Defending Badminton champion withdraws
Jonelle savouring success in an early Event Rider Masters competitionMarlborough based New Zealand event rider Jonelle Price has made the difficult decision to withdraw her 2018 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (MMBHT) winner, Classic Moet, from this year’s event, due to start today (Wednesday, 1 May 2019).
The mare, known as Molly at home, is owned by Jonelle and Trisha Rickards and the decision to remove her from the start list was made on Monday.
Defending champion Jonelle explained on her website: "Sadly we have made the tough decision this morning to withdraw Classic Moet from the MMBHT."
"We have struggled with her feet in this unseasonably dry spring – it’s no secret she likes a bit of rain! Was very much looking forward to defending our title, but it’s obviously not meant to be this time around…wishing all the competitors and connections the very best of luck and will be there to cheer you all on."
Husband Tim Price will continue to fly the family flag at Badminton with Ringwood Sky Boy - and on the back of his third place at the Kentucky 5* with Xavier Fair, confidence is high.