Look up and leg on. Photo via CrossCountry App.
It’s Saturday at Defender Burghley which can mean only one thing, EN’s classic live blog is set to bring you every scrap of the action throughout the day. Fingers poised on that refresh button ENers…
If you’re a seasoned Burghley follower, you’ll notice that things feels a little backward this year. Derek di Grazia’s thrown us a curveball for the 2025 edition and reversed the course for first time since 2017. Well, you’ve gotta add a little something something into the mix when you’re dealing with multiple Olympians and World Championship pairings – oh, and eight of the world’s top 10, plus seven CCI5* winners. This Burghley field is immense.
Also in the mix are four brave debutants taking on their first 5* at Burghley this year – shout outs go to Daniel Alderson, Elspeth Bryce, Tara Dixon and Tom Strawson for deciding to take on one of the world’s biggest for their first go around.
Before we take a look at some of the top contenders, here’s how things stand in terms of the leaderboard as we head into today’s action:
1️⃣ Top of the class is Cooley Rosalent and Oliver Townend who produced the goods between the white boards to sit on a score of 22, just 0.4 of a penalty ahead of the reigning champs – in cross country terms, that’s a single commenced second over the time.
2️⃣ Hot on their heels is superstar pairing Lordships Graffalo and Ros Canter who were pretty much hoof perfect for a score of 22.4.
3️⃣ Doing it for the Kiwis is Vitali and his great mate Tim Price, who are less than one point behind on a score of 23.1.
You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.
Here are the links you need to catch up on all the deets of what went down over the last couple of days:
▶️ Thursday AM Report
▶️ Thursday PM Report
▶️ Friday AM Report
▶️ Friday PM Report
You can a look at what’s in store on the course today here and see Tilly’s take on the whole shebang right here. As ever, we’ve wrangled the riders for their insights into the track – read their reactions here.
I promised you a stacked lineup – and here’s the proof:
5* Champs in da House
There’s big guns coming in strong today, with no fewer than seven 5* champs in the field with 26 wins between them. Seriously.
🏆Maryland darling Austin O’Connor is back at Burghley with fan fave Colorado Blue to put right the bad luck they seem to have had here on their two prior outings. With two third places at Badminton, including this spring when he cruised smoothly round the cross country to cross the line well under the time, plus that historic Maryland win in the bank, they’re in with a shot this weekend, for sure. They go at 3:36pm BST / 10:36am ET although Austin’s got an earlier ride with 5* debutant Sixmilewater early draw. They go at 11:35am BST / 6:35am ET.
🏆Piggy March returns to Burghley for the first time since her awesome win on super-mare Vanir Kamira, with whom she also picked up the Badminton crown. She’s here with former Pippa Funnell ride MCS Maverick and, although they haven’t done a whole heap together, the gelding had a top-10 placing at Badminton with Pippa last year and finished 11th at Pau on his debut at the level in 2023. It’ll be cool to see how this relatively new pairing fare this week. They go at 1:08pm BST / 8:08am ET.
🏆Caroline Powell took the Badminton crown last year after a 14 year wait between her first 5* win at Burghley with the late, great Lenamore and her second time at the top with exciting mare Greenacres Special Cavalier. She’s here at Burghley with High Time V for the gelding’s third time at the level, hoping to improve on their 21st place at Badminton in the spring. They go at 1:38pm BST / 8:38am ET.
🏆World No. 3 Tim Price has completed no fewer than all seven of the world’s 5* offerings, taking five wins in total and so nearly so many more. He’s here with last year’s runner-up Vitali and, as we all know, it’s all about the poles for this pair. They go at 2:31pm BST / 9:31am ET.
🏆World No. 6 Laura Collett is another rider who’s clocked up three 5* wins with her superstar Olympic partner London 52. She’s here with Bling for the mare’s second start at the level after banking a solid completion at Badminton in the spring where a babyish look down the big drop saw her add an unfortunate 20. She built in confidence all the way round the track which will stand her in good stead. Laura’ll be holding her breath at the Leaf Pit today though. They go at 2:56pm BST / 9:56am ET.
🏆World No. 7 Oliver Townend’s got his sights set on his 10th 5* victory this week, and what a chance he’s got with Cooley Rosalent, the exceptional mare with whom he won Kentucky last year and placed second with at Badminton in the spring. The back-to-front track won’t be worrying Oliver – he won the whole dang thing last time the course was run this way round. They go at 3:06pm BST / 10:06am ET.
🏆 World No. 2 Ros Canter is hoping to add to her hattrick of 5* wins this weekend and who better to be sat on than reigning Badminton, Burghley and European champ and all-around superstar, beloved ‘Walter’, Lordships Graffalo? They go at 3:21pm BST / 10:21am ET.
Gunning for a First 5* Title
We have a trio of door knockers in the Burghley field, all in with a darned good shout of joining the elusive 5* winners club.
🚪 World No. 1 Harry Meade has gone for the trifecta approach to clinching his first 5* win and is in with a very solid shout with, basically, his whole herd. He hasn’t had the ideal run-up to the event, what with having a fall off a bike and sustaining a number of injuries. No doubt he’ll be sticking to four legs in future. Nevertheless, he’s here and will trailblaze the track with this year’s Kentucky 3rd placer Et Hop Du Matz at 11:30am BST / 6:30am ET, before hopping onto double Burghley 3rd placer Cavalier Crystal at 1:13pm BST / 8:13am ET, finishing up today’s sport for us with last year’s 4th placed Annaghmore Valoner at 4:51pm BST / 11:51am ET. In the past 19 years, we’ve seen just 12 combinations finish on their dressage score at Burghley – Harry’s the only one to have done it twice.
🚪 The knocking coming from David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed is, frankly, Shakespearean. Clear inside the time at Pau, twice. Clear inside the time at Kentucky. Clear inside the time at Burghley. Clear inside the time at Luhmühlen. Clear inside the time at Maryland. Seriously. 15th on their debut at the level at Pau in 2021 (where they very nearly, but for a couple of uncharacteristic poles, won); 6th at Badminton and 4th at Pau in 2022; 8th place at Kentucky and Burghley runners up in 2023; 9th at Luhmühlen and 3rd at Maryland last season… We hear you, David. Come on in. They go at 12:20pm BST / 7:20am ET.
