Ros Canter and the extraordinary Lordships Graffalo have written a new chapter in eventing history, becoming the first horse-and-rider combination ever to win the MARS Badminton Horse Trials three times.

The pair, already regarded as one of the sport’s great modern partnerships, completed their latest Badminton triumph on Sunday, 10 May 2026, adding to their previous victories in 2023 and 2025. Their three Badminton wins underline a remarkable run of dominance at one of the world’s most prestigious five-star events.

Riding Lordships Graffalo, affectionately known as “Walter”, Canter delivered a composed and polished final show jumping round to seal the 2026 title. The combination had led after dressage and cross-country, entering the final phase with a significant advantage. Even with two time penalties in the show jumping, they finished on a final score of 25.7, comfortably ahead of New Zealand’s Tim Price and Falco, who took second place on 33.9. Harry Meade and Annaghmore Valoner completed the podium in third on 35.1.

This year’s result was not simply another win; it was a defining moment in Badminton’s long and celebrated history. The event, first held in 1949, has crowned many legendary champions, but never before had the same horse and rider won the title three times together. Canter and Lordships Graffalo now stand alone in that respect, their names permanently etched into the sport’s record books.

Their latest victory also underlined the depth of their partnership. The 14-year-old bay gelding, owned by Archie and Michele Saul, looked every inch the seasoned champion, showing the athleticism, confidence and intelligence that have made him such a favourite with eventing fans. Canter, meanwhile, once again demonstrated the calm precision and trust in her horse that have become hallmarks of their performances.

The top ten reflected the international quality of the field. Behind Canter, Price and Meade came Britain’s Tom Jackson with United 36 in fourth on 35.8, Britain’s Katie Magee and Treworra in fifth on 37.3, New Zealand’s Tayla Mason and Centennial in sixth on 38.1, France’s Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza in seventh on 40.4, Switzerland’s Felix Vogg and Cartania in eighth on 40.7, France’s Benjamin Massie and Filao De Perle in ninth on 41.2, and Britain’s Sarah Bullimore with Corimiro in tenth on 41.7.

For Canter, the achievement is even more striking given the timing. She returned to the very top of five-star eventing just 16 weeks after giving birth to her second child, balancing elite sport with family life in a way that has drawn admiration far beyond the eventing world.

Badminton is never easily won. Its combination of technical dressage, stamina-testing cross-country and pressure-filled show jumping makes it one of the ultimate examinations of horse and rider. To win it once is career-defining. To win it three times with the same horse is unprecedented.

Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo have not only claimed another major title; they have achieved something no other partnership has managed in the event’s 77-year history. For British eventing, and for fans who have followed “Walter’s” journey, the 2026 MARS Badminton Horse Trials will be remembered as the year greatness became history.