Biography

It is a second visit to Badminton for British rider Andrew James (42) who made his debut here last year but did not complete. Last year with Badminton entry Celtic Morning Star Andrew was 7^th in the 4*L at Blair Castle and in 2022 the combination completed Burghley (23^rd) Andrews third completion of Lincolnshire event. Andrew is based in Northill, Bedfordshire where with his wife Rachael he runs his own schooling and training yard.

Andrew was born into a farming family on the west coast of Wales.  He was given his first pony, a Shetland, when he was just two years old and was hunting by the age of seven. A keen member of the Pony Club after competing in Prince Philip Games and then Tetrathlon he began eventing. A spell with Junior and Young Rider mentor Gill Watson gave him the opportunity to start to acquire a team of horses and at the age of 22 he completed his first three-star, three day event at Blair Castle. He then moved to Nick Turner’s yard in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, where he first began his own business producing horses. In 2017 he moved into the present yard at Northill. Andrew is married to Rachael and the couple has an 8-year-old son Charlie. His sister Amy Tough also competes in eventing. Andrew trains with Ann Bostock.

Celtic Morning Star owned by Michele Harries is a British-Bred SHB(GB) registered 13-year-old gelding. He was bred by his owner and is by the 2015 Badminton winner Chilli Morning out of Rebels Riches by the Irish Sport Horse Rich Rebel. She was Michele’s first horse and formerly competed by her. Celtic Morning Star is the mare’s first and only foal.  He has been with Andrew since a two-year-old. In 2022 he completed his first 5* at Burghley. Michele is a longstanding supporter of Andrew and his sister having had horses with them for the last 18-years.