The opening day of the British Eventing LeMieux Grassroots Championships at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials got underway today, in fresh and breezy conditions. Overall, the dressage phase welcomed high-quality performances, setting the tone in both the BE90 and BE100 sections of the event.
BE90: Jowett and Jessett share the lead
A competitive BE90 field saw a tie at the top of the leaderboard, with Lucy Jowett aboard Lilly, and Holly Jessett aboard Lombard Lad, both posting identical scores of 27.1 heading into cross-country.
Jowett, competing at Badminton for the first time, admitted the moment had yet to fully register:
“I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet – I’m still a bit in shock to be honest! It was amazing. I just wanted to go in and give Lilly a nice, smooth test and get through it, and she really improved as she went on.”
She added that the experience carries extra meaning, having owned Lilly since the mare was eight:
“It’s our first time at Badminton, which makes it even more special… I’ve been coming to Badminton since I was a child, so to be here competing… it’s just incredible.”
Looking ahead, Jowett is optimistic about the next phase:
“It looks like a course you can attack and ride forward, with some tougher questions towards the end, but it feels fair.”
Jessett was equally delighted with Lombard Lad’s test, highlighting the results of focused training at home:
“It’s amazing, I’m just so pleased with him. Everything we’ve been working on at home really came together.”
She emphasised improvements in rhythm and connection:
“We’ve been focusing a lot on not rushing the test… every transition felt smooth, and he just stayed relaxed and consistent.”
Jessett, who finished third in this class in 2023, admitted her current position feels “surreal,” adding:
“It’s exciting, but definitely a little nerve-wracking too.”
Close behind the joint leaders, Maddy Moffett and Odysseus HM sit third on 28.4, keeping the pressure firmly on going into tomorrow’s showjumping, before the final cross-country phase shortly after.
BE100: Hendry leads with standout sub-20 score
In the BE100 section, Philippa Hendry and Flyer Des Coupeaux produced the performance of the day to take the overnight lead on an impressive 19.8.
Hendry credited significant improvements to both her own physical development and the support of trainer Rob Wayne:
“I’m absolutely over the moon with him. He tried so hard… having [Rob’s] eyes on the ground has been a real game changer.”
After struggling with suppleness issues, Hendry explained how a back injury earlier this year proved a turning point:
“It made me realise it was actually me causing the issue… since then I’ve been working on my own suppleness and riding with more movement. The difference… has been incredible.”
Her partnership with Flyer Des Coupeaux has deep roots, having purchased the horse unseen as a three-year-old:
“It was a gamble that paid off… this is his fourth time here.”
At the fine age of 61, Hendry is pragmatic about the challenges ahead:
“Tomorrow will be a challenge, but I’m just really pleased we’re both fit, sound and healthy.”
Jane Rogers and Corrieview Merlin Magic hold second place on 26.1, while Ella Stevens and Totally Worth It sit in third on 27.8.
With dressage complete, attention now turns to tomorrow’s showjumping and cross-country, where a highly influential track will see riders aim to secure championship titles before the spotlight shifts to Badminton’s prestigious five-star competition.
