Is it a gate? Is it an oxer? Why, it’s both of course. Welcome to Burghley. Photo via CrossCountry App.
The start of September marks the beginning of fall here in the UK; the weather’s turned, the trees are shedding their load and the mud has already begun to make its comeback after the long, dusty summer. But before we get bogged down in the audacity of surviving the British winter with horses, let’s embroil ourselves in a big weekend of CCI5* eventing as I bring you live updates all day long from the cross country at Defender Burghley.
The title’s up for grabs for a new contender, with the reigning champ Lordships Graffalo enjoying a holiday after his World Championships work, and there’s everything to play for as this year’s hopefuls line up to duke it out over Derek di Grazia’s course.
Experience was the name of the game in the dressage phase, with the top three horses having a combined age of 52. Here’s a look at the leaderboard as we head into today’s test:
1️⃣ 🇨🇭 Starting off their Burghley in super fine style is Nadja Minder and her Young Riders to 5* veteran partner, 19-year-old Toblerone, who delivered a superb PB on Thursday and held onto the lead over both days. They’re on 29.5.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Very much in the mix, just 0.1 of a penalty behind is Gemma Stevens and the 5* winning stallion Chilli Morning’s son, 5* winner in his own right, 16-year-old Chilli Knight, who put his best hoof forward for a score of 29.6.
3️⃣ 🇳🇿 Rounding out the podium placings after the first phase is World No. 1 Tim Price with his exceptional jumper, 5* champ and 2026 Badminton runner-up, 17-year-old Falco, who made their mark on the competition with a score of 30.5.
You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.
The live blog will begin when the action down at the start box gets underway, so while we await the first countdown of the day, here’s some links for your perusal:
▶️ For absolutely everything about the competition this week, including schedules, reports, how to keep up with what’s going on and allsorts more, be sure to bookmark our ‘Ultimate Guide’ which is positively brimming with all the deets.
▶️ Follow along with the form via EN’s signature Form Guide, including a round-up of relevant results as well as fun facts about the horses and riders you’ll see today – find it all here.
▶️ Take a look at today’s track from the perspective of our boots on the ground in our Course Preview and check out every fence in detail on CrossCountry App.
▶️ We’ve wrangled the riders for their reactions to Derek di Grazia’s shenanigans – read all about their thoughts, plans and what’s messing with their head in Riders React.
▶️ Missed out on the dressage and want to know what went down? We’ve got the ticket. Check out EN’s classic daily reports: [Thursday AM] [Thursday PM] [Friday].
And that’s not all – there’s also frolics galore happening over on our Instagram channel @goeventing – follow along with the fun here.
With all that said, a little ‘refresher’ on the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog: refresh, refresh, refresh – and all will be revealed.
If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.
We’re counting down to kick off… The first horse and rider pair – the USA’s Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Tolan King – are due to go at 12:30pm CEST / 6:30am EST.
Let’s do this thang – and go eventing!
Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Entries] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Preview] [EN’s Burghley Field Wiki] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [Burghley TV] [EN’s Coverage]
________________________________________________________________________________
11:35am
SUMMARY OF THE DAY’S SPORT
Keep it locked onto EN for our classic full report – coming as soon as our boots on the ground have wrangled the riders and tracked down our legendary chinchilla mascot who’s likely schmoozing somewhere amongst the hospitality offering.
Until then, here’s a rapid update of the action on today’s cross country:
1️⃣ 🇬🇧 Leading the pack is Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight who delivered a superb clear inside the time to land on their dressage score of 29.6, 7.3 penalties ahead of the field – in show jumping terms that’s a fence plus a fair whack of time.
2️⃣ 🇳🇿 Sitting in second as things stand is World No. 1 Tim Price and Global Quest showed what they’re made of with just 4.8 time penalties added to go into the finale on a score of 36.9.
3️⃣ 🇬🇧 Rounding out the podium after cross country is Holly Richardson and Ballyneety Silver Service who jumped a fantastic clear inside the time and sit on their dressage score of 38.3.
4️⃣ 🇬🇧 Heading into the final phase just off the podium is Katie Magee and Treworra who added only 2.4 time penalties today and are on 38.6, just 0.3 points off the podium placings.
5️⃣ 🇺🇸 Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake are best of the US in 5th place after a lovely clear jumping round with 8 time penalties to add, ending up on a score of 40.
You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.
But we all know that eventing’s about so much more than the scores. Here’s some points of note from today’s competition:
✅ 28 combinations completed cross country from 46 starters.
⛔ 9 combinations were eliminated on course. 1 combination was pulled up by the Ground Jury.
🖐️ 9 opted to retire from the competition.
❗ Jumping penalties came at 15 different fences.
🚩 3 flag penalties appear to be upheld at this stage – Robin Godel and Dealer de la Bride, Michael Owen and Monbeg Darwin and Tara Dixon and Master Smart (who were later eliminated).
⛓️💥 There were no broken frangible device penalties.
📈 The Leaf Pit at 24 was the most influential in terms of jumping penalties.
🍂 There were 3 falls in total.
⏰ 2 combinations made the time:
Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight were 3 seconds inside.
Holly Richardson and Ballyneety Silver Service were 2 seconds inside.
👌 26 combinations jumped clear.
🪜 Leaderboard climbers are a particularly cool feature of our sport, and we had a fair few in the ascendency today:
Holly Richardson and Ballyneety Silver Service put the cat among the pigeons when they clawed their way up 25 places into 3rd.
Katie Magee and Treworra galloped their way up 15 places into 4th.
Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal rocket 24 places up the board into 7th.
Tom Bird and Cowling Hot Gossip jumped themselves 27 places from last up into 19th.
⭐ Winning at Burghley isn’t always about well, winning. Here’s some rounds of note, although honestly, there were so many:
🪩 Simon Grieve and Autograf had an absolute ball out there and propelled themselves 25 places into 22nd.
🍑 Ben Massie and Filao de Perle had a real peach of a ride with a beautiful clear jumping round.
🎞️ Yas Ingham and Goliath du Loir had a round worthy of the highlight reel in an impressive first Burghley for Yas and first 5* for this exciting prospect.
🐻 Arthur Marx and Church’ile had their eyes on the flags like a bear for a salmon with a great clear jumping round from the French pair.
🍕 Will Coleman and Very Dignified’s performance was clean enough to eat your dinner off and a super exciting start to this young mare’s 5* career.
