Badminton ‘Star’ Put to Sleep Aged 14
Laura Collett’s 4* eventer, Grand Manoeuvre, was put to sleep on July 26th, after just 3 months of retirement.
Grand Manoeuvre, owned by David and Diana Chappell, was put to sleep aged 14 years. The chestnut gelding has completed Badminton Horse Trials three times, most recently in 2016 where he finished 22nd. The gelding, partnered with Collett, also came 13th at Blair European Championships, to give Collett her first senior championship completion.
The “wonder horse” was originally produced by Nick Gauntlett, competing as a five-year-old with him. Grand Manoeuvre excelled in his early career placing 22nd at his first ever Badminton Horse Trials in 2014 before Collett took the reins.
Laura Collett and Grand Manoeuvre also had numerous top-10 placings in three-star competition. In 2016, the year they were long listed for the Rio Olympics, the pair also achieved their highest placing of 6th at the Barbury CIC3*.
Collett posted a tribute to her partner on social media;
The most devastating day as we had to say goodbye to Grand Manoeuvre . The most wonderful horse with the biggest heart in the world. I have so many amazing memories with him and will miss him more than I can ever explain. RIP… there’s a very bright star shining tonight.”
A huge thank you to Diana Chappell for allowing (myself) to ride her wonder horse Grand Manoeuvre . We have all been on such an amazing journey with this special horse.”
Grand Manoeuvre last competition was the 2017 Event Rider’s Masters Series in Blenheim, in September, where he placed 7th
