WILLIAM FOX PITT with Andrew Bon @BADMINTON

William Fox Pitt and Grafennacht are hot on Tim’s heels and moved up into second place in what may be the legendary rider’s last Badminton. William has hinted to the press this weekend that he may retire after a final run here.
“She is an amazing mare,” said a beaming William of the 12-year-old bay. “She’s just fabulous and always says yes.”
This was William’s 26th Badminton cross-country completion, and he was delighted to have his family supporting him on the day.
“[My children] really get it now, and have been to Badminton all their lives,” he said. “Hopefully they’re old enough now to remember me having done something when I’m in my zimmer frame. It’s very exciting to still be here and still be in the fight.”
Grafennacht is the first mare William has ever ridden at Badminton.
“She’s a cool horse. Anyone could ride. She always says yes and has a go,” added William. “I was very optimistic because she’s quietly dangerous. Luckily she didn’t blemish her record - she’s never had a cross-country [jumping] fault and I thought how typical would it be for it to happen here, where it really counts. She always seems to have walked the course and I don’t have to pull. I was puffing a bit at the end today though - and I thought I was quite fit!”