United States Eventing Association

It is with great disappointment and regret, which we know will be shared by many, that we announce the cancellation of the 2021 Badminton Horse Trials which was due to be held “behind closed doors” between May 5 and May 9. This cancellation also includes the BE90 and BE100 Championships (May 4 and 5).

Following the Government’s COVID-19 public health restrictions and its statement that emergency services are withdrawn from supporting mass gatherings from Tuesday, March 17, we are sorry to announce it is no longer possible to stage Badminton Horse Trials between the May 6 and 10 in any capacity. This cancellation also includes the Science Supplements Cup.

Oliver Townend is poised to win his second five-star in two weeks having maintained pole position after the cross-country phase at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

Oliver Townend further strengthened his claims to this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton trophy when he pulled off an exceptional dressage test on Friday afternoon on his second ride, Ballaghmor Class, to leave him in first and second places at the end of the first phase.

British riders occupy the top five spots after the first day of dressage at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. No-one could catch Oliver Townend, who was fourth into the arena this morning on Cillnabradden Evo and pulled off a record-breaking score of 19.7.

Jonelle Price became the first female winner of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in over a decade when she sealed victory in today’s final show jumping phase with an immaculate show jumping clear on Classic Moet.

Many had predicted that this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials would not be a dressage competition, and so it proved, with New Zealand’s Jonelle Price and Classic Moet soaring from 22nd place after the first phase into the lead with a thrilling exhibition of fast cross-country riding.

Oliver Townend fist-pumped the air as he exited the arena at the end of two nail-biting days of dressage at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. When his score flashed up on the board a minute later it became clear why. His mark of 20.8 (79%) not only left him at the top of the leaderboard, but it was the best score posted at Badminton for 18 years.

Rosalind Canter, the penultimate rider into the arena at the end of the first day of dressage at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, put in a polished, personal best performance to leap into the lead with her partner of six years, Allstar B. The combination, who finished fifth here last year, scored 23.9 – more than 76%. They earned several 9s, including for Canter's riding.

All 78 horses that came in front of the Ground Jury of President, Mrs Sue Baxter (GBR), Mr Christopher Hess (GER) and Dr Katrin Eichinger Kniely (AUT) were passed as fit to compete in this year’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in South Gloucestershire, United Kingdom.