

first one. I thought he was getting hard, I tried to help him and almost

add strides which made it harder but when I came in the to the finish,

God did he gallop. I think learning from this, I think I could push him

more knowing when he still has it there, he has t but super feeling.

COMMENTATOR: Well, another first-time rider for Great Britain

at the Pond. Oh, he shoots her out. Virtually straight into the water.

She's been an outstanding young rider. Won medals, both individually

and team for Great Britain, but sadly, that's the end of Badminton

2017 from the young rider from the Midlands. Let's see it again. Leaves

the rider badly. When the horse flips like, that you have no chance.

Now this brill yanted young Frenchman making this course look

relatively straightforward. A bit of a let-up fence there, and he comes

to the Corral. Interestingly, he takes the right-hand route. The

first one we have seen doing this. Oh, and just pops two there. He had

to wriggle around the tree. CLARE BALDING: Well having her first ride

is Li is, sa Green, the daughter of the six times champion, lieu

Sindhia. -- -- Lucinda, who is looking more nervous than she ever

did when riding. Good luck. THE COMMENTATOR: She's had several

years in the build-up to her first Badminton. Getting to the latter

part of the course now. Takes a little bit of an extra pull. There

kicks on to the wall and the horgs is very clever. No room for a

stride. Lissa Green at 10. Sits very tight,

just like her mum. Chosen not to ride in the famous primrose colours

that won six times here for Lucinada. The second to last fence,

this horse has been interesting. Makes it look so easy and well

within the time. He's just running out of petrol towards the end. The

time tells. One of the fastest riders across the country that we

have seen in recent times is coming to that last fence. He'll be a

little disappointed, I think w this timing. It is a very tough course

out there. We have not seen many near inside the time as yet.

Well the Olympic silver medallist Astier Nicolas has got around. Many

horses would have stopped in the lake. He will never stop. He's too

good. He's a star. I felt a bit unhappy with some

fences, especially at this lake because the horse has got a huge

stride, is keen. He was in a perfect rhythm going forward. He should,

every day this stride and having to add a second stride because it's so

long was so punishing to him. To made the rest of the course very

long. He got tired. The rest was difficult and like a gas tank has

gone down like this and then after it was all down to his big heart.

Lissa Green now at the Hildon Water Pond. Again, well ridden.

This young lady is not daunted be think course. She's well through the

water pond and now reaching the halfway point on the course.

And the great German rider Bettina Hoy. The strongest point of the

German team for many years coming to the Staircase. A little bit of

fighting on the approach, just making sure she gets the right

stride and gets three strides in there. That's quite surprising.

Don't see many get that in. Over the big,er and now to the

Caral. Certainly jumped better than we thought it might. The rails on

the top of the hill, a big set of rails.

And going to go around. Going round will lose them probably 15, maybe a

few more seconds, but it's safer. Lissa trying to pump out a good

rhythm and you see the twists and turns. That can rather daunt a

horse, it can really tire him. Bettina coming to the Table. Has a

very surprising run out. A pretty experienced horse this now. I have

to say Bettina will be disappointed with that. She puts her hand up.

Retires. That is a huge disappointment from Bettina and the

German contingent. A bit surprising because I would have expected better

from this horse. Clare Abbot for Ireland. Ireland with a big

contingent here. Euro Prince. Represented in the worlds in

Normandy. Positively through the water. That's as well as anyone at

that point and she presses on. And Lissa at the Quarry. Sliding

there on the landing. One or two horses have been slipping on bits of

the turns here. Nearly home. . . She'll be very excited a at this

stage. Looks back. She's safe. Had a 51.7

drissage, as you can see. She's got ground to make up. Coming to the

final fence in the arena, Lissa Green, I should think her mother,

Lucinda, will be holding her breath at this point. She will be thrilled.

Quite a few time penalties. The fact is she's completed this course. It

has to be a very positive step for this rider in the future. And the

horse looking good and relaxed and quite happy. Mrs Green very happy,

too. Your first experience of Badminton

and you have got around, well done? It was a bit of a wing and a prayer.

That would be the way with this gorgeous horse. To keep him in the

right balance was tough. A lot of work would be used. To be honest, a

lot of people think you are very brave as well? Stupid or brave! It

is a close thing. You have not felt great in the build up to this. To do

that when you are not feeling that strong Orwell is amazing. I know. If

I am on death's door I would drag myself out of bed. I did honestly

worry yesterday morning that I might not have made it today. To have

actually have completed, I can not believe it!

Now Thibaut Vallette from France. He's at the Staircase. He gets very

spooky there and again. Not the confident start we expected

from this combination. At the Quarry for Clare Abbot, they

have flown around this track. She sees a massive stride. Skinny in the

middle and another big one. This horse is full of running. He has not

been hanging around. Now Thibaut Vallette, this lovely horse. Big,

bold jumping. It's what we expect from this horse. Oh, pops up. Leaves

a leg. Very quickly tries to correct that. He'll get 20 penalties for

that, I am afraid. This was a combination that we expected to be

right at the top of the leaderboard. We've got a world-class field for

this competition and this was one that we thought would really make

their mark at what is their first Badminton.

See it again. John Majors in really we right speed.

-- jumps in really good speed. Doesn't get the speed he wants.

Steps on it, slips at the back and you lose all impulsion. Does quickly

try to change his plans, but too late. 20 penalties.

Well we talked to Lissa Green earlier, having completed her first

Badminton cross-country course. Now with me is her mother. What was

watching your daughter like? Amazing. I never thought I would see

this day. When I saw this course, I never thought I would see her gallop

up that hill back into the arena to finish. One of the biggest courses I

have seen. It is fantastic. I am thrilled. I didn't think those two

would have enough to do it. They have. You sprinted from the rider's

tent to come in with her. I was just so amazed to see her come over that

log. We said this is a big drop and it's the second last fence, don't

turn too quickly because they will be quite jelly legged. She did such

a good job and she's been so sick for about ten days. I thought she

wouldn't have the strength. She did. We went up there with her.

This is Clare Abbot, Euro Prince. They set off very quickly. One

wonders whether she went off too fast. She's the quickest we have

seen to this point so far. Only six seconds over. This is a brilliant

round from the Irish combination. Turning for the very last fence.

This fence, designed by a young lady, a brilliant last fence. That

is the best Irish round so far and goes third with the 60.1 completion

penalty score. Brilliant French combination come to

the Bridge. So impressive this horse has been

over the last couple of years. Makes that look so easy.

And so quickly back into his stride. Doesn't waste a second.

Well, here is the Badminton title winner of last year, double Olympic

champion, double European champion, it is the great Jung with La

Biosthetique Sam, setting off. Water at the top of the hill here.

