Mark Phillips: ‘Badminton will be a treat’

Former Olympic team gold medallist, four-time Badminton winner and one of the world’s leading cross-country course-designers, Mark Phillips, reflects on Badminton entries and hope for the national sport

I was lucky enough to go to the Cheltenham Festival on Gold Cup day, when Rachael Blackmore won under warm spring sunshine in front of record crowds. What a contrast to the Wednesday when I was teaching at home and came in for lunch without a dry stitch of clothing!

Sadly I did not back Rachael, but I returned with spirits high. As the sunshine continued over the weekend, things looked even better when I saw the list of Badminton entries.

What a treat we are in for in May. We can look forward to the stars of Tokyo in Tom McEwen, Laura Collett and Oliver Townend coming up against the “young pretenders” – horses that is – from the Europeans in Avenches. Nicola Wilson, Sarah Bulllimore, Piggy March and Kitty King all bring forward their medallists from there, plus the real youngsters – Bubby Upton and Mollie Summerland – hope to come of age at the “Great Event”.

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Article written Mark Phillips