“This was for Caroline,” announced a visibly emotional Ros Canter moments after securing the second Mars Badminton Horse Trials victory of her career.
Ros, 39, was referring to esteemed coach Caroline Moore, her long-time mentor and friend, who sadly passed away after a battle with cancer in March this year.
“She was by my side my whole career and this is the first time I’ve done anything like this without her,” continued Ros.
“She was selfless in her attention to detail that she gave to me and not only my mentor but also a wonderful friend and I have made so many memories with her.”
History-making horse
Lordships Graffalo — the 17hh 13-year-old who also won here in 2023 with Ros — is the first horse ever to regain a Badminton title.
Five other horse have won twice but they did it back to back.
“I’m so happy to have him in my life,” added Ros. “Also for his owners [Archie & Michele Saul] who have been fantastic supporters not only for me for years but also so many other riders.
“I’m just the lucky girl who gets to pilot Walter.”
Ros confessed that she was more nervous ahead of her showjumping round than usual.
“I was actually really nervous today,” she said. “Caroline would usually be with me, keeping my mind occupied, so I’ve been by myself a lot today. Nick Turner and Chris Bartle helped me warm up and have been fantastic.”
Ros and ‘Walter’ for the penultimate pair to enter the showjumping arena this afternoon, lying second overnight behind Oliver Townend with Cooley Rosalent.
But when the grey mare tapped the front rail on a green Spillers oxer at fence 10 and it came down, they slipped to the runner-up spot.
“The reason I didn’t watch Oliver is because I don’t wish bad on anybody,” said Ros. “I would have been happy with second. To win is the icing on the cake.
“Life’s pretty hectic with a little girl, lots of horses, teaching and everything else. I’m lucky to have the opportunity to do this again.”
Main image by Tim Wilkinson