🃏 Gemma Smith and Chilli Knight win the wild card for a butt clenching – but brilliant – time out there.
💔 Not everyone can have the best day, that’s sport. There were some tricky moments out there, and some disappointments:
🦆 Alex Bragg and Jaeger Master had an oh duck moment at the Trout Hatchery and a wet walk home.
🛀 Kate Rocher-Smith was a good sport when she and Dassett Select took an an early bath, also at the Trout Hatchery.
🐟 Tom Jackson and United 36 also stopped for a spot of fishing at the Trout Hatchery.
🎢 Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro showed just what a rollercoaster this sport can be with a heartbreaking rider fall coming at the final fence after what had been a bold and brave round from the talented young homebred.
All this, and much, much more, in vivid detail below in the live blog. If you want to relive the day according to the order of go, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.
What. A. Day.
The show jumping phase is due to start at 11:30am CEST / 5:30am EST with the second group going at 3:35pm CEST / 9:35am EST.
Thanks for following along. I’m off to ice my fingers.
Eyes on EN for a full report – coming soon.
Go eventing!
Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Entries] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Preview] [EN’s Burghley Field Wiki] [EN’s Ultimate Guide</a] [EN's Form Guide] [Burghley TV] [EN’s Coverage]
________________________________________________________________________________
11:05am
STAY TUNED FOR A RAPID UPDATE OF THE DAY’S SPORT HEADED YOUR WAY SHORTLY.
Keep hitting that refresh button – more horsing around coming up very soon…
________________________________________________________________________________
10:55
Harry’s got the course to himself now to round out the day.
He’s on a tight line coming round the corner into the skinny brush at 15A at the Maltings and then they’re hoof perfect through the two related combinations through there. Total class from Mr Meade and his mare.
They don’t look like they’re going quick but she’s so deceptive. She barely wastes a second at fences and then accelerates away.
They’re positive into the Trout Hatchery at 19 and then there’s a huge gasp from Tina Cook in commentary as they take a stride out to the middle element, but make it. Yikes. A calculated risk taken there by Harry.
He’s pushing over the galloping fences, really riding forward, but the mare’s coming back when she needs to, like at Defender Valley at 22. They take the ditch rails at 23 on a massive stride.
OK, they’ve taken the longer route at the Leaf Pit at 24. There’s a little slip round the corner into the extra jumping effort of the alternate route, but Harry kicks on.
He gallops into the Main Arena for the combination at 26 and the crowd hanging on there cheers him home. No time wasted there.
Lamberts Sofa at the penultimate fence comes up in their massive gallop stride and then he makes the turn into the finale.
Clear jumping, big cheers, 15 seconds over the time.
And with that, Burghley cross country is over.
Hang tight, more to come from the live blog… Keep refreshing…
________________________________________________________________________________
10:50
FINAL COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal
Dressage Score: 38.4
Place: 31
“Nell” flies out of the start box with Harry looking to have a bit of a point to prove. She jumps superbly over the barge in the water at 4, as if the water wasn’t there at all. She’s totally focused as she drops over the swan at 6 and then gets the perfect striding through the Raindance at 7, Harry really made sure everything went right there.
Tim’s a little wobbly into the skinny triple brush at the Maltings at 15 but then very deliberate over the big rails and corner at 16AB.
But then, oh. Falco comes to the hanging log at the Trout Hatchery at 19 and just stops. No. Tim very nearly dives into the water himself but that core unfathomably lifts him back up and into the saddle. He trots Falco through the water, hand in the air. Goodness me. This sport really does throw up surprises.
Caroline says Blake’s shown just what a 5* horse he is. Blake’s an “absolute Ferrari”. She’ disappointed with herself for the time penalties.
________________________________________________________________________________
10:45
PENULTIMATE COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Tim Price and Falco
Dressage Score: 30.5
Place: 3
Falco looks fabulous at the start of his round, jumping bolding over the swan at 6 and then really determined through the Raindance at 7, Tim giving the horse no option but to go straight through there. He jumps big over the log at the Dairy Mound at 9 but Tim makes it happen there. All of his experience on show there. Falco’s very keen today. Tim manages to get him back to jump the double of gates at 12 really well, but he’s got his hands a little full, for sure.
Caroline gallops into the Main Arena and wastes no time through the combination at 26 in there. They cross the line 20 seconds over the time. They’ve gone into 5th with two combinations to go.
Susie is showing on the live scores as having had a 20 at 15B, the skinny at the Maltings. She appears to have retired after that.
________________________________________________________________________________
10:40
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇪 Susie Berry and John the Bull
Dressage Score: 37.2
Place: 23
We’re into the final three to go now.
Caroline continues to have a solid round with Blake. She brings him right back at the Trout Hatchery, practically coming back to trot and sliding over the A element which affects the B element, but then she gets things back on track for the C element. Not so smooth through there. She has a bit of setting up to do at Defender Valley at 22 too, that’s eating into the time.
Ooof, we see Susie slither over the corner coming out of the Dairy Mound at 9, but they make it through. He jumps real big over the two Stable Gates at 12.
Update: Holly was 1 minute 55 over the time, carrying a 20 and with two flag questions.
________________________________________________________________________________
10:35
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇺🇸 Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake
Dressage Score: 32
Place: 5
Blake’s clever with his footwork through the Raindance at 7, looking very confident at the start of his round. They have a really tight line through the two gates at 12, wasting not a smidge of a second there.
Tom picks up a perfect line through the Pedigree Ditches at 14, taking his time to get it just right. But it’s not at all right at the Trout Hatchery at 19. They have a big miss and both horse and rider get wet. Both are straight up on their feet and we see Tom leading “Ted” away, looking to be fine.
Meanwhile, Holly has crossed the line. We haven’t got a time for her yet but I’ll update you when we do.
Will says it felt like the mare’s first 5* but she was “just amazing”. He said he was careful with her in the beginning to ensure she felt good at the end.
________________________________________________________________________________
10:30
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Tom Jackson and United 36
Dressage Score: 33.1
Place: 8
They get close to the final element at the Dairy Mound at 9 but squeak over neatly enough. They cover the ground true and proper on the way down Winners’ Avenue and then jump the two gates at 12 brilliantly.
We can see on the live scores that Holly’s had a refusal at 14C, the Pedigree Ditches but didn’t see it on screen. They’re very good through Defender Valley at 22, neat and confident, obviously having put that problem behind them.
