Australians off to Winning Start at Badminton Horse Trials
Day one of the world’s prestigious Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials was off to a winning start for the Australians today, with the charismatic Paul Tapner winning the Hiho Silver ‘Best Dressed Male’ award in the Trot Up.
Flying the Australian flag alongside Tapner was Badminton first-timer Shane Rose with Shanghai Joe, Chris Burton & Graf Liberty, Paul Tapner & Bonza King of Rouges, Sam Griffiths & Paulank Brockagh and Andrew Hoy with Rutherglen & The Blue Frontier; all prominently presented among the draw of 80 4**** competitors passing today’s initial proceedings.
A regular contender in the fashion stakes, Tapner was styled by Claudio Lugli presenting a complementary tweed jacket and waistcoat combination featuring a gold bow tie, exactly the kind of presence the Australian team would like to continue with leading into one of the world’s best known sporting events.
There was an air of excitement among the riders and spectators alike despite braving the chilly weather conditions, setting the scene for a competitive dressage phase split across Thursday and Friday. The five Australian riders are placed 8th (Hoy), 20th (Rose), 74th (Tapner), 89th (Griffiths), 100th (Hoy), 102nd (Burton) in the starting order.
Griffiths, Burton and Hoy spoke Josh Peacock ahead of the competition while Tapner spoke to Beth Lewis. Listen to their interviews on www.lloydbell.co.uk.
The prestigious parkland will double in attendance come Saturday for the gruelling cross-country phase as riders take on the course welcoming first-time designer, Eric Winter.
Sunday heralds the show jumping finale determining the final place order of the event, with first place prize money at an all-time high of £100,000. Presentations and prizes will be awarded by Camilla Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall.
Expecting a footfall of over 160,000 across the five-day Eventing spectacular held at the Duke of Beaufort’s Gloucestershire Estate, Badminton Horse Trials showcases over 500 trade stands, tasteful hospitality options and a diverse range of food and wine vendors, welcoming sport and social followers from all around the globe.
In its 68th year running, Badminton Horse Trials has been won by the following Australian Event riders:
- 2014 Sam Griffiths on Paulank Brockagh
- 2010 Paul Tapner on Inonothing
- 2007 Lucinda Fredericks on Headley Britannia
- 2006 Andrew Hoy on Moonfleet
- 1961 (Great Badminton) Laurie Morgan on Salad Days
- 1960 (Great Badminton) Bill Roycroft on Our Solo
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