Very cleverly done. Oh, fascinating! He's decided to go the long route.

He obviously had that planned. Wastes some time, but is much, much

safer. He doesn't actually hang around on

that circle. He keeps the rit emgoing. Keep -- rhythm going.

Michael Jung, ninth after dressage on 40. Still quite close. Very

positive into the Lake. Picks up reins. This is why this man is one

of the best we have ever seen. Nowhere in time could this man be

the first. Coming to these corner ins in the

middle of the park, in front of the wonderful Badminton house. A big

jump. Five strides. Some are getting six in there. Then they found the

distance quite long. Takes the flag out. Such scope. Incredible horse

this! Well, this man has got so much

ability in every side of this sport. Three disciplines and the man leads

the world in each one. So quick. These two corners have jumped well

again. Nice line as he heads off to the big footbridge.

He's returned from Lexington. He won in Lexington last week on his very

good mare. Now, could he set up another Grand

Slam? Remember he won that here last year.

Beautifully positive stride over the bridge and makes it look easy.

Thibaut Vallette coming to that final fence.

Must be quite good on the clock. Didn't get a perfect stride to that

final fence. A big, deep sigh from the rider there. Looks as impressive

as ever. Michael Jung coming to what is so

far the most influential fence. Great line. Never looked in trouble

at all. Time, it's looking promising. Remember, 11. 35 the opt

mum time. We are counting down on that clock. So he's got now five

minutes 50 seconds to get home. One of the let up courses on this

course. There are not too many of them. The way the big fences keep

coming is the significant feature that Eric Winter has built into this

course. Do the Mirage Pond. Again line, accuracy and the speed of

approach important here. It is a big drop in. You need an accurate line

to the next hedge. Well done!

En and Allstar B, coming to these big, big corners. Takes the flag

out. Safely over the fence. Oh, very accurately ridden. Didn't

waste any time either and gets a huge stride this horse. Holder of

the under-25 champion, it is Tom McEwen.

Tom good dressage at the Staircase. That's a confident start from this

combination. Michael Jung coming to the Corral.

Quite an influential fence on this course. Takes the left-hand route.

He sees the stride from a long way out. That was incredibly quick. That

is probably the best we have seen through there all day.

Tom McEwen on this lovely horse, Toledo De Kerser at the Lake. Tom

sits well. Good line.

No problems there. Some young British riders have made

their mark. Alexander Bragg, one of them. Is this young man going to do

the same? Rosalind Canter having a good ride.

These fences look quite small with this horse. He's got a big scopy

jump. The horse that went very well in the

World Championships and then bought for Tom to ride. Well over the

Bridge. This horse got a really big jump.

And Michael Jung coming to the end of this course on brilliant Sam. In

case you wonder what's on his back, it's the wonder pony, making

awareness of the bone Cancer Research for young people and look

at this horse quicken towards the end of the course.

Full of running. Sees a brilliant stride at the second last. And

Michael is saying, come on. He's kicking on. The horse has his ears

flat back. He's responding, he's full of running. He comes to the

arena and a huge cheer from the crowds. No wonder. Look at that

time. Eight seconds to go. Quick check at the last. Kicks on. Looks

at the clock and that is an incredible performance. No wonder he

looks so smug. CLARE BALDING: We know now the man

to beat. And it is this man. Having said that time and in time penalties

and Sam, the greatest horse, just brilliant at cross country and

brilliant at everything. A brilliant horse. Great discipline. I think my

dressage was really good. It is an amazing feeling when you see the

horse has so much trust in you, he understands quick, an amazing

feeling. The only horse inside the time and he made it so easy.

What a rise up the ranks from Clare Abbott. Shows how influential this

cross country cores is going to be. COMMENTATOR:. Tom Mc-Ewan now. Well

over the corners. Still pressing on. Looks a promising ride And Rosalind

Canter kicking on. A great performance the Burghley last year.

A silly run out. But he is accelerating, enormous stride this

horse and shows his scope around this horse. Look at the tierges

pretty good. One of the fastest rounds we've seen. Very promising

for the future. Two riders from Belgium here, Karin Donckers the

most experience of them. A 37.3 dressage. She was fourth after

dressage. She certainly has the experience to get around this

course. Good lines. Now at the Countryside Birch but doesn't make

it inside the tree. A couple of seconds Goth gone. You have to take

every short route, surely, to get this time. And Tom McEuan has done a

pretty good job out there and another horse, finishing full of

running. The ground here at bad inton it is on the good-to-fast

side. -- at Badminton. They have worked very hard on the course. They

have been spiking it and working and Tom and Toledo De Kerser flying

through the finish line. 54 seconds over the time. Karin Donckers at The

Lake, goods the right-handed route and runs out. That's another of the

world stars dropping down the leaderboard. This course is really

having a very big affect on the overnight scores. Izzy Taylor coming

to the bridge. Oh. And Izzy is pretty cross with that one. That was

a bit of a nasty one. They were both lucky to walk away from that. That

was good. The horse just stamping its reins but good to see them both

standing. You can just see he comes around the corner, Izzy has seen the

stride, pushing, the horse hasn't quite focussed. Goes to take off,

sadly missed the fence and sadly the horse ends up in the ditch and Izzy

stamps her fist in frustration. CLARE BALDING well for the last 16

years Chris has been in charge of the Berlin team and seen them win

countless medals. Now you have the British team. A great thin on the

ground. Great cross country runners but what do you make of of them?

Well, great highlights. Alexander Bragg, it is great he has had a

great round today. So there are some foifs, I guess we are thin on the

ground but at the same time it is a starting point you know that I see

as a good base that we have to build on. One of the real highlights of

the spring has been Zara Tindel and her performance out in Kentucky

finishing third. I sadly couldn't go out to Kentucky, I had to watch it

on the screen but it was fantastic to see her back in a great vain of

form. She was riding cross country and then show jumping, just, yes,

you know, as she did in 2012. COMMENTATOR: And Paul Tapner from

Australia, at the Staircase. A nice jump in. Very fluid and positive. A

A good start for them. Well Elisa Wallace coming home now. This horse

looking weary. In the last mile, it has definitely looked like the

petrol is getting low. Oh, leaves a leg and she gets Jupp unshipped,

almost in crawling distance to the line. Oh, heartbreaking. Non-the

worse I don't think but to get so near the finish, she will be just

wondering, though, if she perhaps could have pulled up a little

earlier and saved perhaps the horse that fall right at the end. Now Paul

Tapner in the famous red colours, a good stride N swinging left but

coming the quick way out. A good jump out and, oh, that was a nasty

one. The horse, pole axed with the one stride. The horse chipped in.

