Rockley's Will Rawlin ready for first Badminton appearance this week
Will Rawlin & Ballycoog Breaker Boy, Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials, April 2024 - pic: Hannah ColeWill Rawlin describes himself as “absolutely fine” as he faces his first ever appearance at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials, which begin on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old first timer, based at Rockley, said he is not overthinking the competition, regarded by many in the sport as the pinnacle in the eventing calendar, certainly tougher than the Olympics.
“I am trying not to overthink it and treat it like any other competition. I have had a good Spring campaign and I am feeling confident,” explains Will.
Will is riding the 12-year-old Ballycoog Breaker Boy (William), who is making his five-star debut, rather than his other five-star horse The Partner, who was 23rd at Luhmuhlen last year.
“I have had The Partner since he was six and he has always kept surprising me. I didn’t think he had it in him but by God, he surprised me at Luhmuhlen. But that is a flat track and it would be easy for him to lose confidence. William cruises over the bigger tougher tracks, whether he is knee deep in mud or running over the top of the ground, he is strong and will not be mentally affected by Badminton and the crowd,” explains Will.
Lacock based rider David Doel’s main intention is an excellent run to ensure they eyes of the Olympic selectors are on him and Gillian Jonas' Galileo Nieuwmoed. With a very close second at Burghley last year, plus a fourth at Kronenburg in March, he enters Badminton in a strong position.
Another local rider is Georgie Goss (nee Spence) who last competed at Badminton in 2019 when she gained her 7th completion of the event on Halltown Harley. She has since married, had a baby and now represents Ireland. It will be a first 5* for her entry Feloupe, with who she was 3rd in the 4*L at Millstreet last year.
The competition has added significance for the world’s number one rider, Britain’s Oliver Townend, as he has the potential to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing at Badminton. This is the richest and most sought-after prize in the sport, and has only been won twice before. To win the £230,000 Rolex Grand Slam ,a rider must take first prize at the three most challenging CCI5* competitions across the globe – Defender Burghley Horse Trials (UK), the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) and Mars Badminton Horse Trials (UK). They must be won consecutively, but in any order and on multiple horses.
Oliver won Defender Burghley last autumn on Ballaghmor Class, and two weeks ago he took Defender Kentucky on Cooley Rosalent. Ballaghmor Class is Oliver’s ride at Mars Badminton and the 17-year-old grey was part of Britain’s gold medal-winning team at the Tokyo
“Ballaghmor Class is very special to me. I have had him since he was four years old, so we know each other inside out, and he’s already won me an Olympic team gold medal and three of my eight CCI5* victories, most recently Defender Burghley last September. I think the conditions at Badminton next week should suit such a tough, brilliant horse very well, and we will give it our best possible shot,” says Oliver.
Now in its 75th year, the Badminton course has a different look to previous years, using some new areas of ground, with new fences and there are old favourites back.
The cross-country course has once again been designed by Eric Winter and the event runs under the directorship of Jane Tuckwell, who has worked at Badminton in various roles for over 40 years. It begins with the vet’s inspection on Wednesday, followed by dressage Thursday and Friday, cross country Saturday and the climax with the show jumping in reverse order on Sunday.
If you are interested in watching the live action from Badminton Horse Trials from the comfort of your home, you will need to subscribe to Badminton TV. To sign up, visit watch.badminton-horse.tv . Highlights will be shown on the BBC on Sunday afternoon.