🚪 Emily King’s been there-or-thereabouts for a while now, interspersed with some bad luck along the way. She saw that off at Badminton when she finished 4th in 2024 and 5th this year with Valmy Biats – can they bring their Badminton form to Burghley? They go at 3:11pm BST / 10:11am ET.
Ones to Watch
As well as all of the above, there are some exciting up-and-comers in the field today. Eyes on these ones… You heard it here first.
👀 World No. 9 Samantha Lissington finished just outside the top-10 with Lord Seekonig at Luhmühlen last season on the gelding’s debut at the level. They’re hunting out that same form this week, or even better. They go at 3:46pm BST / 10:46am ET after Sam’s been round with her other ride, Billy Alberto at 11:40am BST / 6:40am ET.
👀 Lucy Latta got her 5* door knocking in early when she arrived on the scene as a rookie horse and rider pair with RCA Patron Saint at Badminton last year and promptly came 2nd. We haven’t seen her at the level since, but eyes firmly locked onto these ones. They go at 12:45pm BST / 7:45am ET.
👀 Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza II are a pair with a point to prove this weekend, after a tricky Badminton this spring saw them pick up 11 penalties for breaking a frangible device, have a bit of a trip in the water and continue on with soggy breeches, and then go on to have an uncharacteristically tough day in the show jumping ring. We can assume that was all just a blip however, if we look at their 6th place finish here last year. Gaspard will be a man on a mission this weekend, no doubt about that. One more thing to note, this is a super speedy mare with a super speedy rider on board – blink and you’ll miss ‘em. They go at 1:43pm BST / 8:43am ET.
👀 Proven leaderboard climbers Alice Casburn and Topspin have eight 5* completions from nine starts, all of which have been in the top 20, with four top 10 results and two 5th place finishes, including at Burghley in 2022. They’re perhaps not quite knocking on the 5* win door – yet, although don’t quote me on that – but they are most certainly ones to watch. They go at 1:48pm BST / 8:48am ET.
👀 They may be making their Burghley debut, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that Katie Magee won’t be going all in this weekend with Treworra. They’ve got a two-for-two completion rate at 5*, finishing 13th last season at Pau on their debut at the level and then storming Badminton in the spring to narrowly miss out on a top-10 place. An exciting combination, that’s for sure. They go at 2:26pm BST / 9:26am ET.
👀 Christoph Wahler and D’Accord FRH made their 5* debut last season at Kentucky and picked up a neat top-10 finish, which they followed up with 7th place at Badminton in the spring. They’re making their Burghley debut this week but are surely on their way to another excellent result. They go at 3:16pm BST / 10:16am ET.
Stacked, for sure. I informed you thusly.
You can check out every single one of the 2025 Burghley combinations in EN’s classic Form Guide, which we’ve conveniently placed right here, and see the ride times for the entire field here
Kicking us off, and bookending today’s sport, is World No, 1 Harry Meade who, in typical Harry form is here with his herd. First up is Kentucky third-placer Et Hop Du Matz. They’re due to leave the startbox at 11:30am BST / 6:30am ET.
As you know, here at EN we are never happier than when we’re tapping furiously away at our keyboards, facing the real risk of repetitive strain injury in order to deliver the goods to you, fellow eventing nerds, leaving no turf unturned in our quest to keep you up-to-date with every scrap of info, fun, weird, wild and wonderful that Defender Burghley so kindly gifts to us. You’ll find all our blood, sweat and tears right here. And that’s not all because we’re nothing if not generous in sharing our crazy. There’s also super fun shenanigans going on over on our Instagram channel @goeventing – follow along here.
Before we get down to the serious business of eventing, a little ‘refresher’ on the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog: refresh, refresh, refresh – and all will be revealed.
via GIPHY
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.
Let’s do this thang and go eventing!
Many thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of our Defender Burghley coverage! Click here to learn all about their science-backed and time-tested nutritional support products for horses.
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1:56pm
The updated top three have been confirmed, and we’ve been told that the additional time for Harry Meade came from him leaving the start box too early. The top three of Ros Canter, Austin O’Connor and Tim Price will stand going into show jumping.
12:39pm
A quick update as we’ve had an odd switch in the top three, just after the press conference. This is all still a bit in flux, but the latest we have for you is that Harry Meade has been assessed additional time penalties with Annaghmore Valoner, putting him to 3.2 time (up from .4) on a 33.0. Tim Price was then moved into third with Vitali on a score of 31.9. The press office is working on confirming this, so we’ll provide updates once we know if this is the final standing. Harry was pretty clear in the press conference that Annaghmore Valoner was his fastest of the day, so we’ll see what comes out of any appeals/confirmation that are happening as we write this!
Current top five as of now:
11:07am
And so there we have it. Cross country day at Defender Burghley draws to a close and we have a provisional podium heading into tomorrow’s finale.
1️⃣ Leading the pack is Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo who stormed round the track, the only clear inside the time – 8 whole seconds inside – to land on a score of 22.4, 6.2 penalties clear of the rest of the field – that’s a fence plus two seconds in show jumping terms for tomorrow.
2️⃣ Climbing the leaderboard from 8th after a stonking cross country round, Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue totally showed their mettle across the country – just 2 seconds over the time – and sit on a score of 28.6.
3️⃣ Rounding out the rolling podium, is Harry Meade and Annaghmore Valoner who delivered a gutsy round just one second over the time to sit on a score of 30.2 heading into the final phase.
You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.
Stay tuned for a summary of the day’s sport headed your way and keep it locked onto EN for the classic full report – coming soon.
The show jumping finale is due to start at 10:30am BST / 5:30am ET tomorrow, resuming at 2:30pm BST / 9:30am ET for the top 20. Don’t miss it!
Thanks for coming along for the live blog ride ENers. I’m off to ice my fingers.
Until next time, go eventing!
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11:02am
Harry’s still on the clock at the Leaf Pit 26 and is able to take it a bit steadier down the drop. He doesn’t look as though he’s pushing, he must think he’s good for time.
Christmas tree, what Christmas tree? They brush through the decorations as they head towards the galloping stretch towards the Main Arena.
Huge cheers for Harry through the combination in the arena at 28 and 29 and he goes for a huge one over the second last. Ooo, he pecks on landing but all’s good.
He’s so close…
He flies the last and crosses the line. 1 second over. What a round for this pair. Into 3rd for them.
