EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

One of the biggest contenders is out and suddenly this year's Badminton looks very different with the spotlight now firmly on Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Nicole Brown is joined by Diarmuid Byrne, Sam Watson, and Ali Barrett to react to the late withdrawal of Oliver Townend's Cooley Rosalent.
They dig into what this means for the competition, from Graffalo's win chances to the unpredictability of five-star sport, and why this still isn't a foregone conclusion. From pressure and performance to the reality of flags, pins, and fine margins, the team explore how quickly everything can change... even for the very best.
Guests Nicole Brown, Diarmuid Byrne, Sam Watson, Ali Barrett

A shot at history. A rival ready to challenge it. And one of the deepest Badminton fields in years.
Can Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo become the first horse-and-rider combination to win Badminton three times? Or is this the year Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent go one better after leading Badminton for almost all of last year's competition?
Nicole Brown, Diarmuid Byrne, Sam Watson, Catherine Austen, and special guest Adam Short break down the head-to-head everyone is talking about, the horses building behind them, and the names that could blow this wide open, from Harry Meade to Sarah Bullimore, plus the returning experience of Caroline Powell, Tim Price, and more.
Prediction Centre numbers, Eventing Manager picks, weather watch, dark horses, and the stories that could define the week. Badminton is here.
Highlights
Can Lordships Graffalo make history with a third Badminton title?
Is Cooley Rosalent now ready to finish on her dressage score?
Why Harry Meade could be sitting on two genuine contenders
Sarah Bullimore's rising star Corimiro
Eventing Manager picks and dark horses to watch
The weather forecast and what it could mean for the leaderboard
Guests
Diarmuid Byrne — EquiRatings analyst and co-host
Sam Watson — Olympic event rider, analyst, and co-founder of EquiRatings
Catherine Austen — Eventing journalist and columnist
Adam Short — Top-level groom with years behind the scenes of five-star success, including with Tom McEwen and William Fox-Pitt.




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From a $50 pony in Australia to the heart of Badminton coverage, Amy Parks has taken anything but a conventional route into the sport.
In this episode of When Nicole Met, brought to you by Bedmax, Nicole Brown sits down with Amy for a conversation that goes well beyond television. From growing up in Melbourne with big dreams of performing, to building a career in journalism, breakfast TV, and entertainment, to interviewing everyone from Tom Cruise to Daniel Craig, Amy shares the unexpected path that eventually led her to equestrian sport, and why she believes horse sport can dream much bigger.
They talk Badminton, ClipMyHorse, the In-Out Studio, inclusivity in equestrian sport, and why making people feel part of the story matters just as much as the sport itself. Plus, Amy reveals who she would love to see win Badminton this year.
Highlights
Growing up in Australia, ponies, Pony Club, and performance dreams
The career pivot that led from acting ambitions to journalism
Covering global entertainment and interviewing some of Hollywood's biggest names
The move to the UK, and finding a new home in equestrian sport
Behind the scenes of Badminton TV and ClipMyHorse
Why inclusivity and storytelling could change horse sport
Amy's pick for Badminton 2026
Guests
Amy Parks — Presenter, producer, and one of the leading broadcast voices in equestrian sport
This show is kindly supported by Bedmax, purpose-made, natural horse bedding designed to protect respiratory health, support hooves, and provide a clean, comfortable stable environment.

Badminton is around the corner, and for Joseph Murphy, it feels personal.
Nicole Brown sits down with one of Ireland's most experienced championship riders to talk about Belline Fighting Spirit, going back to Badminton with unfinished business, and the mindset shifts that have shaped the last few years of his career. From rider mistakes and hard lessons, to equalling his best ever five-star dressage score at Burghley, Joseph opens up about what it really takes to keep evolving at the top of the sport.
The conversation goes far beyond one horse or one event. Joseph reflects on missing championships, losing confidence, rebuilding his system, and why sometimes the next day really can change everything. From hunting fields and point-to-points, to building businesses outside the sport, this is an honest conversation about longevity, resilience, and staying hungry at the top level.
Highlights
Going back to Badminton with Belline Fighting Spirit and unfinished business
The rider mistake that still stays with him from last year
How small changes led to a Burghley dressage breakthrough
Missing championships, losing confidence, and finding a way through
Why hunting and racing still shape his cross-country riding
Building a business, a team, and a life beyond the sport
Guest
Joseph Murphy — Irish Olympian, championship rider, and one of Ireland's most experienced five-star competitors
Sponsors:
Connolly's Red Mills are offering 15% off Foran Equine products to Eventing Podcast listeners! Use the code EquiRatingsPodcast15 to receive your discount. View the full collection here.
Note this does not apply to the already discounted Pre-Fuel & Refuel combo packs.
If you have any other questions regarding feeding click here to ask the Connolly's RED MILLS experts.
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The Inside Burghley series returns for 2026, and this first episode goes behind the scenes at one of the sport's most iconic events.
Nicole Brown heads to Burghley HQ in Stamford to sit down with Event Director Martyn Johnson and get a look at what it really takes to build a five-star. From the day after one event finishes to planning years ahead, this is a full-time operation, shaped by feedback, detail, and constant evolution.
They talk through what's been happening over the winter, how the team balances tradition with change, and what's new for 2026, including a significant shift to the showground layout designed to bring the event closer together while protecting the parkland that makes Burghley so special.
There's also a look at how the event continues to evolve for fans, from the on-site experience and Burghley TV, to masterclasses, hospitality, and ways to make more of the week.
Highlights
Inside Burghley HQ and what happens year-round behind the scenes
Customer experience, feedback, and how the event continues to evolve
Major 2026 site changes and what they mean for the showground
Balancing tradition with future-proofing the event
Masterclasses, fan experience, and new ideas in the works
What the next few months look like in the build-up to September
Guests
Martyn Johnson — Event Director, Defender Burghley Horse Trials
🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV: exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week.
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