Historic Third Victory at Badminton Horse Trials
Britain's Ros Canter and her horse Lordships Graffalo have made history by becoming the first rider and horse duo to win the Badminton Horse Trials three times.
At 40 years old, Canter, who contributed to Team GB's team eventing gold at the 2024 Olympics, competed just 16 weeks after the birth of her second child, daughter Seneh.
Known affectionately as 'Walter', the 14-year-old bay gelding led the competition following the dressage and cross-country phases, holding a lead over Harry Meade and Annaghmore Valoner by one fence.
During the showjumping finale on Sunday, Meade and Annaghmore Valoner incurred a penalty by knocking down one fence, leaving Canter and Walter with a 10.2 penalty advantage.
Canter and Lordships Graffalo used only two of those penalties due to exceeding the time limit, finishing with a final score of 25.7. Tim Price and Falco secured second place.
This victory marks Canter and Lordships Graffalo's third Badminton win in four years, making them the first pair to achieve three wins since the event's inception in 1949.
In addition to their Badminton successes, the pair won the Burghley Horse Trials for a second time in September of the previous year. With five five-star wins overall, Lordships Graffalo has become the most decorated horse in eventing history.
Canter Reflects on Achievement
Speaking on BBC Two while holding her daughter Seneh, Canter expressed her admiration for her horse's performance.
"I thought he jumped his socks off in there today," Canter said. "I can't put into words how lucky I am to ride a horse like him.
He enables me to get myself into a position where I believe I can be one of the fastest riders in the world."
She also acknowledged the support system behind her success.
"I can't thank everybody enough for all they put in to help me because it takes an army to do this.
I feel incredibly lucky to be able to juggle both jobs. To be an event rider, it's a real family sport and we're very privileged to be able to do both at the same time."
- Watch the final day of Badminton Horse Trials
- Canter wins Badminton Horse Trials for second time
