48 hours after winning Badminton Paulank Brockagh (Brocks) is relaxing back at Sam Griffiths’ Dorset base.
Australian rider Sam was a surprise winner moving up from 25th place after dressage and a testing cross-country day which only 35 horses completed, to take the title.
Despite coming close in the past with Happy Times this was Sam’s first 4-star win.
“The beautiful trophy has just arrived. It’s engraved with so many great riders, seeing Brocks’ and my name alongside them made it sink in what we’ve achieved. It’s a dream come true,” said Sam.
The mare that Sam described as a “tough nut” is co-owned by Dinah Posford and her daughter Juliet Carter.
“It’s also great that the Posford family are here to enjoy the moment too as they have been great supporters to me throughout my career,” Sam added.
An exclusive H&H “at home” interview with Sam will be in next week’s magazine (22 May).
For a full Badminton report with analysis of the competition don’t miss this week’s H&H — out tomorrow (Thursday 15 May).