A true test

ALL were thrilled to see the return of Badminton last week – the pinnacle of our most popular Olympic spectator sport. It was a credit to Jane Tuckwell and her team that the event sold out ahead of time for Saturday with a capacity crowd.

Eric Winter’s course ensured Badminton was the significant test it should be, and Laura Collett’s recordbreaking win well deserved. Goodness, she had to ride for it – anyone did to stand a chance of conquering this horse trials of all horse trials.

Sometimes watching cross-country you see a rider or horse make a slight mistake and somehow get through, finding that fifth leg or stickability. Other times one minor lapse in focus can spell the end of that round. It’s an unforgiving sport – you’re up then you’re down, and making it once doesn’t make it a given that you will again. But that is just one reason why so many who go to watch Badminton aged three, as Laura did, really want to win there one day, and go through all manner of pain and sacrifice to do so.

Huge congratulations to Laura, and to second-placed Ros Canter, too. Former world champion Ros had a tough 2021, but 2022 is looking up.

And congratulations to third and fifth-placed Oliver Townend – how he even stayed on board after one sticky moment is a skill all of itself.

As for fourth-placed Piggy March and Vanir Kamira, winners in 2019, there’s consistency for you.

There was sadness, too, when Nicola Wilson was taken to hospital following her cross-country fall. Anyone who has met Nicola refers to her as we all do at H&H as one of the loveliest people in sport. We all wish Nicola a strong and fast recovery.