The Mars Badminton Horse Trials cross-country saw a fall for Harry Meade. The incident occurred during his ride with Cavalier Crystal. Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier also retired.
Meade’s Fall and Reflections
Harry Meade’s ride, Cavalier Crystal, came unstuck at Mike Weaver’s Farm Yard (fence 22ab). The mare stood on herself and was unable to get her legs up at the angled rail after the open ditch. She dived through the rail, breaking the frangibles, and unseating Harry.
Meade said Cavalier Crystal was sensational and was up on the clock, giving him at least a good a ride as Annaghmore Valoner. He added that she jumped into the farm yard combination and stood on herself and has a deep cut on her pastern. He said she basically pulled herself over and was desperately trying to do her job.
Meade reflected on his Badminton experiences. He stated he’s had 18 rides there, 17 amazing rides, and that this was the best of all of them until the fall. He added that the sport keeps us all grounded, quite literally.
Annaghmore Valoner’s Performance
Despite the fall with Cavalier Crystal, Harry Meade is still in contention at Badminton. He holds second in the overnight standings on Annaghmore Valoner, who earlier went clear inside the time.
According to Harry, Annaghmore Valoner has historically lacked self-belief and been quite an introvert and a worrier. He always runs her in a relaxed way, which allows her to cruise with that relaxation. He added that she made it feel pretty easy.
Leaderboard Update
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo lead the way after their round. They will start showjumping with a fence in hand. If they win, Lordships Graffalo will make history as the first horse to triumph here three times.
The leaderboard has changed significantly behind Ros Canter. Harry Meade moves up from equal 11th to second on Annaghmore Valoner. Sarah Bullimore has moved from 19th to third with Corimiro, who also went clear in the time. Katie Magee’s fault-free round has elevated her from 26th to fourth with Treworra. Ireland’s Lucy Latta breaks the British run by holding fifth on RCA Patron Saint and New Zealand’s Tim Price sits sixth on Falco.
Caroline Powell’s Retirement
Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier seemed to slightly misjudge their stride to jump up onto the bank at the LeMieux Village (fence 18ab). One of the mare’s hindlegs didn’t land cleanly and she was then unable to take on the jump on the top, leaning on the house with her chest and activating the frangible device. Caroline popped her over the alternative and then pulled up and walked home.
Ros Canter’s position remains unchanged from the dressage.