Katy Lawrence and Cheyenne Balloon (pictured above) were left celebrating a narrow victory at the LeMieux Badminton Grassroots Championships, securing the top spot in the BE100 by 0.2 of a penalty from wildcard entrants Maisie Morgan and Bright Rinco.This victory feels so surreal right now, but its a massive dream come true. Im thrilled to pieces. This is what dreams are made of. A result like this makes all the hard winter days worthwhile, said Katy.It was a first appearance at Badminton for Katy and the 14-year-old British-bred mare who qualified at Blindley Heath which is just around the corner from where they live in Surrey last summer.She is a quirky character, but when she tries, she really tries. Im very lucky and we seem to have a very good partnership, added Katy. I have to be very vocal with her and talk to her lots and try and keep her calm but she was magic today. I couldnt be more thrilled.Feeling apprehensiveKaty confessed that she walked the cross-country course four times in total.Every time I walked it again, I thought it looked a little bit bigger so I was apprehensive, she said. It had a lot of questions and the undulations made it a little bit more to think about but I loved every minute of it.Katy, who is a freelance rider and BHS accredited coach, had various members of her family on hand to support her, including her two daughters.I kicked the whole way roundMaisie Morgan finishes secondRunner-up Maisie Morgan has owned Bright Rinco, a nine-year-old Dutch gelding, since he was two.Hes bred to do dressage so he moves really well. Hes always been fine at jumping cross-country, but hes not the best at galloping so I knew the cross-country today was going to be tough, said Maisie. I kicked literally the whole way round by the time I finished I dont think I could breathe, but we made it and he was super. Maisie runs a livery yard in Kent with her mum.Back from a broken pelvisJane Rogers claims third placeBadminton grassroots regulars Jane Rogers and Corrieview Merlin Magic leaders after Thursdays dressage tests finished third.Corrieview Merlin Magic is an 18-year-old British-bred gelding. He has contested these championships with Jane every year it has taken place since 2017.The pair finished second here two years ago but didnt enjoy a smooth preparation this time after Jane broke her pelvis in a fall in January.Its been a mad panic to get myself fit enough to be able to ride here because I had a vertigo problem as well due to the fall so I couldnt keep myself fit while I was recovering, explained Jane.I started riding again in the second week of March but I couldnt sit for very long. Hes only had one event this year but I actually think that worked better for him as he was sharper.The East Devon-based riders success also finished ninth in the BE90 final aboard Corrieview Oscar.In the final BE100 standings, Rose Reid piloted the 13-year-old gelding Surefly Landarco into fourth, just ahead of Philippa Hendry aboard Flyer Des Coupeaux. Emma Savage and Mummys Dream rounded out the top six.View the full resultsImages by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentProud moment for NHS physiotherapist crowned BE90 champion at BadmintonHow to watch Mars Badminton Horse Trials 2025Badminton app is relaunched with new interactive featuresLeMieux unveils exclusive Badminton collection in cherry pinkThe post Quirky mare carries freelance rider to a narrow victory in the BE100 final at Badminton appeared first on Your Horse.