Oliver Townend has announced that he has withdrawn Cooley Rosalent from this week’s Mars Badminton Horse Trials (6–10 May).

Oliver and the hugely talented Cooley Rosalent, who is a 12-year-old mare, finished second at Badminton in 2025 and they also won Kentucky five-star in 2024 and finished third at Maryland 5 Star in 2023. They were second favourites, behind Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, to take this year’s Badminton title.

Oliver, who won Badminton in 2009 aboard Flint Curtis, announced news of the withdrawal via his social channels.

“It is with great disappointment that we announce that we have had to withdraw Cooley Rosalent from Badminton.

“We were hugely looking forward to being back at one of our favourite events and one where she has had great success.

“Thank you to Disy Ridgeon for her support in this decision and to our team and sponsors for always standing by us, we are all gutted, but she has a bright future ahead of her.

“We wish everyone the best of luck and hope to be back for Burghley.”

Other last-minute withdrawals from this year’s Badminton include Ireland’s Susie Berry (Clever Trick) and her compatriot Joseph Murphy (Belline Fighting Spirit).

The USA’s Cosby Green has also withdrawn Highly Suspicious, but still has another ride in the form of Jos Ufo De Quidam.

Other recent withdrawals include Britain’s Caroline Harris (Cooley Mosstown), the USA’s Boyd Martin (Miks Master C), Britain’s Selina Milnes (Cooley Snapchat) and fellow Brit, Harry Mutch (Shanbeg Cooley).

Image: © Tim Wilkinson

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