Ah, the look of frustration. That was a nasty one, though. We see it

again, he gets a good stride up. Lands well. A little bit short.

Takes the one stride and the horse, you could see, he didn't know

whether to take one or two strides or go up to the fence. Got it all

wrong and hit it with his forearms, and the two crashed to the ground.

Great to see them all up and walking abut sadly an elimination for Paul

Tapner. Now first time ride for Arianna Schivo. Oh, my word. That's

the second. A lovely profile and hits it at the roots and down they G

one has to wonder whether the qualifications for this level of

competition are good enough when you see falls like that. Well, it is

great to see Japan represented here at Badminton and Yoshiaki Oiwa and

the Duke of Cavan. He is a good one coming out. He really rides for it.

He was effective. This is James Sommerville, riding

258ent. They are based in Yorkshire. The combination here for the first

time at the Corral. And he is in and oh, missed it totally and flicks

him. Now that fence on the angle, that's exactly what can happen.

Experience there, perhaps, or lack of experience I should say. Well,

young James will learn by it and luckily horse and rider

non-the-worse for the problem. Hits it hard and when you hit it at an

angle, that's exactly what happens, that the rider has nowhere to go

than out the door and on to the ground. Well, non-the-worse. That's

the cost of experience I think for James Sommerville there.

And Yoshiaki Oiwa, at the Outlander bank, a big step up this and bounces

over neatly. A good pat for the horse. A well-deserved pat at this

stage. He doesn't get a good strike there on the top of that mound but

the horse helps him out. It is so nice it see Japanp represented here,

especially with the next Olympics coming up. There is no doubt this

chap will be leading the squad there. The hill done Without Pond. A

nice jump in -- the hitch ildon. He makes -- the Hildon Water Pond. This

is Gemma Tattersall. They were third last year. They rode for Britain in

the Rio Olympics. Away from the Staircase, the odd problem there but

on the whole jumped pretty well. They head off to The Lake. Jerks

jumping that big fence, the big Oxer. It is difficult to say it is a

lettout fence, it is massive. Heading to the Corral. A good jump.

In a little quick through the bottom. But the horse is very neat

in front and Yoshiaki Oiwa kept his position very well. Didn't drop the

horse or lean forward. Arctic Soul, at the Bridge. Won a prize last

year. And over the big table there, coming to these rather influential

corners right in front of the house. Look at the crowd. Loving this day

of cross country. Gets a good five strides. Holds his line and pushes

for that, two strides and actually very impressive. That's good and the

horse very relaxed. Arctic Soul, Gemma Tattersall at the Pond.

Disappointing dressage. 55.8. Got to get it back at cross country. Goes

for a long stride in the middle and shouts long, another one just to

remind the judges which way she's going to go. Can be good thinking

sometimes. So loses a bit of time there. Remember, still only one

inside that optimum time at the moment, Michael Jung and Sam. Psalm

Griffiths at the Staircase. A previous winner of Badminton, this

combination. Look so easy and so calm and relaxed. Let's hope the

rest of the round looks like that. So, this is a very good sight for

Japan. They really are putting in a big effort for those Olympic Games

in Tokyo in 2020 and this could be the man who leaves them there. This

was the horse that was bought out. It was found to be big and strong

but Yoshiaki Oiwa has given this horse a peach of a ride. It is

30-plus seconds over but this man has shown that Japan really now on

the international stage. Well done. Sam Griffiths. He was here in 2014

with this horse. He had an unlucky time last year. First corner, oh, he

could have' gone the other side of the fence there. And crucially he

has gone on. That could bring in a new rule which could end in 50

penalties. And Gemma Tattersall going to the Corral. Always keen and

enthusiastic this horse. Can get a little bit strong. Oh a rattle

there. A slightly flat jump. She has to hold him and gets very close to

that second element. But they get away with it These are on frangable

pins these fences so easily dislodged but no problems there. And

Sam Griffiths was in the bronze medal team for Australia in Rio.

Finished fourth himself. He looks really in the groove as he heads up

now to the big jump. And Gemma coming to the Quarry. Not the most

difficult we have seen the Quarry but right at the end of a tough

track. It is all about having the stamina. This is one of the fastest

courses cross country. It'll be interesting to see what we are time

is like, she is kicking away. Sam Griffiths, the 2014 winner here, at

the Pond. Had an unlucky 20 penalties in the competition last

year but so far clear and looking good. It is a very exciting prospect

for Ireland here,p Jonty Evans on Cooley Rorkes Drift. A brilliant

performance in Rio last year. Gets three strides in, takes the flag

out. They'll need to settle into this course. A big test. Gemma

Tattersall over the fence, still inside that optimum time. Not sure

whether she can make it, no. She's not. But it is a good ride. This is

good news again for Chris Bartle. This is a an important combination

with the Europeans in Poland this year. Needs to improve the dressage

but an excellent cross country again for Gemma Tattersall. They go 7th.

He was a serious handful for mee, I'm 5'5", he is 17-1. He is an out

and out galloping machine. Quite a handful. We had to go one long

route. He jump sod well, almost too well that I didn't have enough time

to get to the straight route and I didn't want to have a silly 20, so

went wrong, so that's why we were a few seconds older. But gosh, that

horse sore a machine. Well, Ireland will be having everything crossed as

Jonty comes to the the Lake. Light on his feet this horse, he really is

so good. You see it there, a brilliant piece of riding and away

they g away from the Lake, clear and fast.

Taking the favourite left-hand route.

Careful jumping. Sees a good one. Nice jump. Doesn't waste any time

there. Already 30 seconds over on the clock.

On that good score of 38 could Jonty Evans catch Michael Jung t only one

inside the time. This horse has got quite a round action. Still he

covers the ground. A brilliant dressage test for Ingrid

Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob, as they come to the Staircase. One of

the best jumpers in the sport of eventing. When he came out as a

young horse some of the top showjumpers were trying to buy him.

He looks hesitant over these steps. Needs to step up a gear. It is many

years since Ireland have won the title here. But this is certainly

their best chance for a long time. Jonty Evans clear. Gets a good line

through there. Still on target and far from slow.

Sam Griffiths, nice gallop and turns into these fairly massive gates. You

can see there from the penalties, the jump judge and the ground jury,

they have given him 50 error for the error at the corner.

I am sure there'll be discussions later on in the evening. Still

looking full of running.

Looking determined. Good jump in.

Oh, and a big stride out. Still manages to chip in the second stride

and quickly away. Quick pat for the horse. Thanks,

mate! Jonty Evans coming up to the Corral.

