Jung makes Badminton debut as Fox-Pitt goes for grand slam glory

The world’s leading four-star event also sees reigning Olympic, world and European champion Michael Jung making his Badminton debut.

German star Jung, the only rider in eventing history to hold all three titles simultaneously, has entered his Greenwich Park winner La Biosthetique Sam, plus a high-class second ride in Leopin.

He will be joined by three colleagues that helped Germany win Olympic team gold in London, and another thrilling battle against Britain’s finest lies ahead.

William Fox-Pitt has entered five horses – including the brilliant challengers Cool Mountain and Parklane Hawk – as he chases the coveted Rolex Grand Slam.

The grand slam is awarded to any rider who completes consecutive victories at Kentucky, Burghley and Badminton. It carries a prize of just over £230,000.

Britain’s Pippa Funnell achieved the feat in 2003 – no other rider has managed it – but Fox-Pitt has an outstanding chance following his successes at Burghley in 2011 and Kentucky 2012.

Because Badminton was cancelled 12 months ago due to waterlogging, this year’s event from May 3-6 puts Fox-Pitt, 44, back in the grand slam spotlight.

He is joined among the entries by his 2012 Olympic silver medal-winning colleagues Zara Phillips, Mary King, Tina Cook and Northallerton’s Nicola Wilson, who have all put forward their London rides – High Kingdom, Imperial Cavalier, Miners Frolic and Opposition Buzz, respectively.

There is also a welcome return for 2011 Badminton runner-up Piggy French. Leicestershire-based French was selected for last year’s Olympics but her top horses, DHI Topper W and Jakata, suffered injuries and she had to withdraw. Wilson and Opposition Buzz replaced her.

Seven previous Badminton winners are among the field, including Fox-Pitt, King, recently knighted New Zealander Mark Todd, Australian Paul Tapner and Huddersfield’s Oliver Townend, who won Badminton and Burghley in 2009.

Almost 150 combinations were entered, with the traditional leading 85 on recent form accepted, and the remainder put on a waiting list.

Advance ticket sales have already surpassed last year’s record levels for an event that was defeated by incessant rainfall.