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10:53am
FINAL COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Harry Meade and Annaghmore Valoner (GBR)
Dressage Score: 29.8
Place: 15
Here we go, this is the final combination to take on the mighty Burghley cross country course for 2025 and it’s a good one. World No. 1 Harry’s back once more with another exciting mare. She stepped up to 5* last season and Burghley and finished just off the podium in 4th. Harry’s after his first 5* win here this week and he’s – surely – in with a good shout 👀
Harry’s off to finish up today’s sport for us. There’s a little moment at the Raindance fence at 7 with some trot steps coming into play but they’re clear over that influential combination.
Harry’s got the course to himself as Sam has opted to pull up, not their day today sadly.
Harry’s mare is fighting a little coming into the double of gates at 13 and Harry takes a wiggly line as he tries to get her back. They make it through clear. They get the line through the Pedigree brushes at 15 and 16 and is up on the clock at that point in the course. Harry takes a stride out to the last corner at the Maltings combinations at 17 and 18. The mare’s looking bold and brilliant and really relishing her job.
Ooo, Harry takes a chance at the Pardubice at 20. Yikes! He hails a cab as ‘Annie’ squews over the fence but he’s always in balance and they gallop on.
He takes a stride out at the Trout Hatchery at 21, jumping boldly in and all the way through. The mare gets a pat after that and deservedly so, she’s really taking care of him and trying her absolute hardest to get through those flags and over those fences.
They’re bold also through Defender Valley at 24 and head on to the Leaf Pit and home.
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10:49am
PENULTIMATE COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Samantha Lissington and Lord Seekonig (NZL)
Dressage Score: 24
Place: 4
World No. 9 Samantha and this exciting gelding finished just outside the top 10 on their 5* debut at Luhmühlen last season, but things haven’t quite aligned for them on their two subsequent attempts at the level. Will they put that right today? They’re in a good spot, that’s for sure 👀
They’re off to a confident start on that great dressage score. They’re super through the combination at 7 but then chooses to take the long route at Keepers at 10 after coming into the big log at the a element really boldly and having a huge jump. That’s a bit of time wasted there.
We catch up with Tom as he has a little trip on landing at the Trout Hatchery but the horse gets his head straight up and they right themselves to jump on through. What a sweet horse this is. They continue on but the red flag is out before they get to Defender Valley at 24 and they’re pulled up by the ground jury.
Austin looks to be spot on the clock as he hits the 11 minute marker. He’s crouched low. He respects the second last and crouches again. He’s over the last and pushes for the line. Almost. 2 seconds over, just 0.8 to add to that excellent dressage score. Into 2nd for them.
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10:43am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Tom Bird and Rebel Rhyme (GBR)
Dressage Score: 39.7
Place: 46
We’re down to our final three combinations of the day. Part of me wishes it would go on forever but honestly, I’m so ready for a bathroom break!
This combination are back at Burghley for a second go after making their 5* debut here last year in fine form with a completion in 30th place. Tom’ll be looking to climb a bit higher this time around.
They get a sweet shot over the bounce at the Boodles Raindance at 7. That must have felt good for Tom.
Arthur’s really economical off the Leaf Pit at 26, very nice down there. He’s on his way home now. We see him punch the air as he jumps the finale and is patting his horse as they cross the line. 20 penalties and a minute and a half over but a Badminton cross country completion for them.
Austin’s careful through the Maltings at 17 and 18, taking absolutely no chances as there’s been some problems there. That’ll have cost them a second or two though. He’s crouched low as he gallops off. He’s super through the Leaf Pit at 26, very smooth and confident. He doesn’t look quite as quick as some of the others but he’s galloping towards home now.
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10:38am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue (IRE)
🌟 5* Champs
Dressage Score: 27.8
Place: 8
Fan faves Austin and ‘Salty’ melted even the coldest of hearts when the took the Maryland 5* crown in 2023. Dressage king Carl Hester says this guy is one of his favorite horses of all time and “makes every fence of the course look 2 feet high”. They’ve been 3rd at Badminton twice, including this spring, but Burghley hasn’t always been a happy hunting ground for the pair, with a very, very uncharacteristic 20 out on cross country in 2023 and two poles on the final day dropping them down to 14th last year. Austin’ll be gunning to add another Big B podium to this stalwart campaigner’s record this time around 👀
Austin is game face on as him and ‘Salty’ go out meaning absolute business. He’s fabulous through the Boodles Raindance at 7, bold and brave and keen for the job at hand. Austin makes it happen at the Dairy Mound at 9. Great cross country riding there, of course.
We see Arthur up at the Trout Hatchery at 21 and making a good job through there. Arthur actually dropped his whip over the Cottesmore Leap earlier but he’s leg on and heading towards home.
Meanwhile Selina and Gelmer have crossed the finish line. Clear and almost a minute and a half over the time. A good Burghley completion for them.
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10:34am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Arthur Marx and Church’ile (FRA)
Dressage Score: 36.2
Place: 35
It’s fair to say this pair have weathered their fair share of bad luck at 5*, with some unlucky mishaps on cross country (including a broken stirrup at their home event, Pau). They’re still looking for that elusive clear round – perhaps today will be the day for Arthur and his homebred ‘Pumba’.
The bounce at 7 gets the better of Arthur and he picks up at early 20 there. He continues on. They take the corner in the middle of the Dairy Mound at 9b out of a trot but it works out for them. Arthur gives ‘Pumba’ some encouragement over the Cottesmore Leap at 11 and hails a cab. But they’re over and clear.
It’s still hard work for Selina as she makes her way through the Trout Hatchery at 21. He jumps in big but she picks him up and they jump well through there.
There’s a big cheer for Ros and Walter in the arena. She’s got time to spare as she comes to the final fences. They have the luxury of taking a pull for the penultimate fence and then again at the finale. What a round. What a ride. What a horse. 8 SECONDS INSIDE THE TIME and very, very much in the lead.
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10:30am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Selina Milnes and Gelmer (GBR)
Dressage Score: 34.1
Place: 27
This leggy, elegant gelding’s got two Badminton completions under his cinch – will he add a Burghley this weekend?
Gelmer gets off to a spooky start, looking around at the Boodles fences at 6 and 6. Selina keeps him on his lines though and they do a good job through there. Selina works hard through the Dairy Mound at 9, managing this horse’s big stride within that combination. Gelmer looks strong as he clears the Burghley Turret brush oxer at 12 and they fly over that.
