Bubby Upton sweeps into the lead (Cola, 27.3): “He was amazing. Just being here is a dream come true – if anyone had told me seven months ago that I would be, I don’t think I would have believed them.” The early leader was Boyd Martin (Tsetserleg TSF, USA, 29): ‘I am thrilled with the horse – he looked like a champion. We’re in with a chance. I am feeling sick to my stomach about the cross-country though; I’ve only been here once and didn’t finish. But I’m not here just to complete; I want get in and get stuck in.’ Tom Jackson (Farndon, 33.0): ‘I don’t mind being first to go – sometimes you’re better off getting out there. Badminton is big and bold and you’ve just got to get stuck in, and Farndon might just have the advantage with the ground. Although he hasn’t been to Badminton before, he’s got five-star experience and he’s a super-chilled and talented horse. I’m super pleased with his dressage test – it’s the best he’s done.’ Caroline Powell (CBI Aldo, NZ,  35.6): ‘I’m chuffed. It’s always a bit of a gamble bringing a nine-year-old [the youngest horse in the field] but it’s a good step for him. It’s a good experience and he’s a trier. I thought that if I got in the 30s I would be thrilled.’ Tom Rowland (Dreamliner, 34.9): ‘Honestly, I’m gutted. Dreamliner always takes a lot of motivation. But, hey, it’s not going to be a dressage competition and we’ve just got to give it our best on Saturday.” Wills Oakden (Arklow Puissance, 39.4): ‘He’s not an easy horse in the dressage but we hope to make up ground on Saturday. At one stage I was even enjoying it, but some of the rest of the test was a case of damage limitation. But he’s a great horse for me to learn on and it’s better to be here than sitting on the sofa at home.’ Pippa Funnell (Majas Hope, 40.8): ‘That was not the best I was hoping for, very disappointing and not my normal standard. But Majas Hope has been here three times and to Burghley three times and he’s an old horse who has seen it all before and so he’s been wired up ever since he’s been here.’ Felix Vogg (Cartania, SUI, 32.6): ‘Last year, the mare made it really clear that she was suitable for Badminton which is why I have brought her here. She is very honest and genuine.’ India Wishart (Diamond Sundance, 38.8): ‘I am competitive so there are aspects I will go away and think about. The flying changes used to be my nemesis, but they were really lovely – I am pretty sure I nailed three of them anyway! I don’t normally get nervous about dressage, but it was quite an electric atmosphere. Badminton is iconic and a level up from anything I’ve done before.’ Zara Tindall (Class Affair, 37.2): ‘I’m not pleased with the mark, but, for Class Affair, he was quite calm – he hates people! The team here has done a great job on the cross-country. Hopefully I can keep him on a straight line and make it smooth.’ Kylie Roddy (SRS Kan Do, 34.0): ‘He did a clear round! He didn’t do anything wrong and was really with me. I can’t ask for any more.’