A cool breeze, sunshine and clouds at Badminton today and as Chilli’s Midnight Star (Ollie) and Falco settled into their stables in the main yard that bit of Badminton magic seeped into the anticipation as the jog time of 4.30pm drew near. Jonelle had completed her first walk of the track with Cosby Green in the afternoon and pronounced “I actually don’t mind it at all” when she returned which is always a positive start!
Rosie is Ollie’s PA for this week and Louella is Falco’s….both horses were revelling in the pre jog pampering and having someone all to themselves which is always s a 5 star treat. Just 61 fronted up which is a smaller field than normal at Badminton which has been compounded by some very last minute withdrawals which is always heartbreaking for those who have put their heart and soul into trying to get there ready to run. Thankfully all horses that were presented passed and Jonelle and Ollie certainly turned a few heads when they came through the archway to the front of the house. Jonelle looked glamorous in her https://www.meandem.com long dress which she had picked to match Ollie’s gleaming bright bay coat and if boy-from-Dorset Ollie was slightly over awed by his surroundings he hid it well!
Tim opted to give his shoulder another day and his good friend Marcio Carvalho Jorge jogged up a slightly bemused Falco who had not expected a Brazilian to be making his acquaintance at this stage in his career but, ever the professional, he looked magnificent in the sunshine and looked very happy to be at a venue fitting for his expectations of the top of the sport.
Jonelle and Ollie head down the centre line at 2.56 Thursday and Tim and Falco at 2.40 on Friday. Livestream, results and much more at https://www.badminton-horse.co.uk
And so cool to have Libby Law back in the Northern hemisphere!
South Gloucestershire, England. Wednesday 6 May 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