Meanwhile Ros is still on good track for the time as she pops through the Trout Hatchery at 21. Walter is absolutely full of run and he makes nothing of the combination at Defender Valley at 24. It must feel so good to be sat on a horse feeling that good as he nears the end of a Burghley track. The Leaf Pit at 26 is totally textbook. The crowd’s cheering them home as they head towards the Main Arena.
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10:23am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo (GBR)
✨ Multiple 5* champs
Dressage Score: 22.4
Place: 2
This pair (trio) really need no introduction. World No. 2 Ros returns as reigning Burghley champ with ‘Walter’ to defend their crown. They put down a record finishing score last year and are the hot favorites to take the title once more. Not content with winning just one big one, they’ve got a hattrick, with two Badminton wins to their name as well. This megastar gelding has had four 5* runs and the worst he’s finished is 2nd, on his debut. Will they take back-to-back titles at Burghley? Behold 👀
A predictably smooth start for Ros and ‘Walter’ and a textbook ride through the Boodles Raindance combination at 7, making that look easy. They’re super balanced through the Dairy Mound at 9, so neat and tidy. The Cottesmore Leap Smottersmore Leap. More like a cavaletti for them. It’s all just so easy. The best of the day through the Pedigree fences at 15 and 16, belying the fact that they’ve cause so much trouble. Confident and poised in that tricky turn. The Maltings is the same story at 17 and 18. And she’s very, very good on the time.
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10:18am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Christoph Wahler and D’Accord FRH (GER)
⭐ Burghley debut
Dressage Score: 27.2
Place: 7
This exciting gelding made his 5* debut in Kentucky last season and picked up a neat top-10 finish. He had a trip round Badminton in the spring and bettered his placing by two, finishing in 7th place. Will the trend continue and deliver a top-5 completion tomorrow? Eyes on 👀
Christoph gets off to a confident start and get a great shot through the influential Boodles Raindance fence at 7 – very smooth up the step and over the bounce. He kicks on up the hill. Yikes, he uses up some luck at the Dairy Mound at 9, coming out of the plate but managing to right himself. He has time to get things back together before the combination at Keepers at 10 and then fly on over the Cottesmore Leap at 11. He’s quick through the double of gates at 13 and clips the first. He’s very close to the b element. They’re over though. But then he’s jumped right off over the Burghley Turrets at 14 and D’Accord FRH continues galloping off along the track. Christoph’s straight up and shaking his head. Bad luck for them. Fired out of the saddle through an enthusiastic jump.
Oliver’s decided to continue on with ‘Rosie’ and doesn’t look to be letting that 20 change his game plan at all. He must want to really show off how good this horse can be. The mare looks full of gallop as she heads towards home. They clear the last carrying that 20 and 23 seconds over the time. Into 11th despite those penalties though.
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10:13am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Emily King and Valmy Biats (GBR)
Dressage Score: 26.1
Place: 6
This combination have really proved their mettle at Badminton, with a 4th place in 2024 and 5th this year. They’re still waiting for their Burghley form to catch up with that though, with a very uncharacteristic 20 out on cross country last year leading to Emily putting up her hand. They’re back to set the record straight – and take their first 5* crown… 👀
We pick up Emily in total disappointment as she misses the bounce at the step up at 7b and doesn’t make it through the flags. Ugh. That’s such bad luck. She comes back round but 20 penalties so early on the course means she puts her hand up. Gutting for her.
Oliver has to really ride through the Pedigree fences at 15 and 16. He’s still galloping as he comes to the Joules fences at 17 and 18. He takes the flag at 17a but looks to be OK but then drives straight on past the corner at 18b. 20 penalties and out of contention for them. Wow.
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10:07am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent (GBR)
🌟 5* champs
Dressage Score: 22
Place: 1
Here we go, the dressage leaders have left the start box. They’ve had all three podium places at 5* – a 3rd place at Maryland in 2023, runner-up at Badminton this year and taking the Kentucky crown last season. They looked to be in with a shout at Burghley last time around, until Oliver took a tumble. He’ll be back for redemption for this super talented mare, that’s for sure. Not to mention the fact that Oliver’s looking for his 10th 5* victory this week. He’s won here three times, all with gray horses. Eyes on this one 👀
Oliver is game face on and gunning for it as he sets off very quickly. The mare’s got her ears forward and is looking for the flags. They’re neat through the first water under the Lion Bridge at 4 and then make absolutely nothing of the Boodles Raindance fence at 7, reading that really well. They look very well over the Cottesmore Leap at 11 but then Oliver nearly turns the wrong side of the tree, but luckily very quickly gets back on track and gallops on down the hill. He’s quick to the double of gates at 13 and Oliver gives the mare a pat. He is going for the time, for sure.
Laura’s on her way home now, flying the sofa at 30 and then pushing for the finale. Laura punches the air as she crosses the line, clearly thrilled with her mare’s performance and so she should be. Laura too. What a masterclass of a round from her. Clear jumping, 22 seconds over the time and into 6th.
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10:03am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte (NZL)
Dressage Score: 34.6
Place: 31
This combination were 15th at Badminton and 21st at Burghley in 2024 but haven’t been able to build on that form thus far this year. The gelding got really quite upset in the dressage phase at Badminton in the spring, showing off some super spins which were, unfortunately, not part of the assigned test. Jesse demonstrated his excellent horsemanship and decided to withdraw and reroute to Luhmühlen, where, sadly, things didn’t go to plan and he retired on cross country after picking up a 20. We’re all behind you Jesse, let’s see things come together today.
Cooley Lafitte’s a little sticky at the first but Jesse knows this guy well and will be giving him confidence as they get their round going. But things just aren’t going to go their way. The horse comes to a stop after the step at 7b and Jesse puts his hand up. It’s a long way home from there and that seems to have been a good decision today.
Meanwhile Bling is still popping her way around this tricky track. Laura’s giving her a great round, really riding positively and giving the careful mare confidence. She’s working hard but the horse is working for her and really growing for this great experience. Big pats after every fence. They have a moment at Defender Valley at 24 when Bling looks straight down into the ditch but Laura’s on the job and they hunt on through. They’re safe off the Leaf Pit at 26, that’ll be a relief for Laura. Great job there.
