“That’s it for this level. I’m going to do young ones and carry on for a bit, but this is my last Badminton, for sure. There’s no tears and sobbing, I’m very matter of fact about it – it’s the right thing to do.”
We have so much to bring you from this year’s Badminton Horse Trials, including more on Caroline Powell’s sensational win, but we would be remiss not to immediately doff our cap to a one William Fox-Pitt
WILLIAM THE CONQUERER
The first British rider to become Eventing World No 1, Williams’ achievements in our sport cement him as one of the most successful event riders of all time
Representing his country at 5 Olympic Games – winning team Silver at London 2012, team Silver at Athens 2004 and team Bronze at Beijing 2008. Achieving seven team Gold, two individual Silvers and one individual Bronze at European Championships and winner of the HSBC FEI Classics four times (2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014)
The only rider to have won five out of the six CCI5* events worldwide (before the inclusion of Maryland in 2021), having won Burghley (1994, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011), Badminton (2004 & 2015), Luhmuhlen (2008), Kentucky (2010, 2012, 2014) and Pau (2011, 2013)
In 2011 William became the first rider to win a record six Burghley titles (on six different horses) and became one of the first riders to ever win a CCI*, CCI** and CCI*** at the same event on the same day – a feat achieved at Tattersalls
He is the record-man at CCI5*, with 14 grand slam titles and 64 CCI three-day event wins
To you, William Fox-Pitt Eventing
For so many years, you have been at the pinnacle of our sport. Your horsemanship is unparalleled, and it has been a privilege to support and watch you compete. You are the embodiment of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork and the epitome of determination and resilience
Watching you and Grafennacht on course yesterday was to watch a man still very much at the top of his game and a memory we will not forget
We wish you nothing but health and happiness, hoping we may see you out and about with the youngsters and never too far away from our sport, a sport in which you leave a lasting and formidable legacy
With great respect and admiration, Team ET x