Do as I did, not as I say...

Ahead of next week's big event, Netia Walker talks memories, advice and more with three former Badminton winners and the competitors they are training in this year’s field

- Netia Walker

 ‘I get more nervous watching her than riding’

RODNEY POWELL won Badminton in 1991 on The Irishman II and returns this year in the role of trainer to first-timer Greta Mason, who rides Cooley For Sure (Murphy), with whom she won the national under-25 title last year.

Greta has been based with and trained by Rodney and Alex Franklin for the past three years, qualifying for Badminton being their main goal.

“I have dreamt about getting to Badminton my whole life and now it is finally happening,” says Greta.

She is quick to point out that Rodney’s guidance has made it possible, especially with improving their jumping: “Rod has really helped me adapt my riding and made me use my aids to control the speed.

 “We were picking up time-faults from wasting time setting up before a fence so we have worked hard to improve the control and be able to adjust without pulling into a fence, which is absolutely not what you want to be doing as the courses have got bigger as we have gone up the levels!

“Now Murphy comes back nicely, and we made the time at Bramham and Ballindenisk.”

With his coach hat on, Rodney speaks highly of his pupil: “She has really

put the work in and she and the horse have a great partnership. They should do well.”

When asked what the big difference is between Badminton in his day to today, Rodney explains it has a lot to do with the horse power.