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Many thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of our Defender Burghley coverage! Click here to learn all about their science-backed and time-tested nutritional support products for horses.
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9:58am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Laura Collett and Bling (GBR)
Dressage Score: 31.4
Place: 19
World No. 6 Laura’s got a hattrick of 5* wins under her belt as well as being a double Olympic team gold medalist. She’s at Burghley with one of the less experienced horses in her string for the mare’s second time at the level. She got a solid Badminton completion under her cinch in the spring and Laura’ll be looking to build on that with a clear cross country round today, after a babyish look down the big drop for the mare saw her add an unfortunate 20 on her debut. Laura’ll be holding her breath at the Leaf Pit…
Bling is sweet through the Boodles fences at 6 and 7, really careful and trusting of Laura. She works hard through the Dairy Mound at 9, really good riding there to show the mare the way.
Matt’s taking the long route at the Maltings at 17 but takes the straight route at 18 and drives straight by the corner at 18b. That’s 20 for them. Matt’s determined to get round and continues on but then they pick up a third refusal at the d element of the Trout Hatchery at 21 and that means elimination for them.
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9:53am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Matthew Heath and Askari (GBR)
Dressage Score: 31.9
Place: 22
It’s a third Burghley for Matt’s 17-year-old gentleman Askari. They’re looking for their first clear across the cross country this time around. Fun fact – Matt came to Burghley for Pony Club Camp as a kid and was a mounted messenger delivering the scores at the three-day in the days before tech. What a cool Burghley journey.
Matt chooses the long route at the Boodles Raindance fence at 7, opting out of the bounce distance. They then have a problem at Keepers at 10b, having a run out and picking up a 20.
Alex is tipped forward off the Leaf Pit at 26 but sits straight up. They glance off the b element though and pick up 20. There’s huge cheers for them as the gallop along the stretch towards home. But then the red flag is out before the penultimate fence and they’re pulled up by the ground jury.
Oh dear, we see a tip up for Sammi and Finduss at the Trout Hatchery at 21b. They’re both straight up and Sammi’s got a soaking but all looks to be OK.
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9:48am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Sammi Birch and Finduss PFB (AUS)
Dressage Score: 35.7
Place: 34
This pair have got three Badminton completions on their record, where they’ve been pushing for the top 20. They’ve been to Burghley once before, back in 2022, and will be aiming for redemption this time around after taking a tumble out on cross country. Those finish flags beckon Sammi…
This horse is really keen for cross country and they’re bold through the Boodles Raindance at 7. Sammi rides brilliantly through the Diary Mound at 9, a tricky fence for this guy but she makes it happen up there. We hear them clip the first gate at 13a but it stays up.
Cool Jack’s still squeaking over the fences as he clears the Pedigree brushes at 15 and 16 but they’re making things happen. Alex opts for the long route at the Maltings at both 17 and 18, a good choice for this horse on their Burghley debut. They carry on enjoying their day together. They take the long route at the Trout Hatchery at 21 also.
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9:44am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Alexander Tordoff and Cool Jack (GBR)
⭐ Burghley debut
Dressage Score: 41.7
Place: 49
This 17-year-old gelding made his 5* debut at Pau last year and jumped clear on cross country day, albeit with a fair few time penalties. Will they stop the clock a bit closer to the optimum time today?
They’re a bit sticky through the Dairy Mound at 9, legs on fences but hunting their way through. They clear the Cottesmore Leap at 11 with a Go on! from Alex.
Vitali’s still flying as he comes through the Main Arena for 28 and 29 but he’s down on the clock. Tim’s crouching low as he comes on the long gallop to the second last. He balances for the Lambert’s Sofa fence and then they clear the finale. They cross the line 22 seconds over and go into the lead. Vitali looks class as he trots off to be cooled down.
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9:39am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Tara Dixon and Master Smart (GBR)
❗Rookie alert!
Dressage Score: 37.5
Place: 41
Tara may be making her 5* debut, but she’s got eventing in her blood, what with her mom being none other than Olympian Karen Dixon. She’s piloted this gelding throughout his international career and now brings him forward for their first 5*. What a thrill she must be feeling right now.
We catch up with Tara as she runs into early difficulties at 7b – the bounce to the brush after the step up. They pick up 20 and come back to the long route but have another problem to pick up a further 40 penalties. They continue on but there’s more to come at the brush corner at the b element of the Dairy Mound at 9 and the third refusal means elimination. Not their time but for sure, it will be one day.
Vitali’s really honest at the Trout Hatchery at 21c. He could have run through his shoulder there but locks onto the flags and they jump on through. Tim won’t want any more moments like that. The horse looks well up for the job as he flows through the Defender Valley combination at 24.
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9:33am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Tim Price and Vitali (NZL)
Dressage Score: 23.1
Place: 3
World No. 3 and completer of all seven of the world’s 5* offerings, Tim comes forward with stalwart top-level campaigner, this season’s Aachen 4*-S winner and last year’s Burghley runner-up, Vitali, he of show jumping fame for all the wrong reasons. But before we start with the ‘will-he-won’t-hes’, let’s watch him shine bright across the country. Eyes on this one 👀
Tim’s game face on as he angles the first, taking the absolute most economical route to shave off time even right from the off. He’s in this to win this. He’s super quick through the water at the Lion Bridge at 4. Vitali’s so bold up the step at 7a , taking off well off it, and Tim has to work for the brush on the bounce. Vitali’s looking for the flags through the Dairy Mound at 9. More economical riding through there from Tim. He’s the best of the day through the Pedigree fences at 15 and 16, that’s been an influential fence and hasn’t really seemed to ride so well but Tim makes it look like nothing.
Katie gathers Treworra together for the Trout Hatchery at 21. The horse is really trying for her and stretches for the c element. Katie’s really riding this track superbly. The horse has a really good look at the ditch at the b element of Defender Valley at 24 and it just makes the corner a step too far at c and they slide off the side. That’s a late 20 for them and a real shame in what’s been a great round so far. They continue on. No problems down the drop at the Leaf Pit at 26 and then they pop over the two triple rails to head for home.