Textbook for Will through the Main Arena at 26, looking a tiny bit weary now but very close to home. They take Lamberts Sofa at the penultimate fence in their stride and then get a neat shot to the finale. Clear jumping, 35 seconds over. What a great performance from this young mare, and brilliantly ridden, of course. A Burghley horse she is.
Katie says it was “magical” to ride round the course.
________________________________________________________________________________
10:25
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Holly Richardson and Bally Louis
Dressage Score: 40.7
Place: 43
Only five more to go after Holly.
Holly makes a neat job of the Raindance at 7. They get close to the log in the middle of the Dairy Mound at 9 and they add all the way through there. But Holly sits quiet, lets the horse get on with his job and they’re clear. What a lovely honest horse.
Will has a beautiful ride through the Trout Hatchery at 19, the mare’s jumping superbly and looks so confident. Chef’s kiss through Defender Valley at 22. Foot perfect. She’s galloping easily and seems to be finding the fences well within herself. What a feeling that must be and what an exciting young horse. They go the longer option at the Leaf Pit. “She’s cool isn’t she?” says Simon in commentary. Very cool. And just a 10-year-old. Wow.
Katie adds at the combination in the Main Arena at 26, being totally safe so close to home. She’s only a couple of seconds out as she jumps the penultimate fence. Just 6 seconds over the time. Big cheers at the finish line. What a round that was, from both horse and rider.
________________________________________________________________________________
10:20
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇺🇸 Will Coleman and Very Dignified
Dressage Score: 33.2
Place: 9
Will gets a really good line through the Dairy Mound at 9, “seriously class riding” Simon Grieve in the commentary box says. Very confident and accurate and impressive from this mare who’s at her first 5*. She’s foot perfect through Keepers at 10. And then the Cottesmore Leap at 11 is superb.
Woo, Katie stands off the second skinny brush at 15 at the Maltings and then they add to the triple bar at 16A, the horse really shows he knows his job there. They’re very clean through the Trout Hatchery at 19, with Katie really making it clear to her horse where he needed to turn. They’re within 10 seconds of the time at the Leaf pit at 24.
________________________________________________________________________________
10:15
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Katie Magee and Treworra
Dressage Score: 36.2
Place: 19
Katie sets off meaning business and gets straight into a fast rhythm. They fly down Winners’ Avenue and then make a neat job of the double of gates at 12, putting in an extra stride to make sure everything stays balanced. They get a great jump over the corner coming out of the Pedigree Ditches at 14 and the crowd goes ooo.
Robin’s horse is tired as he nears the end of the course. He’s carrying a flag penalty from fence 14B but the question’s been taken away from the Trout Hatchery. They canter over the line, 51 seconds over the time and a Burghley completion on the horse’s card at his first 5*.
________________________________________________________________________________
10:10
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇺🇸 Tiana Coudray and D’Artagnan
Dressage Score: 33.8
Place: 11
Wow, they’re so good through the Raindance at 7, drool inducing in fact. Perfect striding, the horse patting off the ground and making the best shape over his fences. Very impressive.
But then there’s disappointment at the Dairy Mound when they have a drive-by at the brush coming out. 20 penalties for them, a real shame.
And then there’s an issue at the Stable Gates at 12. The horse ends up on top of the gate between the rails. We see him being led off course.
OK, we see Robin having troubles at the Trout Hatchery at 19. The horse picks up for the cabin in the water after not being on a good stride but doesn’t make it over. There’s a moment but then he slithers across. It comes up as a question mark on the live scores but he seems to have continued on.
Meanwhile, Ema’s crossed the line, 2 minutes 34 over the time but clear jumping and a Burghley completion. Good stuff.
________________________________________________________________________________
10:05
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇨🇭 Robin Godel and Dealer de la Bride
Dressage Score: 39.7
Place: 37
We’re into the final 10 combinations of the day now.
The crowds are massive at the Lion Bridge but Robin’s horse is totally focused as he jumps the barge in the water at 4. They add strides at the Dairy Mound at 9 which makes things a little tricky but they go through clear and then do a neat job at Keepers at 10 and then make the Cottesmore Leap at 11 look kinda small.
Foxy’s looking a little tired as he nears home and Jennie’s really supporting him. They get a cracker at the finale and cross the line 28 seconds over the time. A really nice jumping round from them.
Ema’s taking things steady as the goes through the straight route at the Maltings at 15 and 16, they’re quite far down on the clock but jumping well. They take the alternate at the Trout Hatchery at 19 and Chiraz looks keen and happy for the job.
We hear from Jennie Brannigan, who’s into the top 10 as things stand. She feels like she could have been a little quicker but she rode exactly to her plan in terms of jumping. She’s excited for tomorrow and quotes the late, great Dolly to finish up a fun interview. What a way to work a 9-5 she says.
________________________________________________________________________________
10am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇦🇺 Ema Klugman and Chiraz
Dressage Score: 38.5
Place: 33
Chiraz is really covering the ground as he gallops along the early part of the track, looking every part a horse who’s happy to be at Burghley.
Sadly we see Anthony put his hand up after griding to a halt taking the long route at Defender Valley at 22. A valiant effort from this pair who, taking into account the extra jumping efforts of the long routes they took, basically jumped enough fences to have completed.
Jennie gives Foxy a really confident ride through Defender Valley at 22. The horse is really jumping well. They take the quick route through the Leaf Pit at 24, taking a great line and making that combination look very smooth.
Austin says he’s delighted with his horse, who’s learning his trade. He feels like he’s really stepped up since Badminton in the spring.
________________________________________________________________________________
9:55
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇺🇸 Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle
Dressage Score: 36
Place: 17
“Foxy” looks keen at the start of his round, he’s got his ears pricked and is looking for the flags. He makes a great turn into the final element of the Dairy Mound at 9, very efficient and clever with his hooves. Nice. They fly the Cottesmore Leap at 11, total highlight reel shot there for them. He’s so neat over the two gates at 12.
Anthony drifts a little in the Pedigree Ditches and takes the flag on the corner after having to reach for it. He doesn’t think he’s jumped it and he comes back round, thus picking up a 20. He could perhaps have pushed on and taken a flag penalty instead. They take the long route at the Trout Hatchery at 19, winding his way round but jumping nicely along the way.
Austin has crossed the line, clear jumping, 58 seconds over. A really brave round from this relatively inexperienced horse.
