Big names withdraw from Badminton

Two of the world’s best known event riders have withdrawn from the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials which begins this week (5-8 May).

Nicholson out

Andrew Nicholson was originally entered with both Nereo and Avebury but was left with just one entry when the decision was made to retire Avebury last month.

However he has now withdrawn Nereo as well citing fitness issues arising from his traumatic cross-country fall last summer. Although Andrew has made a successful return to the sport this season he does not feel ready to tackle Badminton’s long and challenging four-star track.

“I have reluctantly decided to withdraw Nereo from Badminton – through no fault of his own. I have doubts over my own fitness and ability to do him full justice at this point” said Andrew. “I successfully rode four horses in the advanced at Withington on Sunday all of whom won prizes but was aware I felt fatigued by the end of the seven-minute cross-country course. It would therefore not be sensible to attempt an 11½ minute course at Badminton.”

Fall for Funnell

Pippa Funnell is also going to miss out on Badminton this year after a cross-country fall at Withington on Sunday (1 May).

Pippa underwent tests in hospital following the acceident which were all clear. Howver she has made the difficult decision to withdraw her two rides Second Supreme and Billy Beware from the event to give herself more time to recover.

“It’s devastating not only for myself but also for the owners Jonathan and Jane Clarke and Marek Sebestak my groom Frankie and the hard working team at home not to be able to compete at Badminton this year. as I feel both my horses are in great form and the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is one of the greatest events in the world. I very much hope to back competing again shortly.”

No Fox-Pitt

The withdrawal of Funnell and Nicholson follows the news last month that current Badminton champion William Fox-Pitt will not be competing at this year’s event. Fox-Pitt had a fall at Weston Park in April and felt he had ‘run out of time’ in his preparations for Badminton.

The absence of three of the sport’s biggest names mean the odds have shortened on Michael Jung claiming his first Badminton title – which would net him the valuable Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing bonus prize.

But plenty of leading eventers remain in the line-up including Oliver Townend Olympic gold medallists Blyth Tait and Mark Todd recent Badminton winners Paul Tapner and Jock Paget and Team GB regulars Gemma Tattersall Izzy Taylor Nicola Wilson and Tina Cook.

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