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9:25am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Katie Magee and Treworra (GBR)
⭐ Burghley debut
Dressage Score: 29.3
Place: 13
This combination burst onto the 5* scene at Pau last season when then finished in 13th place. They followed that success with a storming Badminton in the spring, narrowly missing out on a top-10 place. Trust me, these are ones to watch… 👀
Katie’s focused as she sets off. They see a great shot to the first few and then the horse really shows his quality through the Boodles Raindance at 7, up the step and bouncing over the brush at the b element. Class through there for this pair. They’re a bit sticky over the corner at the b element at the Dairy Mound but Katie’s well in balance and they’re straight over the final element. They fly the Cottesmore Leap at 11 – Katie’ll have enjoyed that. She brings the horse back for the double of gates at 13 and they’re neat through there.
Emma appears to have been given two refusals coming up the step at the Boodles Raindance, so that’s 20 for the first and a further 40 for the second. The finish off their round with the horse looking fabulous and to have thoroughly enjoyed himself, which is the main thing.
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9:15am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Emma Thomas and Icarus X (GBR)
Dressage Score: 37.7
Place: 39
This partnership are here for their third Burghley, their best result coming in 2023 when they proved their mettle at the level and finished in 18th place. They had an unfortunate 20 at Badminton in the spring so Emma’ll be looking to put that to bed today with a clear cross country round.
This horse is so keen for the job, really enthusiastic. But then, he has a really surprising stop at the step up at 6a. The horse looks round as if he just didn’t really understand it. That’s really weird for this guy. Emma takes him round and they continue on. They’re back on track at the Dairy Mound at 9 with Icarus putting his hind legs down on top of the corner at the be element to push off and gallop on down the slope to the brush arrowhead at c. That’s cross country. They’re very quick through the double of gates at 13 and then helicopter the Burghley Turrets fence at 14. He’s a handful through the Pedigree fences at 15 and 16 but Emma holds him on the related line through there. There’s oos and aahs from the crowd at the Maltings at 17 and 18 as they have huge jumps over each part of the two doubles up there. They have another massive jump into the water at the b element at the Trout Hatchery at 21 and Emma’s flown out of the saddle before landing back in the sweet spot and kicking on to make it through there and on towards home.
Oh, a loose dog gets in front of Tom Crisp at the Maltings at 17 and 18 but thankfully it’s quickly back under control and doesn’t seem to affect the horse or rider. They’re bold through the Trout Hatchery and Tom yells Yes! as they clear fence 22 on the way out of there. The horse really looks to be relishing this test. They’re good through the Leaf Pit at 26, squeaking through the line there. They cross the line plenty over the time, with the horse looking well within himself. A great ride from Tom.
News in – Alice Casburn’s flag penalties have been removed.
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9:11am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Tom Crisp and Dassett Rock Star (GBR)
Dressage Score: 28.5
Place: 10
Firefighter and captain of Badminton swimming team (IYKYK) Tom brings Dassett Rock Star forward for the gelding’s second attempt at 5*, his first coming in the spring at Badminton. They got a solid completion on their record there, but will be looking for their first cross country clear today.
Tom’s having to work quite hard at the Dairy Mound at 9 but they go through there clear. They fly the Cottesmore Leap at 11 and then make a neat enough job through the double of gates at 13. Tom looks back for a check of the pin but all’s well.
Jack and Jack clear the hare at the Maltings at 17a but then add a stride on the turn to the corner for b and don’t make it. They go out to the side and pick up a 20. We’re seeing that they have a fall at 18b on the live scoreboard although we don’t see it on screen. We do see the horse being led off the course and Jack’s up on his feet too.
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9:05am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Jack Mantel and Jack Daniels (GBR)
⭐ Burghley debut
Dressage Score: 38
Place: 43
The Jacks made their 5* debut at Badminton in the spring and picked up a solid completion for 32nd place, including jumping clear across the country. They’ll be building on that great experience here this weekend and looking to add another 5* finish to their card.
They get off to a good start on their Burghley debut and are clear to the Pedigree brushes at 15 and 16. But they have a moment there, the stride’s not there between the two fences and they slither over the second. But through the flags and they carry on.
Elspeth really keeps hold of the rein to hold her horse on the line for the second of the two Pedigree fences at 16. He’s being really strong but he is working for Elspeth. They take the long route at the Maltings at 17 but then a huge up and down jump over the oxer at 18b sees them break a the frangible device and then they run past the corner at 18b. They come back round and carry on but then the red flag is out at the Trout Hatchery and they’re pulled up by the ground jury. Not their day today.
Meanwhile Max has crossed the line, carrying that 20 and just under a minute and a half over the time. Disappointing for them not to have been clear but lots of learning under their cinch.
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Many thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of our Defender Burghley coverage! Click here to learn all about their science-backed and time-tested nutritional support products for horses.
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9am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Elspeth Bryce and Lacoste (GBR)
❗Rookie alert!
Dressage Score: 39.9
Place: 48
Taking on the big one for her first time, 23-year-old Elspeth comes to Burghley with her sole international ride, the nattily-named Lacoste. This pair have been together for 8 years, since Elspeth was just 15, which will stand them in good stead today as we all know that cross country is all about relationship.
Good boy!” yells Elspeth as she drops into the water at 6. This horse seems to be really honest and trying his best for his rider. He’s keen to the double of gates at 13 and Elspeth has to work really hard to bring him back. But they jump through there and kick on.
Max’s horse looks no less confident for the mishap at the Diary Mound as Max rides really deliberately through the Pedigree brushes at 15 and 16. Oh no. Bad luck for them at Defender Valley. They jump in well and then over the ditch at b but then it all comes apart at the corner at c and they pick up 20. Ugh, that was unlucky. Then come round for the d element and continue on.
Alice has a moment at the second last, and then the last. Yikes. Topspin looks a little tired but they’re home and clear jumping. There are two flag questions – at 9b and then at 17b, the corner at Joules at the Maltings. 11 seconds over the time for them.
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8:55am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Max Warburton and Deerpairc Revelry (GBR)
Dressage Score: 29.1
Place: 12
My pick for the horse I’d love to have in my barn, this guy comes to Burghley for the second time after making his debut here last season and putting down a top-20 finish. Things didn’t go so much to plan at Badminton this spring, but it’s all experience at this point in the horse’s career and Max’ll be hoping to capitalize on that with another great finish here this weekend.