________________________________________________________________________________
9:50
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Anthony Clark and Ballinaguilkey Fortunus
Dressage Score: 38.4
Place: 31=
They opt for the longer route at the Raindance at 7, looping round and taking time but making sure to stay safe at the start of their round. He gets a huge jump at the Dairy Mound at 9, prompting a “Woah!”. What a feeling it must be to be doing your first 5* at Burghley.
Meanwhile Austin wastes not a scrap of a second at the Trout Hatchery at 19. Classic Austin riding, awesome cross country style and a lesson to all us wannabe eventers. But then things are scrappy at the Leaf Pit at 24, where he picks up the alternate route and it’s all a little messy. They push on.
Update: Lucy jumped the C element of the Trout Hatchery twice while she tried to navigate round that combination after the mistake at the B element, hence being eliminated.
________________________________________________________________________________
9:45
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇪 Austin O’Connor and Sixmilewater
Dressage Score: 38
Place: 26
Austin’s hunting his way round at the start of the course, looking confident through the first water at the Lion Bridge and over the barge at 4. The confidence continues and Austin’s giving the horse a fantastic ride. They’re fabulous through the Pedigree Ditches at 14, really bold and smooth.
Lucy’s up on the clock at the mid-point of her round but then, oh my. They’re really sticky over the log at the Trout Hatchery at 19 and get stuck on the top for a moment. Momentum takes them over it though and they actually manage to make their way through the final elements there. Goodness, what a good horse and what a balanced rider. Oh yikes, there’s another gasp moment over the ditch at Defender Valley at 22 when then horse doesn’t jump the ditch but runs straight over it, catching his hinds on the lip but continuing on. But then we see Lucy walking round. The live scores shows her as being eliminated at the Trout Hatchery at the log. So it seems she’s been pulled up.
________________________________________________________________________________
9:40
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇪 Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint
Dressage Score: 36
Place: 18
We heard from Matt Heath in the break who says his horse was bought as a hack for his owner but kept going and going and now he’s completed at Burghley. He had a couple of 20s on course but he’s looking forward to bringing him back next year and is grateful to be going into the show jumping tomorrow, albeit early on.
We get back going with Lucy and they set off in a good rhythm, seeing a huge stride over the Lakeside Brush at 5 and getting a real flier. They’re very quick through the Raindance at 7, wasting not a smidge of a second. Yikes, save of the day from Lucy. They’re way off the table at the top of the Dairy Mound at 9 and have to really stretch to make it over. The horse’s belly rubs over the top of the jump and it looks uncomfortable for Lucy but she’s in perfect balance and sits tight for the two further elements. They tap the second gate at 12 but all’s good and they gallop on. They get a perfect shot through the Pedigree Ditches at 14.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
9:21
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Kate Rocher-Smith and Dassett Select
Dressage Score: 43.5
Place: 46
Kate’s horse is very strong at the start of the course, pulling hard and keen to get on with the job. The Dairy Mound at 9 is hard work for Kate but then she can let him gallop down Winners’ Avenue. He makes a nice job through the Stable Gates at 12, perhaps looking a little more settled. Oh, yes, it really is which they show at the Maltings with a beautiful line. Excellent.
But then, oh duck. We see them trip in the water at the Trout Hatchery. That’s a shame when it seemed they’d got things together.
Another very strong horse is Tara’s Master Smart. They have a huge moment when she’s jumped right out of the saddle and loses her stirrups, but she gets herself sat up. Then there’s more control problems at the Trout Hatchery at 19. He jumps huge in and there’s no way to make it straight through. Tara tries to pick out the long route and there’s some confusion. It’s a question mark on the live scores over whether there were tracks crossed. It’s heart in the mouth stuff through Defender Valley at 22. They take the longer route, no option for the straight route really, given how strong the horse is being.
The red flag comes out before the Leaf Pit and they’re stopped by the Ground Jury.
Tom and Public Address have crossed the line, clear jumping, 54 seconds over. A brave round from them.
There’s a short break now before the next starter.
Update: We see Kate’s good humor as she plays up to the crowd, absolutely fine after that tumble. Dassett Select is being led round.
________________________________________________________________________________
9:15
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Tara Dixon and Master Smart
Dressage Score: 39.4
Place: 36
Tara loses her reins over the swan at 6 and she’s grabbing at them to get them back for the Raindance combination at 7, goodness she does well to get things back together to make it through there.
Tom is hunting his way round with his TB, who’s brave and gutsy and really trying for his rider. He’s neat down the drop at the Leaf Pit at 24 and then pick up the longer route.
Arthur crosses the line with his fist in the air. 37 seconds over the time, three flag questions, but a superb showing from this pair of pals.
We hear from Sarah who’s “absolutely fine” but “cross”. She says her horse had seen the finish and was going for it, never mind what she was trying to say to him. He was so keen and so strong and definitely a Burghley horse, but there’s no missing how disappointed she is despite being proud of her homebred.
________________________________________________________________________________
9:10
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Tom Strawson and Public Address
Dressage Score: 40.1
Place: 38
We see Tom trying to sort something out as he gallops down Winners’ Avenue, not sure what was going on there but he sits up for the double of gates at 12. Hopefully it’s nothing that’ll affect them going forwards.
Arthur and Church’ile are brave off the drop at the Leaf Pit at 24 and then really quickly pick their way through the brush and then the corner. A delighted shout from Arthur.
OH! OH! OH! Sarah and Corimiro are flying towards the finish, they don’t make the turn into the last, the horse twists over the fence, Sarah’s thrown out of the tack, she hangs on for a second but gravity’s against her and she ends up on the grass, just shy of the finish flags. The horse gallops through. So disappointing for her. Gosh, this sport is something.
________________________________________________________________________________
9:05
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇫🇷 Arthur Marx and Church’ile
Dressage Score: 37.8
Place: 24
Arthur and “Pumba” have a sweet start to their round. The horse’s ears are pricked and he seems keen to take on the challenge of Burghley cross country.
Sarah is very efficient through the Maltings at 15 and 16. Corimiro seems to be getting stronger as he makes his way along the track, which we see at the Trout Hatchery which is a little hairy. Well jumped though. Sarah’s absolutely going for it and is riding incredibly bravely. He’s such an honest horse and she’s able to go quick and not set up too much.
Oh, we see Matt having a drive-by at the left-handed corner coming out of the Leaf Pit at 24. That’s a further 20 penalties for them. A real shame as they’d jumped the middle element really nicely. They continue on though for an educational round for this 5* debutant. They cross the line, 2 minutes 22 over, 40 jumping penalties, but a 5* completion on the horse’s step-up to the level.
