The organizers caught up with some riders out walking the course and after the first trot up to find out what they think of Giuseppe Della Chiesa’s first Badminton course. Lucy Jackson: “It’s meaty. It opens you out right from the start and needs serious attacking.” Sarah Cohen: “You need accuracy, scope and guts… that’s all! It’s a proper 4* track for sure.” Giovanni Ugolotti: “It’s definitely an attacking course – we will have to be very positive and ride forward. The ground is pretty perfect at the moment but it will be soft enough if we have more rain.” Izzy Taylor: “It’s a step up from last year. I wouldn’t say that there was one part of it that I’d most like to have behind me, other than the last fence – the problems are spread around the course. It’s a proper track, I’m looking forward to it.” Sam Griffiths: “It’s pretty tough. I think the logs on the mound (18abc) will be influential, and the course is definitely tougher than last year – but hopefully it should suit my mare.” Caroline Powell: “It’s not going to be a dressage competition. It’s really in your face and I’m loving it.” Oliver Townend: “It’s a serious course, particularly the line along the Vicarage Vee. I’ll tell you on Saturday night if it suits Armada.” Gemma Tattersall: “It’s big, bad and bold. I’ll be pleased when fence 18 is behind me – I need to ride it like I stole it.” Michael Owen: “It’s going to need a rideable horse to make a good job of it” Mary King: “I’ve only walked the first few fences and the last few, but it looks gorgeous. I can’t wait to walk the rest and get my teeth into it.” © MMBHT