This sweet gelding has his ears pricked as he sets off on his round, looking forward to his time out on the track, for sure. The horse is going really well until things go a little awry at the big corner at the Diary Mound at 9b. The horse slides over, well kind of through, but they’re through the flags. An honest horse and a super balanced rider. They go on round for the long route.
Alice has a flag question at 9b, the brush corner in the middle of the Dairy Mound. I’ll update that as we get the information. This longtime partnership are great through the Trout Hatchery, really making things happen there.
Gaspard wiggles through the combination in the main arena at 28 and 29. He’s around the same time as Harry was with Cavalier Crystal. He doesn’t quite take Lambert’s Sofa in his stride but makes it over and then clears the finale. They’re through the flags, clear jumping and 14 seconds over the time, into 3rd behind Harry’s 1 and 2.
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8:50am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Alice Casburn and Topspin (GBR)
Dressage Score: 31.4
Place: 20
Second generation homebred Topspin is famous for still living in the same stall he was born in, as well as being a guaranteed leaderboard climber at 5* competitions. With eight completions from nine starts, all of which have seen them finish in the top 20, including four top 10 results, they’ve twice been 5th, at Burghley in 2022 and Luhmühlen last year. They’re perhaps not quite knocking on the 5* win door, but they are most certainly ones to watch 👀
Topspin looks keen for the job at he gallops off out of the box. This guy’s 17 but still has a little spook at the decoration at the Boodles fence at 6, but his ears lock on and they make nothing of the bounce combination out of the water at 7. Go on, Alice growls at the corner at 10b.
Gaspard is quick through Defender Valley at 24, the mare ate that up.
Caroline crosses the finish line, clear and 28 seconds over. They’ve had a really smooth ride round, a masterclass from Caroline.
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8:46am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza II (FRA)
Dressage Score: 31.8
Place: 21
This talented mare burst onto the Championship scene in 2022 when she finished 6th, a spot she matched at Burghley last year, but had a trickier time at Badminton in the spring, picking up penalties for breaking a frangible device out on cross country and then having an uncharacteristically tough time in the show jumping. Gaspard will be out with a point to prove this weekend. Eyes on 👀
They’re very brave at the start of the course, quick and super bold. They jump very close to big bit of the barge in the water at the Lion Bridge at 4. Yikes! Ooo, he’s very close to the step up at 7a and then there’s no room for a proper bounce to the angle and they’re very close to the brush at b also. They slither over and gallop on. Gaspard makes it happen through the Dairy Mound at 9. He’s pitched forward up the mare’s neck but sits back up and kicks on.
Caroline makes things happen at the Leaf Pit, really riding that line across the terrain through there like the pro she is.
Sam has crossed the finish line, clear and 58 seconds over. The flag penalties have been taken away.
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8:40am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Caroline Powell and High Time V (NZL)
Dressage Score: 31.1
Place: 18
2024 Badminton champ and Burghley winner in 2010 with the late, great Lenamore, Caroline brings High Time V forward for his third time at 5* after taking over the irons in 2023. They finished just outside the top 20 at Badminton in the spring and Caroline will be hoping to build on that this weekend.
Caroline sets off smoothly and has a superb ride through the Boodles Raindance combination at 7. Then the Diary Mound at 9 is totally textbook. They fly the Cottesmore Leap at 11, big money shot there.
Rocketman’s pony-like through the combination at the Maltings, squeaking through those Joules corners at 17 and 18, really honest from the horse there. Sam is super speedy through Defender Valley, hopping through there very quickly. They’ve got a flag question at 17b from the Maltings, the first of the two big corners. We’ll wait for confirmation of that. They’re quick through the Leaf Pit also, the horse looks so enthusiastic and bold, they’ve looked fast everywhere to be honest.
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8:35am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Sam Watson and Ballyneety Rocketman (IRE)
Dressage Score: 35.4
Place: 33
Stats guy Sam, of EquiRatings geekdom, brings this 11-year-old gelding forward for his second 5*, having made his debut with a Badminton completion in the spring. They picked up an educational 20 that time out so Sam will be looking to rectify that this time around. The horse snorted his way down the jog strip at the first horse inspection, ready and raring to go, for sure.
Yikes, Sam gives us a moment at the Boodles Raindance at 7. They get in close to the base of the step at the a element but then the horse doesn’t seem to realise there’s a quick turn on the bounce to the brush at b. They squeak through. Phew. We see them up at the double of gates at 13 and they’re careful through there.
Alex decides to call it a day at the Pedigree fences at 15 and 16. A good decision, really. The horse wasn’t really attacking today.
Meanwhile Simon is absolutely thrilled as he crosses the line. Big cheers for a great round. Clear jumping and just over a minute of time on a Burghley debut for the horse. It really looked like they had a lot of fun out there.
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8:30am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Alexander Bragg and Ardeo Premier (GBR)
Dressage Score: 28.4
Place: 9
This pair have three solid 5* results on their card, including a 13th place finish at Luhmühlen last year and 16th spot at Badminton in the spring. Alex’ll be looking to build on that this week and slot himself into the top-10 with this promising gelding this time around.
Ooo, Alex has a moment at the Boodles fence at 6. The horse is backing off a little and Alex is having to push him on a bit. They slither over and continue on. It’s a long way home from there though. Then things go awry at the Dairy Mound when then come to a halt the corner at 9b. He’s just looking a little green. Alex takes him on round the long route and carries on for some schooling.
Simon shouts Good lad as Autograf comes the Pedigree brushes at 16. They navigate the twists and turns through the Trout Hatchery at 21. The horse is so impressive as he takes on his first 5*. So exciting for Simon. They both look like they’re fully enjoying their time out there. Defender Valley a 24 is textbook and they kick on for home.
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8:25am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Simon Grieve and Autograf (GBR)
⭐ Horse’s 5* debut
Dressage Score: 37.8
Place: 42
Simon’s taken in a fair bit of 4* experience with this gelding this season in preparation for the horse’s step up to 5* here this week, including a clear cross country round in the notoriously tricky Bramham 4*-L.
Simon sets off with real purpose and has a textbook ride through the Boodles combination at 7 – super athletic over the bounce after the step and over the brush. Fun. He’s really giving this horse a great ride and they look to have a real partnership.
We’re hearing that Michael’s decided to pull up J’adore Salsa on Winners’ Avenue.
Meanwhile Harry’s pushing for home. He’s close. But not quite there. 7 seconds over with a horse who is full of gallop and ears pricked. Awesome work from them. But it sure shows how tight the time is out there. Into the lead for them.