________________________________________________________________________________
9am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro
Dressage Score: 33.6
Place: 10
Sarah’s horse absolutely flies down Winners’ Avenue and then she trusts him not to set up too much for the double of gates at 12. She’s going for the time, for sure. They’re quick through the Pedigree Ditches at 14, on a beautiful bending line, super smooth.
We see Matt getting to the corner out of the combination at 14 on a half stride and the horse very sensibly opting to go out the side door. 20 penalties for them. They come back round and continue on.
Michael has crossed the line, with 30 time penalties. Three flag questions as things stand. A really well-ridden round from this stalwart 5* rider, great to watch.
Jonelle says her horse proved he’s a Burghley horse, “as honest as they come”. She says she knows he’s got some big results to come.
________________________________________________________________________________
8:55
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Matthew Heath and Benedict Radau
Dressage Score: 40.6
Place: 42
They come into the Raindance at 7 really quick and the horse has to work to chip in a small stride. Clever pony there. Matt makes it happen at the Dairy Mound at 9, supporting this young horse who’s doing his first 5*.
We catch up with Jonelle in the Main Arena at the combination there at 26. Classic Jonelle through there, making things happen and really attacking. She crosses the line 27 seconds over, although she went quick there was a fair bit of setting up going on. Two flag questions on the live scores for them also.
Meanwhile Michael’s horse is really trying and Michael’s really giving him a great ride. He gives him time to read the questions through the Trout Hatchery at 19. There’s a bit of a muddle at Defender Valley at 22, sticky over the ditch and some very quick thinking from Michael to switch up to the longer route. The horse has a real look down the drop at the Leaf Pit at 24 but goes and then they take the longer route out. Nice riding from Michael there to support his horse.
Update: All Jesse’s flags have been removed.
________________________________________________________________________________
8:50
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Michael Owen and Monbeg Darwin
Dressage Score: 38.3
Place: 30
This is a big horse who really covers the ground. Michael balances him beautifully through the Raindance at 7 to make the stride there. The horse brings his back legs down on the log table at the A element of the Dairy Mound at 9, a few have done that there. It means he has to push for the middle element and then the corner coming out. He takes the flag which comes up as a question.
Jonelle’s really working hard as she makes her way round the track. She’s clear through Defender Valley at 22. They take the left handed route into the Leaf Pit at 24 and then opt for the slightly longer route through there. Bold riding and a bold horse.
We’re hearing from Jesse who says his horse tried hard and dug deep and “any time you get through the finish flags at Defender Burghley it’s pretty cool”.
________________________________________________________________________________
8:45
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Jonelle Price and Chilli’s Midnight Star
Dressage Score: 36.2
Place: 21
Jonelle gets off to a bold start and is really pushing on as she makes her way through the water to the Raindance fence at 7. The striding through there comes up perfectly for them.
We see Sam through the Maltings at 15 and 16, putting a bit of a bending line between the final two elements and looking much neater through there than earlier. But then Rocket’s just too keen at the Trout Hatchery. He jumps in really big but then doesn’t come back to Sam and they pick up 20 at the final element. He puts his hand up.
Meanwhile Jesse’s cross the line. There are five flag questions showing on his scores, which will be reviewed, and 33 seconds over the time.
Yas is saying she had to be “brave” going round her first Burghley cross country.
Update: Emma Thomas’ flag questions have been removed.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
8:40
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇪 Sam Watson and Ballyneety Rocketman
Dressage Score: 40.5
Place: 39
“Rocket” lives up to his name as he storms down the track at the start of the course. He’s close to the house after the step at the Raindance fence at 7 but cat-like and quick through there. Yikes, a real moment for them at the Dairy Mound at 9. There’s a little trip over the A element but Sam sits up and the horse rights himself. They squeak through the corner on the way out and take the flag. Not too much more of that please, Sam. Heart in mouth moment for them there.
We see Yas through the Main Arena at 26. The horse is looking to have worked hard, it’s a young horse and has really risen to the biggest challenge of his career to date. Yas is delighted as she crosses the line, clear jumping, 35 seconds over.
The crowd’s behind Jesse as he comes to the Trout Hatchery at 19. They’re a little sticky over the log going into the second pool but the flow through there is really nice. There’s a few flag questions on the live scores. They’re brave off the step at the Leaf Pit at 24 and then take the slightly longer route with an extra jumping effort. The horse is jumping really well, very bold and keen.
________________________________________________________________________________
8:35
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte
Dressage Score: 38.3
Place: 28
Cooley Lafitte is nimble through the Dairy Mound at 9 and then makes a neat job of the double of gates at 12, getting a bit close to the first but navigating the combination nicely.
Big claps from the crowd for Yas through the Pedigree Ditches at 14. The horse is really focused through the Trout Hatchery at 19, trying so hard for Yas. He backs off a little going over the log in the middle but Yas is there to hold his hand. He has a look into the ditch at Defender Valley at 22 but Yas sits tight and encourages him through.
Oh no, there’s more trouble for Harry at the Leaf Pit at 24. The horse jumped out of his hand over the brush after the drop and then they slide off the side of the corner coming out. A further 20 penalties for them. Once again, it looks like Harry’s put his hand up but no, he continues on the long route.
________________________________________________________________________________
8:30
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Yasmin Ingham and Goliath du Loir
Dressage Score: 32.7
Place: 7
Let’s enjoy the best tail at Burghley float round the track. The horse has a little look into the water at 6 and Yas has to ride him forward at the Raindance at 7. He’s a young horse at his first 5* and looking a little like that early on. He’s low over the log in the middle of the Dairy Mound at 9 but Yas really takes her time to let the horse see the question there. They have a great gallop down Winners’ Avenue, with that tail flying. They make the Stable Gates at 12 look straightforward. Neat work from them there.
We catch up with Harry looking altogether more like himself at the Pedigree Ditches at 14. He’s taken his foot off the gas as he comes through the Maltings at 15 and 16. They make a neat job through the Trout Hatchery at 19.
________________________________________________________________________________
8:25
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Harry Meade and Et Hop du Matz
Dressage Score: 39
Place: 35
Oh dear. We catch up with Harry having a stop at 9B, the Dairy Mound. Harry goes to add but it doesn’t come up. The horse just couldn’t jump from there. He seems to put his hand up, but then comes back round and continues on. He’s crazy fast through Keepers at 10 and goes on two and a half through there. This isn’t something we see often from Harry.
