Badminton Horse Trials (TT column 06/05/13)

Did that Bank Holiday weekend really just happen or did I imagine that there was glorious sunshine for all three days? I'm aware that I am still yet to appreciate the full meaning of these extra holidays in the British Calender as there is not a significant difference for an athlete. However I certainly did make the most of the start of our summer - apologies if I have just jinked the weather for the next few months.
For as long as I can remember I've got excited about Badminton horse trials and over the last few years I've managed to attend most of them. 2012 was an unfortunate exception and hard to comprehend right now as it was cancelled last minute due to water logging.  For those unaware of Badminton it is the Olympic sport of three day eventing which has similar kudos to Wimbledon for tennis or the Masters for golf. With commentators describing the Olympic, European and World Champion Micheal Jung as missing the elusive title it gives a clear example of how significant this competition is.
I often mention how unknown the riding part of modern pentathlon can be partly because we will be riding an 'unknown' horse but basically because it simply involves a horse.
To have your horse on the start line of a big event such as Badminton is an achievement in itself so to be in the lead after the first two events with just the show jumping remaining is an impressive feat. This was the position the reigning Olympic Champion found himself in until the final fence of the whole competition when the incredibly 'expensive' pole rolled out of its cups. Anyone watching the nail biting climax would struggle not to feel for Micheal but sport is a game and it is the game that gets us hooked whether watching or partaking.
As long as the British weather behaves there is always next year.