The latest withdrawals from MARS Badminton Horse Trials include a hot contender for the 5* title and the only Australian entry.
Oliver Townend has withdrawn last year’s runner-up, Cooley Rosalent from this week’s big event, with ‘great disappointment’.
“We were hugely looking forward to being back at one of our favourite events and one where she has had great success” says Oliver on his social media “Thank you to Disy Ridgeon for her support in this decision and to our team and sponsors for always standing by us, we are all gutted, but she has a bright future ahead of her. We wish everyone the best of luck and hope to be back for Burghley”
Australia’s Olivia (Golly) Barton has also withdrawn her mare Hollyander HG, another 5* runner-up at Adelaide in 2024.
"We're very disappointed" says Golly "But she wasn't feeling 100% over the weekend so we made the decision not to take her. Hopefully we can make a plan for her for the second part of the season".
The field has now thinned to 62 starters with other recent withdrawals including New Zealand’s Hollie Field riding Solo and Caroline Harris’ Cooley Mosstown plus amendments to entries following Defender Kentucky CCI5*.
New Zealand still has six entries with 2024 Badminton winner Caroline Powell competing both Greenacres Special Cavalier and High Time, Tim Price on Falco, Tayla Mason on Centennial, Jonelle Price on Chilli’s Midnight Star and Jesse Campbell on Cooley Lafitte.