Icarus lives up to his name and flies Lamberts Sofa at the penultimate fence. They gallop on and look like he’d go again as he crossed the line. An exciting round from them. 36 seconds over and a couple of flag questions still on their card for now.
Sam has been red flagged due to that error on course.
Emma says Icarus is “an incredible cross country horse who never runs out of enthusiasm”. She says she’s spoilt to have a horse she doesn’t have to encourage at all. Indeed.
________________________________________________________________________________
8:20
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇦🇺 Samuel Jeffrees and Santoro
Dressage Score: 38.7
Place: 34
Sam rides strongly into the water over the swan going into the water at 6 and then, wow, they bounce out of the Raindance after the step at 7. What scope. Brave. Yikes, there’s a moment at the Dairy Mound at 9 going over the log table at the A element when the horse slides over it on his belly. But they continue on clear. But then things come unstuck at Keepers as they run past the skinny brush coming out of the combination at 10 there. He comes round again and then bravely takes on the Cottesmore Leap at 11. They’re showing on the live scores as having missed a jump at 10 whilst navigating the long route after that drive-by. I’ll keep you updated on that.
Icarus still looks enthusiastic as he comes to the Pedigree Ditches at 14, galloping along and jumping big. They take the flag at the corner coming out and there’s an oo from the crowd for the huge jump he puts in there. The horse is incredibly strong coming into Defender Valley at 22 but this pair know each other really well and they’re a true partnership and they jump through clear. She opts for the long route at the Leaf Pit at 24.
We hear from Simon who’s beaming. “I had the best time ever!”
________________________________________________________________________________
8:15
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Emma Thomas and Icarus
Dressage Score: 40.5
Place: 40=
Emma opts for the long route at the Raindance at 7. I’m pretty sure she had troubles there last year, so playing it safe early on course this time, which is perhaps smart. They go straight through the Dairy Mound at 9 but Emma has to really keep his outside shoulder in to make it over the corner coming out. But he listens and they continue on. He’s very keen through Keepers at 10 but jumps brilliantly. They pick up a flag question though.
Simon clears the combination in the Main Arena at 26. Good boys going on all round the course. He’s thrilled with “Buster” as they cross the finish line. A really gutsy, determined cross country round. Fun. Clear jumping, 47 seconds over. Two flag questions that are provisional at this point.
________________________________________________________________________________
8:10
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Caroline Powell and High Time
Dressage Score: 33.9
Place: 12
Caroline gets off to a neat start but then has to push through the Raindance combination at 7, coming up a little short so she has to drive to make the stride there. High Time jumps out of Caroline’s hand coming into the Dairy Mound at 9 and then things go awry and then drive past the final element and pick up 20. She continues on but then pulls up before the Cottesmore Leap at 11.
Meanwhile Simon and Autograf continue to hunt their way round. the horse is loving it out there. Simon slips his reins through the Trout Hatchery at 19, sitting up and steering through his seat. Brilliantly ridden through there. Awesome balance on show from both horse and rider. Yikes, he taps a front leg at Defender Valley at 22. What a save from Simon. Brave stuff. He’s sure determined. They get a superb shot through the Leaf Pit. We hear Simon shout his strides out. Perfect.
________________________________________________________________________________
8:05
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Simon Grieve and Autograf
Dressage Score: 44.1
Place: 47
In the break we heard from Nadja who said she wishes she gave Toblerone a better ride, humble from this young rider as it looked pretty good to us. She feels like she took a couple of chances but that her horse looked after her and is so generous and honest. She said it was gritty out there, but it’s Burghley. She “quite” enjoyed it!
We also got the chance to see the crowds and of course the doggos enjoying a day out at Burghley in the sunshine. It’s absolutely packed with picnickers and kids playing and eventing fans.
Back to the action and Simon’s set off like he means business. The horse has his ears pricked and he looks keen for the test today. He’s cat-like up the step at 7, not a great shot but Autograf makes it happen. What a game horse he is. He adds in the middle of the Dairy Mound at 9 and then squirrels over the corner coming out. Clever pony. A gutsy showing thus far. There’s a couple of flag questions showing up on the live scores. They’re really taking this track on, that’s for sure.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
7:45
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇫🇷 Benjamin Massie and Filao de Perle
Dressage Score: 36.9
Place: 22
They jump really well through the Raindance at 7, making nothing of the tricky combination there. The horse is so deliberate and careful and a fabulous jumper. They take a really tight line between the Stable Gates at 12, so neat, so efficient, so far so good for this pair. He makes a beautiful shape over the corner coming out of the Pedigree Ditches at 14, forward and brave through there and taking a stride out came up perfectly for them. They’re classy through the Leaf Pit at 24, such a careful horse.
Toblerone’s having the round of his life. He’s jumping big and bold and galloping on and Nadja’s giving him a peach of a ride. Yikes, the horse sees the corner in the water at the Trout Hatchery at 19 at the last second, but he’s honest as the day’s long and picks up for Nadja, who’s in perfect balance and barely moves. They slide on through and gallop on. They’re down on the time at the 9 minute marker. Toblerone looks a little tired as he comes through the Main Arena combination at 26 and Nadja’s riding accordingly. They cross the line with Nadja looking thrilled with her pal. Clear jumping, 33 seconds over – 13.2 time penalties.
Gemma Stevens has gone into the lead.
Meanwhile Max has also crossed the line, clear jumping, 37 seconds over. A lot of this round was pure perfection, some little moments where things weren’t quite on plan. We’re hearing from Max that his horse dug deep round a bloody big course. He felt him tire though, so homework for the winter.
We’re going to see Benjamin finish and then there’s a brief pause in starters.
He has to work hard through the combination in the Main Arena at 26 but they’re close to home now. He’s a little strung out as he comes to the penultimate fence and the horse backs himself off and Ben sits quiet and allows the jump to happen. They cross the line clear jumping, 10.4 time penalties. Ben looks pleased with his really exciting young horse. A lovely round overall.
________________________________________________________________________________
7:40
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇨🇭 Nadja Minder and Toblerone
Dressage Score: 29.5
Place: 1
Nadja looks focused as she starts her round. This really is a true partnership between horse and rider. She was so excited for today, and confident to be taking on the challenge with her good friend. They skip up the step at the Raindance at 7 and then we catch up with them taking a stride out at the Dairy Mound at 9. Wow. They jump far down the slope over the B element and Nadja pushes for a long one to the brush coming out. Brave but brilliant from both horse and rider.
