The third five-star in as many weeks is here — and the 2025 Mars Badminton Horse Trials is shaping up to be a classic.

The 2025 Mars Badminton Horse Trials is packed with pressure, prestige, and serious horsepower. Big names, big form, and storylines at every turn — from returning champions to rising stars, it’s all on the line. This is your inside look at the contenders, the course, and the stats that could shape the weekend.

In this episode, Nicole Brown is joined by Diarmuid Byrne, Spike Milligan, and Catherine Austen to unpack the pressure, form, and firepower heading into one of the most hotly anticipated Badmintons in recent memory. From dressage threats to cross-country specialists and Sunday shakeups, this is the story behind the stats — and your guide to what’s coming.

Highlights:

• The Big Five – Graffalo, Rosalent, Vitali, Dublin, Balamore Class — who’s got the edge and who might slip?
• Dark Horses – From Rehy DJ to Chilli Knight to Harry Meade’s climbing crew
• Cross-Country Outlook – What the early rounds will reveal — and who’s built for a tough day
• Sunday Showdowns – Strong jumpers, small margins, and the final test under pressure
• Podium Predictions – The team picks their winners, surprises, and one horse they can’t shake

Guests:

• Diarmuid Byrne – Co-founder of EquiRatings 
• Spike Milligan – Team vet and cross-country form expert 
• Catherine Austen – Longtime journalist and Badminton insider 

 

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