Based up at Cheltenham. I love the way this horse is so

light, such a good jumper. Careful, but quick.

Very neatly through there. There is a longer route. There it's three

jumping efforts rather than two. Most of the riders are tackling it

straight on. Not wasting any time. Ingrid has

always been known as a very fast rider across the country.

And a great stride over the bridge. You can see the horse's shape. The

neck neek of his front legs and his head and neck in the balance. Just

quite brilliant over that fence. Jonty Evans coming to the corner.

This the fence he talked through. Jumps well enough.

Oh, and the horse just looks right and glances right. Ah! I think Jonty

will perhaps appreciate he didn't ride it quite as he should it should

have been ridden and that's so unfortunate.

Let's see it again. Just watch the horse look right.

Impact left and then right. He tried to change it but could not get the

horse to concentrate on the all-important line.

That is such bad luck. And Sam Griffiths coming towards the

end. This rather big log. A bit of a drop

on the landing. It's quite an angle. Rileders have to be aware of that

landing and keep the balance. He's kicking on T clock's looking good.

He will, as yet, be unaware of the 50 penalties. I don't think he'll be

a terribly happy bun any when he finds out -- bunny when he finds

out. Kicking on to the last. Quite a good time.

Comparing to everybody else what's ahead of him.

How did you feel out there as you were going around your course? My

horse went beautifully. She's a superb horse. It rode tough out

there. It is showing in the results that it's a tough course to ride

around. THE COMMENTATOR: Ingrid and

Horseware Hale Bob. They jump the bank. A little

hesitantly, but perfectly safely. She wastes nothing in the approach

to the fence or getting away. The time is looking pretty comfortable

at the moment. Still here country colleague, the

only one inside the time, Michael Jung and Sam. Top of the leaderboard

on the overnight score of 40. This is probably Michael Jung's biggest

danger. They have been such competitive colleagues for many

years. This water... Nicely over the log in

the mid-. She's got the line. And there's no problem there. Two-thirds

of the way around and Michael Jung will be biting his finger nails.

And Jonty, disappointing 20 for them on the board, but he's kicking on

till the end. Fantastic potential in this horse. I think it is a

combination we'll see a lot of in the future. Certainly will be the

mainstayer of the Irish team later this year for the European

Championships. Has to put that disappointment behind him. It's a

bit of a learning curve, but he has to be thrilled with this young horse

and you can see he's delight. A great performance.

So frustrating to have a run out? He was brilliant around the course. He

was dubious about the Staircase. After that he seemed to grow in

confidence and he was super. I cannot fault him. I have to hold my

hands up. It was my mistake. So, we'll go away and we'll learn frit.

When you look at the leaderboard, the guys at the top of the

leaderboard do this week in, week out. I've only got this one at this

level. I've got some lovely young ones. It was a great experience and

he was fabulous. He didn't put a foot wrong. There was a lot of

support for you, I was at the Staircase and the cheering must have

lifted you? It does. I don't live very far away. I live near

Cheltenham, so it's almost local and half of Gloucestershire comes to

Badminton. It is great. They cheer you home and it does help. The crowd

support is fabulous! A very frank analysis from Jonty. This girl could

go top of the leaderboard. She's going that well. Coming up now

to the Mirage Pond. The crowd has been absolutely enormous. They are

still here now as we get to the exciting closing stages of this

cross-country competition and the world's best and they are here for

this year's Badminton title in a big way, beginning to get an exciting

finish on the horizon. She east going to go -- she's going

to go long. A few seconds wasted, but not many. Oh, a slip, we've seen

one or two of those. The green grass on the fairly firm,

fairly hard-going, really making it slippery in places.

Up now to the Corral. Ears pricked. This is a horse with so much

quality. A loot of the german breeding is involved. This, horse

which has got it there too. It gives this emthe speed, has made them

world leaders for so long. Being challenged by France now. But this

lady is not going to be beaten easily at the.

You have heard that rattling with those pins a lot, but there's no

problem, they stay in tact. And the great Mark Todd. We heard

him saying after his first ride that the horse finished full of running.

I reckon we'll see him close tore the optimum time on this one. Such a

brilliant rider over the years. 61 years young now. And he's still as

determined as ever. A bit of a twist over that second

fence. It is a big fence. Ingrid Klimke, now to those dual course.

-- to the Joules Corners. And the horse jumps it easily. She's on tar

et. This will be nip and tuck over the last third of the course here.

Down into the Lake. The Bullfinch. At the Hunt 'sman close now. A

stumble, but quickly picks up. All importantly for ingrid, the horse

still looks pretty fresh. Remember her father won Olympic golds for

Germany in the world of dressage. This lady is so talented.

Actually this a horse that was part of some very big part of the horse

jumping world. That could be important here at these gates. Oh,

pops through. Everything's in tact. The Lake for Toddy. Didn't have the

best jump in the first ride, but much better. Pure class in this one.

Oh, kicks for the one and another horse, yet another horse to chip in

that stride. He was quickly, he's waving to the

crowds. He's a cool crowd. At the Quarry. The horse still

looking full of running. The moment it looks as if she got that very

close to the time. 11. 35, remember. As you look at that clock counting

down, she's got 42 seconds left. She can afford nine seconds over and

still be in contention. She would then be level with Michael Jung on

Sam. So, nine seconds over. That's all she can afford to still retain a

part leadership. Quicker than that, and she will take the lead and it's

going to be that close. All uphill now. The horse full of running.

Under the Grandstand roof. The crowd building here as we get towards the

final climax of this cross-country. What a day it's been. She's going to

go over. We're looking for something under nine seconds to get the lead.

She's going to do that. She's going to do it. One second. Can you

believe it! 0.4 of a penalty between Ingrid Klimke and Michael Jung.

Germany, one and two. A great finish in prospect.

Well, Mark Todd didn't get the most perfect stride on his first horse at

this bridge. The horse showing all its scope possible as he just pops

over it. CLARE BALDING: Record crowds here.

There are fence judges. At fence 24, they had a look at whether Ingrid

Klimke dislodged the frangible pin. Did she break it? Did the fence drop

down? If so, it would incur 11 penalty points. That's where she hit

it. You will see her look around when she jumps the second gate. The

judges said, yes, you have hit it, you have broken the pin. That is 11

penalties. She appealed and the grand jury finally took those

penalty points away. Which means she does lead narrowly from her

countryman Michael Jung. The best of the British at the moment is

Rosalind Canter ahead of Alexander Bragg. Then we have Mark Todd and

Yoshiaki Oiwa. Well Ingrid Klimke has had a torrid

five minutes. You thought you were leading, then you thought you

weren't and now you are. And now they took it away. He did a

fantastic round and he deserved it. He's a good jumper. They gave you 11

penalties and you appeal it? Yes. He was jumping it very careful for

So they went and checked it again and realised everything was clear.