Max and Deerpairc Revelry are beautiful through the Maltings at 15 and 16, so balanced and together. This was shaping up to be such a confident and accomplished round but then there’s a little miscommunication at the Trout Hatchery at 19 coming to the final element and Max then opts for the longer route at Defender Valley at 22.
________________________________________________________________________________
7:35
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Max Warburton and Deerpairc Revelry
Dressage Score: 31.2
Place: 4
They’re super neat over the barge at the Lion Bridge at 4, giving the huge crowds there a nice view. The horse is really focused and really makes a beautiful job through the Raindance at 7. Perfectly together.
Alex makes things happen through the Maltings at 16 and 17 but then sadly things come to a wet end for the pair at the Trout Hatchery. It just doesn’t happen and horse and rider slither over the hanging log and land with a splash. Both are straight on their feet and surrounded by the professional teams, but all does seem to be OK.
Meanwhile, Jack has cross the line to screams from his support team. A few sticky moments but a completion on his first time at the level. Clear jumping, 16 time penalties.
________________________________________________________________________________
7:30
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Alexander Bragg and Jaeger Master
Dressage Score: 35.6
Place: 16
Jaegar Master looks confident at the start of his round, paying no heed to the crowds as he makes his way through the water and under the Lion Bridge at 4.
Oh my, Jack’s living dangerously through the Maltings. He had a real moment at the first element of 15, gets thrown out of the tack but sits up, muddles his way over the second element and then bravely pushes on for the related combination at 16, somehow making it through over those huge rails and open corner clear. He’s going direct at the Leaf Pit at 24 too but has a much smoother rider through there.
Meanwhile, Tom and Cowling Hot Gossip have crossed the line. Another 5* completion for this game gelding. Clear jumping, 38 seconds over the time.
We’re hearing from Gemma about that mistake at the Leaf Pit. She says her horse said, “Hold my beer, I got this!” Gemma apologizes to the crowd for all the swearing. “I love my pony,” she says.
________________________________________________________________________________
7:25
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Jack Pinkney and Clara Olala
Dressage Score: 38
Place: 25
They add strides coming out of the Raindance combination at 7, a bit of an unusual approach but it works for them. They clip the flag at the first of the stable gates at 12 and Jack looks back but all seems well.
Tom gets close to the final element at the Trout Hatchery at 19 as they swing round the bend to line up the corner there, but they make it through and the horse had no doubt what the job was. He gives the horse time to read the question at Defender Valley at 22 and they make a sweet job of that.
Gemma’s punching the air, huge pats for “Alfie”, she’s delighted. CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!! The horse had a total ball out there. The flag question was taken away.
________________________________________________________________________________
7:20
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Tom Bird and Cowling Hot Gossip
Dressage Score: 45.8
Place: 48
Tom’s horse guessed a little coming up the step out of the water at 7 but Tom sits up and supports him and they make their way through the combination there.
Gemma is flying. You can see the concentration on the horse’s face, he’s totally on Gemma’s side. They’re fast over the fences and then pushing on in between. She’s giving this horse a peach of a ride. They skip through Defender Valley at 22 and Gemma’s thrown forward over the triple brush on the way out. She’s straight back in the plate. But then there’s total heart in the mouth moments at the Leaf Pit at 24. There’s no stride, but Chilli Knight is fabulous. What a good horse. They make it through, together. Yikes. It comes up as a flag question on the live scoreboard.
Joseph trots into the drop at the Leaf Pit at 24 and then goes straight through the brush and corner. They cross the line to a cheer just over a minute over the time. Joseph punches the air. That looked like it would have been a fun ride and the horse really jumped brilliantly.
________________________________________________________________________________
7:15
________________________________________________________________________________
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight
Dressage Score: 29.6
Place: 2
Gemma’s game face on as she looks to capitalize on her great dressage test and placing coming into today. They’re very quick through the Anniversary Splash at 6 and then the Raindance at 7, taking no pulls there. Chilli Knight has something to say about being asked to come back after galloping down Winners’ Avenue and they’re super fast through the double of gates at 12.
Joseph and Calmaro are economical through the Trout Hatchery at 19 and seem to be having a really fun round. They’re neat through Defender Valley at 22.
Meanwhile, sadly we see Clarke pulling up. The horse is looking a little tired and he just knuckles a bit in between the A and B elements of the combination in the Main Arena at 26. Clarke gently turns away from the fence and puts his hand up. A really good choice and nice horsemanship on show. There’s another day for this 5* debutant.
________________________________________________________________________________
7:10
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇪 Joseph Murphy and Calmaro
Dressage Score: 41.4
Place: 4
Joseph gets off to a very strong start with things looking easy for this experienced pair. They’re economical and totally on the same page and the horse is jumping well and looks keen for his job.
Clarke continues to look quick as he opts for an alternative approach to the Leaf Pit at 24, it’s fine though. Tom McEwen took that route a couple years ago. But then he decides to go a slightly longer route on the way out. The horse is quite low over the corner but they make it through.
Cassie has more troubles at the Leaf Pit. They miss at the corner coming out and the flag’s between the horse’s legs. She takes a moment and then goes round the long route but there’s a question over whether tracks were crossed and it comes up as two penalties on the live scoreboard. Then the red flag comes out for them before the penultimate fence and she’s pulled up by the ground jury.
________________________________________________________________________________
7:05
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Clarke Johnstone and Domasco
Dressage Score: 34.5
Place: 15
This is such a leggy, elegant horse, it’s exciting to see him at his first 5*. He’s absolutely motoring at the start of the course. Clarke’s got his eyes on the prize. The horse really covers the ground and looks super impressive as he gallops along the Burghley track.
Cassie comes past the big crowds at the Maltings and has a quiet ride through there, almost running out of oomph for the final open corner on the way out but the horse is really honest and tries hard for Cassie. There’s a moment at the Trout Hatchery as they have a big jump over the log into the second pond and then drift across the angled cabin and take the flag. That’s one for the judges to determine. They’re a big squirrelly over the cord in the third pool but make it happen and continue on. They’re showing as having been given flag penalties but it’ll be reviewed. There’s another awkward moment at the Timber Trailer at 21. Cassie sits up and they continue on. Things are looking a little tricky as they near the end of the course.
