Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza Secure Top-10 Finish at Badminton Horse Trials, Eyeing Global Championships

In the grueling world of five-star eventing, consistency is the ultimate currency. For French rider Gaspard Maksud and his standout mare Zaragoza, a remarkable seventh-place finish at the 2026 Badminton Horse Trials has solidified their status as one of the most formidable pairs in the sport.

The result at the prestigious CCI5*-L event in Gloucestershire, England, marks a significant leap for the duo. After completing their first Badminton in previous years with a 25th-place finish, Maksud has now propelled Zaragoza into the upper echelon of the world rankings, proving that their progression is not just steady, but accelerating.

Following the event, Maksud signaled his readiness for the highest level of international competition, noting that he and Zaragoza remain fully available and eager to represent France in upcoming championships. Given their current trajectory, the pair is likely to be a central pillar of the French equestrian strategy for the next cycle of global competitions.

The Anatomy of a Top-10 Performance

Badminton is widely regarded as one of the most demanding tests in eventing, requiring a rare blend of precision in dressage, bravery and stamina in cross-country, and nerves of steel in the final show jumping phase. Finishing seventh in a field of the world’s best riders is a testament to the technical preparation Maksud has instilled in his mare.

Zaragoza is not merely a talented athlete; she is a statistical anomaly in the sport. According to data from the official Badminton Horse Trials biography, Zaragoza currently holds an Elo rating of 749, making her the highest-rated French horse in the world. Her ability to deliver under pressure is backed by a personal best dressage score of 26.8 at Burghley 2024, demonstrating a level of elegance and control that provides a critical cushion heading into the jumping phases.

For those unfamiliar with the scoring, a low dressage score is the goal. Starting with a strong baseline allows a rider to absorb the occasional rail or time penalty without plummeting down the leaderboard. Maksud’s ability to maintain this precision while managing the physical demands of a CCI5*-L course is what separates the top ten from the rest of the pack.

From Laval to Cranleigh: The Making of a Rider

Gaspard Maksud’s journey to the top of the eventing world is a study in professional discipline and international ambition. Originally from Laval, France, Maksud began his career with a technical diploma in animal production—a foundation that gives him a deep, scientific understanding of equine health, and performance.

His early career was shaped under the guidance of Olympian Cedric Lyard in France. However, seeking to refine his skills and improve his English, Maksud made a pivotal move to England in 2013. He spent formative years working for renowned Olympians and former Badminton winners Andrew Nicholson and Sam Griffiths, absorbing the nuances of the British eventing system.

Today, Maksud operates his own yard near Cranleigh, Surrey. While he manages the daily operations, he continues to evolve under the tutelage of trainer Annabel Scrimgeour. This blend of French technicality and British experience has created a riding style that is both disciplined and adaptable.

A Proven International Pedigree

While the seventh-place finish at Badminton is a career highlight, Maksud and Zaragoza are no strangers to the pressure of the national jersey. Their partnership has already delivered significant hardware for France on the global stage:

• 2023 European Championships (Haras du Pin): The pair were instrumental in securing a bronze medal for the French team, with Maksud finishing eighth individually.
• 2022 World Championships (Pratoni del Vivaro): In a high-stakes environment in Italy, they finished an impressive sixth individually.
• Burghley Track Record: They have shown remarkable consistency at Burghley, finishing seventh in one outing and sixth in 2024.

This history of success at the World and European levels suggests that Maksud’s desire to return to championship competition is not merely aspirational, but a logical next step. A top-10 finish at Badminton serves as the perfect “form guide” for national selectors looking for reliable pairs who can deliver a clear round under maximum pressure.

The Partnership Behind the Performance

The success of Zaragoza is also a story of careful breeding and ownership. The 16.1hh bay mare was bred by her owner, Jane Young, using the prolific jumping sire Cevin Z and a thoroughbred mare. This genetic mix—combining the power of a jumping breed with the endurance and speed of a thoroughbred—is the “gold standard” for modern eventing.

Young sent Zaragoza to Maksud when the horse was only four years old. Rather than rushing her through the levels, Maksud produced her methodically, ensuring she developed the mental fortitude required for the five-star level. This patience has paid dividends, resulting in a horse that is as confident in the dressage arena as she is galloping across the cross-country course.

Key Performance Indicators: Zaragoza

What’s Next for Maksud and Zaragoza?

With the 2026 Badminton result now in the books, the focus shifts toward the international calendar. For any rider at this level, the goal is to maintain the horse’s peak fitness without risking injury. The “availability” mentioned by Maksud is a clear signal to the French Federation that he is ready to step back into the team environment.

The challenge now will be balancing the demands of the CCI5*-L circuit with the specific requirements of championship preparation. Whether This proves a return to the World Championships or a push for gold at the Europeans, the trajectory for Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza is pointing squarely toward the podium.

Fans and followers of the sport can expect to see the pair in high-profile events as they continue to refine their partnership. Given their current form, they are no longer just participants in the world’s biggest events—they are contenders.

Do you think Maksud and Zaragoza are the current favorites for the French team’s top spot? Let us know in the comments below or share this story on social media.