So now, on reflection, what do you think you've done so far at this

competition? I think I'm so proud of Bobby because he was bold. It was

tough. It was not an easy round. I could not wave to the crowd, enjoy

myself too much. I knew everything was quick. He wanted to go fast. He

was a bit strong. He wanted to go faster than I wanted to prepare.

Every time I had him, he saw the line, jumped and was fluent and pure

fun, really. I don't know whether you realise this, you could afford

to be nine seconds over and be level with Michael Jung. You were eight

seconds over, that is why you are in front. So, one second. So we both

will have to ride clear tomorrow.ly give everything to do it. Bobby is a

very good showjumper, isn't he? He is a very good showjumper. I have no

worries he does it well. I did the alternative route at the third

quarter. I think that was a few seconds. But I am very, very happy.

Well done, ingrid. Thank you. Mark Todd at the Hildon Pond. Now a

little tap on the shoulder and just pops out. These are enormous logs.

Well, this is Lauren Kieffer, one of the leading American riders. On a

very good horse, Veronica and by Rebecca Farm. Her second ride.

Safely through the Staircase. The Mirage #1k57 pond has caused some

problems throughout the day. -- Mirage Pond. Perfect line in and

equally perfect out. Brilliant style. Didn't have a good ride on

her first. Didn't get round but now the Lake. A lovely mare. # oh, oh, I

thought she might duck out but this is a mare, that with Lauren has been

twice second at Kentucky. Well the dressage leader starts, CHistopher

Burton and Graf Liberty. Over the first. An incredible test. Todd on

his second ride. Back at the corners. He had that good dressage

of 43.6. He won't go into the lead but he could get up into the top

five. This a man who has won here four times. CHistopher Burton, a big

threat to Ingrid Klimke and Michael Jung. A

really good jump here. The mare, that Karen O'Connor rode and

finished her career but taken over by Lauren Kieffer and has been very

successful. Surprised she's gone the long way round. This is a mare

that's normally quick across the country. Did have a nasty fall going

across the gate in Rio. The Lake for Graf Liberty. A little test on the

landing. Gets the one stride. Not many have done that. That just shows

the scope of this horse's jumping ability and the length of his

stride. So, Mark Todd, NZB Campino. NZB the New Zealand firm that

sponsored him to bring him out of retirement. He retired in 2000. Came

out for Hong Kong Beijing in 2008 and he is back in the top of the

world. Could he have two in the top ten? A great performance that would

be for Mark. Time ticking away. He is quick but not inside the time.

Stops the clocks 17 seconds over. 50.4, goes third. CLARE BALDING.

Mark Todd is another who had a smooth ride. How did Campino feel?

Not the fastest thing on four legs but tried hard. Around a curse like

this sometimes it feels messy but the good horses want to jump the

fences and want to go between the flags and they try their heart out

for you. COMMENTATOR: The great Veronica and Lauren Kieffer through

the Quarry. They haven't looked the fastest around this course but thief

jumped immaculately. Never putting a foot wrong. Christopher Burton, he

won Burghley last year. He could challenge the two Germans. Oh, ran

out of energy there. The horse just dried up on him and this is a

surprise. This is probably the fastest rider of cross country

throughout the world. Not normally a case of the horse losing momentum

but he did there and so that's 20 penalties and puts Chris Burton out

of the reckoning. And Tim Price had, well that's interesting. He has The

Lake and going the long route. Unexpected. Not quite sure what is

going on here but he's obviously had this planned. Oh and just a little

cautious in. Maybe that's why he didn't tackle that big log but takes

the quick route out. Gets the two strides and turns away and really

wastes very little time. A little slap with the stick to make sure he

stays going forward. Lauren Kieffer finishes. Lauren Kieffer, the

leading American rider at the moment. David O'Connor the team

manager, here trying to support the Americans but they've not had a good

day and the surprise is - she's clear but the surprise is she is

over time. Normally the mare is very quick indead but it is going to be a

67.2 score for Lauren Kieffer and Veronica. That will put them 13th

place. And here Christopher Burton, a

little bit dejected after that silly stop at the water but makes nothing

of these trick Y corners. And Christopher Burton coming to the

end. Well that's fascinating. After the stop he slowed up. Was visibly

going slower and look at the time, faster than most competitors out

there. So he must have been right up on the clock before he had that

problem. Disappointing but this horse was off last year, so he will

be happy that he is back and showing the form.

Tim Price and Xavie Faer a may scombroort of the team these days.

His wife who rides expecting a baby in August so it is up to him right

now. Up to the Corral. Positive and jumps it well. Looking good on the

clock. Oliver Townend on his second ride. ODT Ghareb. Oh, tips Oliver

forward into the Lake. Quick recovery. That shows Oliver's

brilliance, strength and balance. He reorganised himself and the horse

and jumps out beautifully. Still a big crowd here. Dogs, children, you

name it, they all come here to watch this cross country, it is a big

crowd. Tim Price comes to the Joules Corner. He has gone quickly, but he

could come a long way up the leaderboard with a good, quick

round. The Hollow for Oliver Townend. A good picture of the horse

kicking out there, hiteding the flag. Perfectly legal. Under way.

Back with Tim Price. He had a disappointing ride at Lexington, so

he will be looking to make it up here. He is through the Quarry.

Nearly in sight of home. And Oliver, at the hill done Pond. Almost lifted

the horse over there. Keeps it going, keeps the momentum. Doesn't

waste a lot of time. Andrew Nicholson on the great Nereo. This

man has won all the majors except the title here at Badminton. Nereo

now a senior but Andrew thinks he's in good nick. It Tim Price and Xavie

Faer coming into the arena. Look at the time. This is very impressive.

Probably the fastest we have seen all day. Faster than Michael Jung.

We knew he was fast across the country but look at that, cruising

over the finish line, one second within the time, brilliant. Nice to

get close to the time and inside the time on a day like today. I'm really

pleased. And on a day like today, it makes a real difference to the

leaderboard. Definitely. I want to do a bit of dressage on this horse,

which will come in future. It is not all about a climb. But it is great

to come out and have a climb like that and testament to a great day's

sport of cross country. Tait ate Andrew Nicholson and Nereo. This

horse has won Burghley and several of the big ones. Could this horse

now be in contention for this win? Dressage is good enough. The Joules

corner for Oliver. Look at his expression. Eyes on the fence. Oh,

doesn't get the perfect stride. Recovers quickly and stretches for

that two stride. Not the fastest horse of Oliver's but he's doing a

brilliant job out there. Andrew Nicholson. 15, 16 months ago he was

covering from a virtual broken neck. A brilliant recovery. Now very much

back on son. Gives himself sometime. Riding brilliantly. Good build-up.