________________________________________________________________________________
7am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇺🇸 Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre
Dressage Score: 38.2
Place: 27
Redfield Fyre looks keen as they go through the first water at the Lion Bridge at 4 and Cassie’s really got off to a confident and positive start. The horse is really looking for the fences and they get the perfect shot through the Raindance at 7. There’s a little wiggle before the brush corner on the way out of the Dairy Mound at 9 but Cassie holds him in and they go clear through there. They don’t look super quick but the horse is really jumping nicely and understanding the questions. They gallop down Winners’ Avenue and then come back for the double of gate oxers at 12 but actually are quite fast through there.
Ooo, Hawk Eye has a little spook as he gallops along the track after clearing the big corner on the way out of the Leaf Pit at 24. Eyes on buddy, you’re nearly home. They clear the last to a cheer. 30 seconds over the time but a clear jumping round and lots to look forward to from this pair, for sure. Tom will be back on track later with his second ride.
We hear from Tom who’s delighted with the horse’s first clear round at 5*, saying he’s over the moon to show everyone what the horse is capable of.
________________________________________________________________________________
6:50
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Tom Jackson and Hawk Eye
Dressage Score: 34.1
Place: 13
We see Tom set off on the course as Holly passes him going the other way towards home.
They get really close at the angled house at 7 after the step out of the water but Tom sits up and they get things back together. That was a heart in mouth moment. They seem more together and in a good rhythm as they gallop down Winners’ Avenue and come back for the double of gates at 12. They get a good shot over the Pol Roger table at 13. They go the straight route through the two combinations at the Maltings, with Tom balancing between the two and creating a smooth ride. He’s a bit down on the clock. Hawk Eye’s really listening to Tom at the Trout Hatchery at 19 and they have a sweet ride through the tricky lines there. They look to have really settled into their round.
There’s cheers at the end of the course as they fly Lamberts Sofa at 27 from their stride, the penultimate fence, and then clear the last. CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!! Superb, what a fun ride that looked.
Tim is saying how Global Price looked after him when he needed to and that he was still really galloping at the end. He had to use up some plan Bs and Cs but overall, he’s chuffed with the horse who tried hard the whole way.
We hear from Holly who says she was down on the time at the start of the course that she started to ignore her clock, until he flew down Winners’ Avenue and continued picking up all the way home to score that clear inside the time.
________________________________________________________________________________
6:45
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇪 Susie Berry and Clever Trick
Dressage Score: 40.5
Place: 39
We pick up Susie at the Dairy Mound and things don’t go to plan for them there unfortunately. The mare puts a big one in over the log at the middle element and they end up running on down the slope and going past the brush. 20 penalties so early on and Susie puts her hand up. She’s got another ride later.
Holly makes a really clear turn through the Trout Hatchery at 19 after the hanging log into the second pond and over the angled cabin. They’re looking good. They go straight through the Leaf Pit at 25, picking up the big corner coming out perfectly. Holly kicks straight on afterwards. They’re a little down on the clock but she’s pushing on.
There’s a cheer as Tim jumps through the combination in the Main Arena at 26 and they’re galloping for home now. They finish 12 seconds over. And they took a long route. An interesting round.
________________________________________________________________________________
6:40
THIRD COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Holly Richardson and Ballyneety Silver Service
Dressage Score: 38.3
Place: 28
“Butler” has his ears pricked as he comes to the Lion Bridge at 4 and looks very much up for the job today. It’s not so smooth through the Raindance at 7 but the horse puts in some catty footwork and Holly really reacts and helps to make things happen. The pardubice at 8 gets them back on track. They make the Cottesmore Leap at 11 look small. And it’s definitely not.
We catch up with Tim going the straight route at the Maltings. They’re quick through there. The horse jumps beautifully through the Trout Hatchery combination at 19. Tim makes all those tricky turns absolutely clear to the horse and they really look confident together. They spend a bit of time through Defender Valley through the rail – ditch – brush combination there at 22, making sure that they get a smooth ride. He takes the long route at the Leaf Pit, things look a bit hairy, Tim’s using all of his experience, they get close to the corner and he has to slip his reins, but he gets his knitting back together and they continue on. That’s 5* cross country riding from the World No. 1 for you.
________________________________________________________________________________
6:35
SECOND COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Tim Price and Global Quest
Dressage Score: 32.1
Place: 6
Global Quest doesn’t quite get the step out of the water at the Raindance fence at 7A and Tim has to work hard to make the bounce to the angled house for B. But this pair are soon back on exactly the same page. They’re super neat over the gate oxers at 12 on a really economical line, shaving off every second.
Caroline has to push to stay on the bend through the Pedigree Ditches combination at 14 but they get the striding right and gallop on their way. She opts for the longer route at the second part of the Maltings combination – straight through the two skinny triple brushes at 15A and B but too bold to make it through the related 16ABC. Not plan A but they work it out. They opt long at the Trout Hatchery at 19 too and then, oh my, the control’s not there and they jump the string and leave the track. Her hand goes up. Tolan King wasn’t really listening today.
________________________________________________________________________________
6:30
FIRST COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇺🇸 Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Tolan King
Dressage Score: 34.4
Place: 14
Caroline leaves the box and Burghley cross country day is underway!
The crowds are already packed around the start of the course and it looks to be a beautiful day at Burghley.
They’re smooth over the first three and then drop into the water to go under the Lion Bridge and over the barge at 4. All good so far. They return to the water for the 65th Anniversary Splash over a carefully carved swan. They are very neat over the Raindance at 7. That fence caused a lot of bother last year but absolutely no question for Caroline.
Tolan King is is a nice rhythm as they gallop up the hill and clear the World Horse Welfare pardubice at 8 and then add a stride through the combination at the Dairy Mound but the jumping is very clean. They get an iconic shot over the Cottesmore Leap at 11 and then get to gallop down Winners’ Avenue, what a feeling that must be.
The horse has a little to say about coming back for the Stable Gates at 12 and shakes his head but they clear the two oxers there. Caroline’s got a bit on her hands but they’re getting the job done.
________________________________________________________________________________
Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Entries] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Preview] [EN’s Burghley Field Wiki] [EN’s Ultimate Guide</a] [EN's Form Guide] [Burghley TV] [EN’s Coverage]
________________________________________________________________________________
6:28
Just a couple of minutes to go… Eyes on eventing fans!
________________________________________________________________________________
