Badminton Increases Prize Money

The 77th year of the MARS Badminton Horse Trials is marked by a boost in prize money. First prize will be £125,000. As befits the world’s most prestigious five-star horse trials, this is the largest first prize and prize fund in the sport of eventing. The overall prize fund for the top 20 finishers has been raised to £451,500.

“This is fantastic news,” said defending champion Ros Canter. “Badminton is the horse trials that everyone in the world has heard of and is the one we all desperately want to win. I can’t wait to come back and try again.”

“We are delighted to have been able to raise the prize-money levels for what promises to be another excellent and thrilling competition,” commented Badminton Director Jane Tuckwell. “Last year was of such a high standard so we are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone back for what promises to be another great weekend of sport. Perhaps we will even see the future world champion in action!”

The LeMieux Grassroots Championships for British Eventing 100 and 90 horses takes place on Wednesday, May 6 and prize money for both sections will be increased.

The Box Office for the 2026 MARS Badminton Horse Trials is now open, with an early-bird booking discount. As in previous years, there will be no admission available on the gate, including on cross-country day.