It is showing. Away from the Hildon Water Pond and he is on a good

target. And Oliver setting up for the gates. We have seen them being

rattled and broken pins. He almost lifts the horse again. And

interestingly, he swings around the tree it is. To get straight for that

final gate. Taps in 234 in front but leaves it standing. Andrew Nicholson

coming to the Corral. We have seen him exercising his neck a little

when he has been riding. Just stitches up. He wants the free do.

Needs all the freedom to get ride lines and angles but he dozen that,

no problems. They are looking good at the rail. Well, kicking and

giving it all he is worth and Gharee Berks gallops to the final test.

Tail squishing, ears back and the crowd cheers. A brilliant ride. The

horse has enjoyed that cheer from the crowd. Gives a great jump over

the last. Look at the time, as I said not the fastest horse of

Oliver's but brilliant performance. 13 seconds, 6th position. Andrew

Nicholson back at the Quarry with Nereo. 17 years' old but looking

good. Full of running. Quell get a look now. Andrew trying it make

every use of this great old horse. Filing down to the two big rushes.

It is going to be nip and tuck. Very close. Remember, on that score of 38

he is on, after dressage. Ingrid Klimke is there and Michael Jung,

40. That means he canner hardly afford any time at all. Across the

second last. Now for home. The horse is giving 200%. The crowd will love

this. He's such a competitor and the crowd so knowledgeable. They'll be

urging him home. He's not going to get there. It's.4 for every second.

One slip, two slips, over the last. Oh, it is going to be close. He is

not going to make T there we are, six seconds over, he goes third.

What a round from the Kiwi. Clare Balding. He was so close to

making the time. He looked close to slipping out there? He slipped it a

few times but he is a big, rangy horse. He is older N his youth he

probably would've pedalled the back legs quicker or less stride or maybe

I was pressing a bit hard, who knows but when the ground is dry with

green grass, you notice on a big horse, my first never slipped but

she's like a pony. Early margins, barely a sense in it between the top

three. Clear round. That's what we have to do, so the pressure is still

on. Andrew Nicholson never holds back but look at the leaderboard,

dominated by Germany, New Zealand and Great Britain moving up the

order: 31 horses jumped clear and just two

with inside the time. Not a fence between them, not even a time gap

between the two top and then a gap to Tim Price. Now this is the final

day where the Mitsubishi trophy will be decided. Now after vets

inspections, three horses didn't make it through, one is Lissa

Green's horse and Becky's who jumped clear cross country and most

significantly, aleggs Ander Bragg 's horse, did a grab, they were lying

in eighth but had to pull out. Emily Galruth had a heavy fall. She was

taken to Southmead hospital and remains in intensive care. Our

thoughts are with her and hope she makes a speedy recovery.

thoughts are with her and hope she makes a speedy recovery. As well as

today's action and seeing who will be this year's champion, we'll bid a

farewell to a crucial member of our BBC team. Zblts appropriate that

Mike Tucker is bowing out at Badminton. Born and raised nearby,

he started competing here in the 196 #0s. He put on a great show for the

BBC cameras. Tait tanchts Mike unfortunately is catapulted out of

the saddle. Even before he retired he was getting straight off the

horse to join the commentators. Oh, Lucinda takes no time. And again

perfection through there. Combining commentary and riding must have been

a challenge in 18 138 when he came oh so close to winning Badminton on

a horse he bred himself. General Bugl he can. A natural over the

cross country fences, dressage hampered his chances of victory that

year but even so, only the great Lucinda Green could beat him it take

her fifth title. Go on, go on, go on. For 40 years, Mike has been

entertaining us with his crucial contribution to equestrian sport on

the BBC and since 1992 he has been our lead comem Taitor all around the

world. He has seen Zara Phillips grow from a little girl who looked

up to him, to a ruder who became world champion.

She's done it, Zara Phillips, the world champion. He's been the choice

to guide us through the Olympics, first in London... What a

performance! And last year in Rio, with more gold for Charlotte

Dujardin and Skelton skel. Mike, it has been an amazing career.

Important for you to finish here at Badminton? There's been a huge

family association with this estate. My father farmed here, my mother was

born here. This was always going to be the local gym karn that from the

word go. Some years you rode and commentators, not at the same time,

nearly! It was a challenge. One that one enjoyed because there's a lot of

similarities between riding and commentating. It's all adrenaline,

as you are well aware. Having done it, you could actually put more into

the commentary. I really enjoyed that. You always had a particular

strength of feeling for the Olympics. When did that start? Well,

it started in 1968. We were all given the opportunity to go as

grooms to hex co-and I was -- Mexico and I was very privilege to groom

Cornishman. They won gold, an amazing Olympics. The one memory I

have it is when I was holding the horse, the National Anthem was

played. It was magic. I remember saying to myself, gosh, I want a

piece of this. That is where it all stemmed from. You set yourself an

ambition to call a British gold medal. That is dependant on other

people. It took a long time to come. My word, it did. Started 1996, and

it was London when everyone came right in a big way. This could be

the first gold... Since 1952 and Britain have got gold! Three gold

medals. It was wul worth waiting for. What a game to bow out on in

terms of success in Rio. It is the fairy teal of all. Charlotte --

fairy tale of all. Charlotte winning back-to-back was special. The one

for me which was the best moment of my commentary life, that was Nick

winning that individual gold. For a man's career who'd gone from highs

and lows and remembering he broke his neck in 2000, came back to the

best form on the world stage and that last day he did get better and

better. It was magnificent. I had tears in my eyes. I'll be the first

to admit. It's been a pleasure to listen to you for all of those

years, work alongside you for some and good luck for today. Thank you

very much. Very kind. And before Mike does his final piece

of commentary for the BBC, he was out there in the middle of the arena

to receive a very special trophy from the Duchess of Cornwall. That

is what he uses to comment tat with and a picture of the British horse

federation. Very apt she should make that press sensation. Our leader in

the clubhouse is Mark Todd, at 61. He's going strong. He has two horses

in the top ten. He went clear and on 58.1 penalty points, he is our

leader. It is four penalties. It is one penalty for any second or part

of a second over the optimum time, 87 seconds and the first horse we

will see live is Oliver Townend. We are joining our commentary team.

THE COMMENTATOR: Winning in 2009 on Flint Curtis. To finish on 56.2, in

seventh place. But he's got No leeway whatsoever.

