Oliver Townend has withdrawn his horse Cooley Rosalent from this week’s Mars Badminton Horse Trials, scheduled for May 6-10. The pair, who finished second last year, were second favourites behind Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Townend expressed great disappointment in a statement.
Oliver Townend announced the withdrawal of Cooley Rosalent from the Mars Badminton Horse Trials, set to take place from May 6 to 10. The 12-year-old mare had been a strong contender, having secured runner-up position at last year’s event and boasting seven five-star starts, including third place at Maryland 5 Star in 2023 and a win at Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2024. Townend, seeking a second Badminton title after his 2009 victory on Flint Curtis, shared the news with regret, thanking owner Diana Ridgeon and his team for their support. “It is with great disappointment that we announce that we have had to withdraw Cooley Rosalent from Badminton,” Townend said in the statement. “We were hugely looking forward to being back at one of our favourite events and one where she has had great success.” He added that the team is “gutted” but optimistic about the mare’s future, wishing competitors well and hoping to return for Burghley Horse Trials. Cooley Rosalent has consistently performed well, finishing in all podium places across major events. The decision underscores the challenges of top-level eventing, where horse welfare often takes precedence.
