British Rider Claims Second Consecutive Victory on Lordships Graffalo, a Historic Achievement

Ros Canter made history at the Burghley Horse Trials, securing her second consecutive victory on Lordships Graffalo, a horse now recognized as the first to win both Badminton and Burghley twice. The 39-year-old British rider achieved this milestone just weeks after announcing her pregnancy with her second child, marking a significant moment in her career. Canter’s win, with a final score of 23.6, came ahead of Irish rider Austin O’Connor, who finished in second place. Her success also made her the first rider since 1989 to win both Badminton and Burghley in the same year on the same horse.

Canter, who previously won Burghley for the first time last season, has had a stellar year, also claiming the Badminton Horse Trials for the second time in May and the Luhmuhlen Horse Trials in Germany a month later. This achievement places her in an elite group, becoming the second rider to win three five-star events in a single season after Pippa Funnell’s Grand Slam of Eventing in 2003.

Canter’s impressive career spans over two decades, with her first major win coming at the 2008 Badminton Horse Trials. She has since become one of the most successful eventing riders in the world, representing Great Britain in numerous international competitions. Her Olympic team gold medal win in Paris last year was a highlight of her career, and she has shown no signs of slowing down despite her pregnancy.

Canter expressed her gratitude for Lordships Graffalo, calling him a “horse of a lifetime” and a “legend of our sport.” She emphasized his character and performance, stating he “thrives on these occasions.” Despite her pregnancy, Canter remains optimistic about her future in the sport, stating her plan to compete at Badminton next year.

Canter had previously withdrawn from selection for the British team at the upcoming European championships due to her pregnancy but chose to compete at Burghley, an individual event, to avoid letting anyone down. She shared her experience of announcing her pregnancy before a major competition, saying she received mostly supportive responses from others.

As a devoted mother of one, Canter balances her demanding career with family life. She and her partner, Sam Ecroyd, have been together for many years and have been open about their experiences as a couple. Canter has spoken about the importance of having a supportive partner and family, allowing her to pursue her passion for eventing while maintaining a sense of normalcy in her personal life.