Toddy finishing on the first of his two rides. He went out of word with

Leonidas on 68. A combination which have not always

had their best results, but Olly is very competitive. The time has been

very influential throughout the day. That is unfortunately one down there

for Oliver and another one. It is going to be expensive. It's a very

good track. It is big, it's square, it's vert kasmt

-- vertical. Although it looks a very flat arena in here, there's a

gentle slope up and down and it does make a difference to the horses'

strides. The downhills, just sit there and hold tight. A long way off

that. That's a short distance in there.

Oliver made it look quite easy. He's, I think deliberately keeping

off the rails, acting for a little bit of standoff. Not getting him in

too close. Another one goes. Already gone down more than three places. He

was seventh. And the last. It's expensive. It's 16 to add.

The time is all right. So 72 .2 for Oliver and Ghareeb.

So, he goes down seven places. Expensive.

Yes, it was expensive. Just kicked it out in front there. He got one of

them earlier behind. And Oliver looks despondent as he

walks out. Now the turn of Rosalind Canter.

She's been one of our top young riders for quite a while. Here last

year she had to withdraw in the end of the day before she'd even done

cross-country simply because the horse's heart was not in the rhythm

required. She went to burg burly last year. Really cross-country this

combination went well. Rosalind Canter with Allstar B.

54.5. Currently in sixth place. She's going to stay ahead of

Yoshiaki Oiwa of Japan and indeed Mark Todd, she's got to jump clear.

Full house. Absolutely packed. And we're in for a nail-biting

finish. Britain want young stars for the future and this very much could

be one. Certainly could be. She did a brilliant round yesterday. Again

she did a great round at burglary. -- at burley.

He wants to jump the fences. And Ross has done a brilliant job of

jumping with him and on the flat. A real hopeful for the British team, I

should think. Later this year for the European Championships that are

going to be held in Poland. It is great to see some of the

youngers coming through for the British selectors, so they have

choice. Clare said one of her disappointing bits of news this

morning was the withdrawal of Alexander Bragg and Zagreb, they

were potentially another pair. We'll see that combination around for a

long time, hopefully. The reason he was out this morning will not

detract from his future career. Clear! And inside the time.

Stays on that 54.5. Remain in sixth place. Recognition

as a future star. He gets lots of height over these

fences. He never touched the pole in there.

Ears always forward, looking to what he's doing. Look at the height

behind. So Rosalind Canter will be our

leading British rider here at Badminton. A great chance to be

selected for the British Championships. This is our leader,

Ingrid Klimke, in that bright jacket, I love to come back here and

watch the riders go for their final preparations. She knows the title is

within her grasp. The people that can beat her, well Michael Jung, he

can. He's over on the right. The top five are three New Zealanders, two

German riders and Andrew Nicholson. What a story. The record of 35

completions, but never won Badminton before.

THE COMMENTATOR: Well, this is where every fence down gets to cost the

winner of this year's trophy could get ?100,000. A record top prize.

The second ?54,000. Then down to ?41,000. Then to ?21,000. So a pole

will be very expensive. Mark Todd jumped a brilliant round earlier on

his first horse and he is particularly good in this phase. A

rider that's jumped right at the top level, at Grand Prix, representing

New Zealand and showjumping as well as eventing. He could have done it

in dressage as well, had he wanted to turn his hand to that.

Such a good eye. And incredible balance. This horse goes with his

head quite low. Mark doesn't interfere with him. He uses his head

and neck to balance himself. The Kiwis hoo-ha r had what such a great

record -- who have had such a great record. He probably jumped one of

the worst showjumping rounds he's ever jumped. Dropped New Zealand out

of a team medal and him out of a medal. I think that is one he'll

want to forget. He will not be thinking about that at the moment.

Brilliant! His showjumping experience of two Olympics have

really helped him in that phase. He gets at least fifth place. Could it

be more? Well, before we see the top four,

let's grab a word with Ross. How did you do it? Well, it is just trying

to hold, and I have never been in an atmosphere like this. But I am on a

super jumper. He's consistent. As soon as he goes to the start, he

clocks into work mood. Mode. This is a terrific result. A very different

experience to last year? Last year we did the dressage test. He had a

heart defibration. He had to go to the vet. We have been learning all

the time. We have been gearing up for a good result. It is a case of

getting all three together at the right time. We pulled it off. It

could be the start of a very good year for you. Well done. Thank you

very much. Now it is Tim Price. New Zealand,

and this a mare who went beautifully across-country yesterday. 48.2.

Along with Michael Jung. One of only two to go inside the time. But this

a horse that hasn't jumped too many clear rounds in a final phase.

He's jumped clear twice since he started in 2015 in eight runs.

Very important he jumps one here. He's on 48.2. He has got one, but

not two fences. A clear round would put the pressure on the top three.

It certainly looked impressive so far in this round. As the round goes

on, sometimes... Oh, certainly something there. He pushed and got

the result he wanted. But it is often as the round goes on and these

horses get a little bit flatter if they are not known to be careful. So

far, looks good. The New Zealanders are trained by

one of the top Spanish show jumpers, ever. He is a very good man on the

ground. one of the top Spanish show jumpers,

ever. He is a very good man on the ground. Has he got this combination

wound up to jump a clear round at a crucial time? Got to jump clear to

stay ahead of Mark Todd. . One like to go.

Oh, a little tap there. One to G a brilliant round. Oh, he really has

held his nerve. He's got a time fault, though. He's got a time

fault. But that, I think is going to keep him in fourth place. 49.2.

And he stays ahead of Rosalind Canter. Well, Mark Todd is with me

so. Two horses finishing so high. Well done? I'm chuffed. A great

week. Both have come out today and jumped well. They felt really good

after yesterday. So I'm declieted. You know and I know -- I'm

delighted. You talked about Rio, the worse Dave your life and the horses

come out here and jump clear, in fact both did. I don't know what it

was in Rio that upset him. I think he is much happier on grass for some

reason, although he is a bit nooky out there, he tries harder What is

your prediction? Who will win from the top three? Well, I have to say,

you know, Ingrid and Michael are so consistent. You know everybody would

love Andrew to jump a clear round and do well. This horse hasn't been

the most consistent but having said, that everything seems to be jumping

very well this afternoon, you never know. Thank you, Mark and well done

again. Thank you. COMMENTATOR: Well, this a man who has had 35

completions around Badminton, never won it. Within in the top 3 on

numerous occasions. This horse has been good to him. Helped him win

individual bronze in the worlds in 2010 in Kentucky but this phase has

tended to be his weakest. Only jumped clear in the final phase on

five occasions out of 11 completions. But could this be the

one that really matters? And then gives him a chance of making that

dream come true and getting him that Badminton win which he really,

really wants? I must just remind you he is 0.8, not 8, but 0.8 behind the

leader. Oh, he is living dangerously.

