History was written in capital letters this Sunday at Badminton. By winning the world’s most legendary cross-country event for the third time, Lordships Graffalo has effectively ended the debate over the best horse of his generation. But beyond the feat itself, one statistic is truly staggering: 75% of this edition’s Top 4 are alumni of the Mondial du Lion.
A Podium with an Anjou Accent
The genius of “Walter” (Lordships Graffalo’s stable name) was not built overnight. While the British public cheers the triple winner of the event (2023, 2025, 2026), French fans remember his early strides at the Parc de l’Isle Briand. In 2019, as a 7-year-old, he finished 8th at the Mondial, already revealing extraordinary potential.
Behind the untouchable duo of Rosalind Canter and Graffalo, the podium and its immediate runners-up confirm that a journey through the Maine-et-Loire region is the key to success:
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Annaghmore Valoner (3rd with Harry Meade): Having competed at Le Lion in 2019 under Sam Griffiths, this mare confirms her status among the world’s elite.
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United 36 (4th with Tom Jackson): A pure product of the Le Lion school, placing 8th in both the 6 and 7-year-old championships in 2022 and 2023.
Key Statistic: Of the top four horses in the final standings of the world’s greatest eventing competition, three cut their teeth at the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel! At Badminton, the global hierarchy speaks for itself: the higher you climb toward the top of the rankings, the more a background at the Mondial du Lion emerges as the common denominator among champions.
The Top 20: A Breeding Ground for Talent
Deep into the Top 20, the names making waves at Badminton are those who once shone at l’Isle Briand:
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Filao de Perle (9th with Benjamin Massié): This strong Selle Français representative, a 2022 Le Lion alumnus, proves he now belongs to the very exclusive circle of 5* elite.
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Corimiro (10th with Sara Bullimore): A steady progression that brings him today among the world’s best. Corimiro previously finished 3rd in the 6-year-old championship at the 2022 Mondial du Lion.
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Hooney d’Arville (19th with Lara de Liedekerke): Rigorously trained at Le Lion (6th as a 6-year-old, then returning at 7), the Belgian rider’s mare remains a mainstay of the leaderboard.
Don’t Miss Tomorrow’s Legends!
Lordships Graffalo’s historic hat-trick and the density of Mondial alumni in the Top 20 highlight one simple truth: if you want to see the future winners of Badminton, the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel is the place to be!
Every year, the Anjou region reveals the horses that will go on to write history. Will you be there to spot the next world-class star?
The box office for the 2026 edition is now open! Book your tickets now to experience the thrill at the heart of a world-unique event.