THREE IRISH-BRED HORSES IN TOP 10 HEADING INTO FINAL JUMPING PHASE AT BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS

IMG_0280.CR3 in the first horse inspection for the MARS Badminton Horse Trials CCI5* Pam Cunningham/Irish Eventing Times

Irish-bred horses are poised for further success at the 2025 MARS Badminton Horse Trials in the UK, with Cooley Rosalent (ISH), bred in Co Armagh by Woods Rosbotham, holding the lead with Oliver Townend (GBR) heading into today’s (Sunday) final jumping phase. They sit on a score of 22.3 after adding just 1.2 time penalties to their Dressage score in Saturday’s Cross Country.

Irish Olympian Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue shot up 16 places on the leaderboard on Saturday after a brilliant clear Cross Country round inside the time, and are now in fourth place just over two fences off the lead.

Cavalier Crystal (ISH), bred in Co Waterford by Thomas Horgan, is in seventh place with Britain’s Harry Meade, while Ireland’s Ian Cassells and the Bridget McGing-bred Master Point (ISH)[TIH] are in 10th place after a hugely impressive Cross Country performance.

The top 20 competitors begin their final jumping phase at 2.45pm with the 2025 Badminton champion crowned just before 4pm.

BREEDING
Cooley Rosalent (ISH) – 2014 mare by Valent (KWPN) out of Bellaney Jewel (TB) by Roselier (TB). Breeder: J W Rosbotham (Armagh). Rider: Oliver Townend


Cavalier Crystal (ISH) – 2010 mare by Jack of Diamonds (SWB) out of Cavalier Iris (ISH) by Cavalier Royal (HOLST). Breeder: Thomas Horgan, Co Waterford. Rider: Harry Meade (GBR)


Master Point (ISH)(TIH) – 2013 bay gelding by Pointilliste (USA)(TB) out of Chikari (ISH) by Kings Master (ISH). Breeder: Bridget McGing. Rider: Ian Cassells (IRL)