It's almost too frightening to say anything watching this.

Come on. Ah, the clock, he is going to get a time fault. He is going to

get one but that's a all. That is masterful piece of riding in the

final phase. He has done his job and so has Andrew. 41.4 his final score.

It could be time faults deciding this. Well, we have never seen this

horse jump for many, many years a clear round and Andrew did a

masterful job out there. Absolutely fantastic. None of us wanted to

speak, none of us wanted to breathe whilst he was out there and Nereo,

lived up to his brilliant reputation of being a fantastic horse and a

brilliant cross country horse. Now great in the show jumping as well.

So, to the last two of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse

Trials. It's Germany 1 and 2 but Andrew Nicholson for New Zealand

right up there. Neither can afford to have a fence down to keep ahead

and, in fact, two time faults - and we've had plenty with more - could

also decide this. Michael Jung, double Olympic champion, double

European champion and of course holder of the Badminton title when

he jumped clear last year. He's jumped some seven clear rounds of

his nine starts in four star final day jumping. But he did two years

ago lose the Badminton title at the very last fence.

He gave that first fence a little rub, which probably would help.

Michael such a good show jumper and Sam is a very good jumper but he has

had the odd fence down. We know it Oh, and there it goes. Well, that

has moved up, putting pressure on Ingrid right now. Pressure is the

dangest danger for both Ingrid and mike A last year he won in Kentucky.

If he had won here he could have' set up another Grand Slam at

Burghley but it is not going to be. He has been such a prolific horse.

An incredible winner throughout his career and at 17 years of age, still

looks like a youngster and gave a masterful performance cross country

yesterday. Time to going to be all right. It's

the one fence down. It drops him below Andrew Nicholson and Nereo. A

final score of 44 for Sam and Michael junction. CLARE BALDING: He

can't defend his title but this man could win it for the first time. It

is rare to get a clear on Nereo but gosh you did well there? Yes, he

needs to be a very good jumper and probably has not got such a good

reputation because he has been fast at big events and the ground has

been very heavy and they are not machines but he showed today he can

do it and 17 years old, all I need now is Ingrid to help me out and,

here we go, we'll wait and see. The dream will yet come true. We may

keep you here and find out. COMMENTATOR: Down to the last. The

overnight leader, after that challenging cross country yesterday,

it is Ingrid Klimke on Horseware Hale Bob Old for Germany. 39.6, so

she can't afford to have a fence down. Nereo now on 41.4, so, she

couldn't afford to have two time faults. She could have one and still

win but she couldn't have two. She would be the first female rider to

win Badminton since Lucinda Freddics back in 2007 and of course in 2015

she finished second to Chilly Morning and William Fox Pitt.

Well, we know this is a brilliant show jumper and Ingrid said at the

end of her cross country round that she's pretty confident about him in

the jumping ring. A little rub there at the back. But then there is the

pressure and the expectations but Ingrid is a pretty cool girl - oh.

Andrew Nicholson has won his first Badminton title. Well, well, well,

the crowd will go mad with that result. Oh. Well, we've had two of

the best horses and riders in the world just have poles down and given

Andrew Nicholson his first Badminton win. I can't tell you how thrilled I

am for him. No, me, too. I couldn't agree more. Let's just remind you,

particularly those who don't watch the sport on a regular basis. Andrew

Nicholson to nearly broke his neck at Gatcombe horse trials in the

final fence in 2015. He made a major recover rain sadly, it is all

falling apart P oh, dear, Ingrid Klimke is one of the best riders in

the world and she doesn't deserve this because she is dropping down

now, dropping down the order and as we said earlier, it is going to be

expensive It is going to be expensive. Poor Ingrid, it has gone

wrong. But as well as Andrew, I would like to say a huge thank you

and recognise Libby, the owner of Nereo, an incredible owner, so loyal

over the years. You are absolutely right To the last. She is going to

get time faults as well. It is 12 jumping and five, actually one time.

It is 13 and she goes on to 58.6 and it is going to drop her down to

fifth place. Well, well, well, one thinks back to the days of the horse

she rode at Championship level for many years, she had some horrible

finishes then but one didn't expect it today and... No, we didn't expect

that at all. CLARE BALDING: I am with the man who has won Badminton

for the first time in his career. Andrew Nicholson. Oh, hugs all

around. That is aextraordinary. Your grandson there and son here.

Desperate for Ingrid it went wrong but for you a very long time coming?

It has been wrong for me quite a few times as well. I know what it is

like and it is worth the wait. I can assure you, the feeling is much

better when you've waited. You missed this competition last year

because you were still recovering from a broken neck. Doctors told you

you should never ride again? No my so you are on, a clever man, Jeremy

Reynolds he is watching today. He told me straight after surgery that

he had done a very good job. I had good, strong bones and he was very

sure I'd be all right, it would be whether my mind would let me. So,

yes, clever men these surgeons. I don't think there has ever been any

doubting your mind. Oliver Townend was one who rushed forward to

congratulate you when we knew you were going to win. We will have a

look at those celebrations, you will see the strength of feeling around

event riders and owners, how much they put into the sport. How much

they know he has been through and Oliver Townend joked - it is the

only way he gets on TV these days, which is not true. But that shows

how much people appreciate... And the likes of Jonty Evans andestaway.

These people who have worked for me when they were young, and they are

beating me regularly at big events and I feel very proud being

associated with them and that's why they are so excited for what I've

done. Yeah, it's a good feeling. This is the won you really wanted,

wasn't it? Yeah, it is the first event I came to when I came from New

Zealand when I was 18. I came to groom for Toddy. I thought it was

easy, no problem at all. You just turn up with a horse and take the

prize home. That was 1984. I have learned it is not quite so easy.

Well, you couldn't deserve it more. Lilly is in tears, and your daughter

and grandson and Mark Todd wants to congratulate you. Let's confirm the

place, Andrew Nicholson is the Badminton champiour fore2017. Toddy

is congratulating you, over to Mike to confirm.

COMMENTATOR: Well, in what has been a tough competition where experience

has counted, it has been won by Andrew Nicholson, that will be

without doubt the most popular result that could have' been

expected at this this stage. Michael Jung was second and Tim Price for

New Zealand in third. Mark Todd then Rosalind Canter, Marked to and

Ingrid Klimke there too. Many congratulations to the man who broke

his neck and who has come back here to the champion. -- to be champion.