Ros Canter & Lordships Graffalo Join the Two-Time Badminton Winner Club

It was 2023 all over again on Sunday at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials.

The 2025 edition concluded with the same podium as two years prior with Ros Canter, Oliver Townend, and Austin O’Connor as the top three finishers.

“We have had an unbelievable week,” said O’Connor, after adding just 0.4 time faults to his score in show jumping. “Sadly, if I was in a different era and these two [Townend and Canter] weren’t around, I would have won two Badmintons! I think history will prove that we’ve been competing against the two best horses and riders that’s ever been, so I can’t grumble!”

The drama unfolded early on the final day when Townend withdrew Ballaghmor Class after presenting to the ground jury, moving Emily King and Valmy Biats into the top ten ahead of the show jumping. Reigning World Champion Yasmin Ingham, 14th overnight, also withdrew Rehy DJ before the trot-up.

Kevin Bywater’s challenging course saw only five clear rounds from 54 starters, with time faults proving costly. The first fence—a large oxer near the bustling Members Enclosure—proved a major challenge, along with the water tray at fence 5 and the treble at the final line.

Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight, third overnight, saw their hopes dashed with 20 penalties, dropping them out of the top 10.

All eyes turned to Canter and Lordships Graffalo, the penultimate combination to return. With one fence in hand over O’Connor and just three penalties behind Townend, the tension was palpable in the arena. The crowd erupted as “Walter” cleared the final fence.

Within seconds they were being asked by Townend to quiet down for his round on the sensitive 11-year-old mare, Cooley Rosalent. Victory appeared within their reach until the first rail of the 10th fence came down put paid to their hopes.

Canter credited her preparation for her fifth career 5* win: “I watched the horses jump in the morning, re-walked the course during the break and made sure that I took him down to the start area nice and early, giving myself time to get up the gears before the first fence.”

At just 13, Lordships Graffalo has already secured two Badminton wins, an Olympic team gold, a European title, and a Burghley victory. If he stays sound and competitive, Canter could target a third win, a feat accomplished just once in the event’s 75 year history.

Be Fair, ridden by Lucinda Green, is the only horse to have won three times (1977, 1979, 1982). Green also won three more times on different horses (Wide Awake in 1973, 1976, and Regal Realm in 1983), making her the most successful Badminton rider ever with six victories.

Just five horses have won twice: