Can Sam Griffiths do the double at Badminton?

As the Mistubishi Badminton Horse Trials 2015 kicks off with some rain showers and high winds, could we see a repeat of last year’s competition when the cross-country was so influential?

Chink in your armour

Australia’s Sam Griffiths took the title in 2014, when he rose from 25th place after the dressage riding Paulank Brockagh. Sam was one of the few riders to produce a strong performance on the cross-country, which he said saw “the real three-day type horse come to the fore.”

“Guiesppe breathed a bit of fire into it, but conditions always play a strong part at Badminton,” says Sam. “The soft going was really sappy on the horses, which combined with strong winds took it out of them.

“The middle of the course was tough, too. It was big bold jump, after big bold jump. Any chink in your armour and Guiesppe seemed to find it out.”

Major operation

Weather conditions aside, Sam is feeling prepared for the big event, despite undergoing a major operation at the end of last season. He had his appendix out, which he says “got a bit untidy”, resulting in him spending 10 days in hospital.

“It took a long time to recover,” he said. “I had till Christmas to recoup and since January I’ve being building myself back up physically. But I’m feeling pretty good at the moment and hoping I can take that form into Badminton.”

Sam is back riding last year’s winner Brocks, as well as Happy Times who came third at Burghley last year, and was third and fourth at Badminton in 2009 and 2011, respectively.

Strong hand

“Not many people retain titles – it’s pretty difficult to do,’ said Sam. “But I’m coming with a strong hand, so if I’m ever going to retain the title hopefully it’s on one of those two horses.

“When I drive through those gates I’ll be saying to myself: ‘I know I can win this event I’ve done it before, but just try and enjoy it.’”

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