History Made: Lordships Graffalo becomes Badminton's first three-time Champion
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo have written themselves into the history books at the 2026 Mars Badminton Horse Trials, becoming the first horse-and-rider combination ever to win the event three times.
In 77 years of Badminton history, no horse had gone beyond two victories. "Walter" has now gone one better - adding 2026 to his wins in 2023 and 2025, and standing alone at the top of a list that includes legends like Supreme Rock, Sir Wattie, and Great Ovation.
The victory is also the fifth CCI5* win of Lordships Graffalo's career (excluding Worlds and Olympics), moving him clear of Willingapark Clifford and Ballaghmor Class — both of whom finished on four — to become the most successful five-star horse the sport has ever seen.
From harmony in the dressage, to bravery across country, to delivering once again when it mattered most in the showjumping, this was a performance that captured everything great about eventing. That it came just 15 weeks after the birth of Ros' second child only adds to the remarkable nature of what was achieved.
Skill. Horsemanship. Resilience. Greatness.