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8:20am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Michael Owen and J’adore Salsa (GBR)
⭐ Horse’s 5* debut
Dressage Score: 34.4
Place: 29
It may be the mare’s first time at the level, but Michael has buckets of 5* experience courtesy of the wonderful campaigner, now retired, Bradeley Law. Michael actually jumped in the Puissance at Dublin Horse Show this year, so he won’t mind the height of the fences out there today. This pair had a great run round Bramham 4*-L in preparation for today’s test, stopping the clock just two seconds over and putting down a smart clear cross country jumping round. How will she find the step up?
Michael gets off to a solid start but then hits a problem at the Dairy Mound at 9b. A drive-by there sees them pick up 20 but they continue on for an educational round on the mare’s 5* debut.
Cavalier Crystal is looking great as she nears the end of her round with Harry, going smoothly through the Trout Hatchery at 21. The mare is still full of run as she comes to the Leaf Pit at 26, she looks the best of the bunch thus far today. Class from horse and rider.
Piggy is almost home when the red flag comes out and she’s pulled up. She did miss the d element at Defender Valley at 24d, that means elimination.
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8:14am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal (GBR)
Dressage Score: 30.5
Place: 16
World No. 1 Harry is back out on track with the second of his three rides, and it’s another good one. This mare was 3rd here in 2023 on her debut at the level and 3rd again last year. She missed out on the podium at Badminton in the spring by just a smidge. Another podium for this talented lass incoming? 👀
Harry’s quick and clean through the Boodles water fences at 6 and 7. Will they be our first inside the time? They’ve done it at Burghley before. They go through Keepers at 10 on a stride less than we’ve seen others take and then absolutely fly the Cottesmore Leap. Game on.
Piggy gets a good shot over the combination at Joules at the Maltings at 17ab and then are good over the oxer at 18a. But the four strides don’t really come up for them to the corner at b and they glance off there. 20 for them and out of contention but they continue on. More problems come up for them at Defender Valley at 24 and they pick up another 20 at the c element. Piggy carries on but there’s some question over whether she may have missed the d element. We didn’t see her jump it and the live leaderboard isn’t showing that she did either. More to come on that.
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Many thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of our Defender Burghley coverage! Click here to learn all about their science-backed and time-tested nutritional support products for horses.
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8:09am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Piggy March and MCS Maverick (GBR)
Dressage Score: 25.7
Place: 5
Piggy’s back at Burghley for the first time since taking the crown in 2022 with super-mare Vanir Kamira, this time with the former ride of her great pal Pippa Funnell. Piggy’s only been in the irons for this season but the pair have got three solid 4*-S results together, and the gelding had a top-10 placing at Badminton with Pippa last year and finished 11th at Pau on his debut at the level in 2023. What will Piggy bring to the mix? 👀
Piggy makes the start of the course look smooth and easy on her new ride, giving us all a riding lesson as she sails over the early fences. She’s careful through the double of gates at 13 and then pushes straight on along the track.
We catch up with Will as he comes unstuck at the Pedigree fence at 16. It just doesn’t come up for them on the related distance between 15 and 16 and Will’s pitched off. We see him up on his feet and the horse being cooled off before they’ll walk off course.
Holly is delighted as she crosses the line, and rightfully so. What a round for her with a horse making his 5* debut. A great start to his top-level career and a really exciting prospect for the future. Clear and just 23 seconds over on what’s proving to be a tricky course. Superb.
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8:03am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy (GBR)
Dressage Score: 28.8
Place: 11
This combination finished just inside the top 25 on their 5* debut at Badminton in 2024, then went one better this spring. Will’ll be looking to right some wrongs at Burghley this time around after being eliminated last year, but if all goes to plan they’re in with a shout of another solid placing.
They’re neat over the log at 3 and then splash on under the Lion Bridge and over the barge at 4 in the water. Will looks focused as he comes to the Boodles fence at 5 and back through the water before making the step out at the Raindance at 6 and bounce over the angled brush for the b element. They run into problems at the Dairy Mound at 9, jumping big over the oxer at a and then not quite making the turn to the line for the corner at b. They slide out the side and pick up 20 but they’re quickly onto the long route to continue on. He seems to take his foot off the pedal and is steady through the double of gates at 13.
Meanwhile Holly wiggles her way through the Joules combination at 17 and does a good job through there. She’s having a really fun time out there today and is making things look much easier than they clearly are.
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7:53am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Holly Richardson and Balleyneety Silver Service (GBR)
⭐ Horse’s 5* debut
Dressage Score: 32.4
Place: 23
This combination come to Burghley off the back of jumping clear inside the time round the tough 4*-L track at Bramham for a top-20 finish, which is sure to have given Holly confidence as she brings the gelding forward for his first 5* start.
Holly gets off to a sweet start with her lovely gelding, really making a great job of the Boodles Raindance bounce at 6. They manage the terrain really smoothly through the Dairy Mound at 9. They fly the Cottesmore Leap at 11. Looking good thus far.
Jeweetwel’s not really making things easy for Emma but they’re nearing home. The live leaderboard is showing a DR question at 21b, the Trout Hatchery, and there’s a missed flag at 24c at Defender Valley. I’ll update that as information comes in. Emma doesn’t say anything about it in her post-round interview although the missed flag penalty has been removed.
Meanwhile Lucy’s having an absolute peach of a ride until, oh rats! They get a good shot into the Trout Hatchery at 21a and then again back in at b. But then they come to a sliding stop into the brush element at c. That is such a shame in what had been a superb round up to that point. They continue on and put that behind them, quickly picking up a smooth rhythm and really making us wonder what could have been. They come over the finale and cross the line. 20 penalties and time penalties resulting from that refusal. Lucy looked to have taken her foot off the gas after that problem.
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7:48am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint (IRE)
⭐ Burghley debut
Dressage Score: 34.4
Place: 28
There may only be one 5* start on this pair’s record, but it’s a good one. They launched themselves onto the elite scene at Badminton last year and promptly took the runner-up spot. Eyes on for another blistering performance this weekend 👀
Lucy’s having a textbook round in the early stages of the course. It looks like ‘Paddy’ has walked this course. They’re smooth and flowing and look to be having a lot of fun. They gallop down and then come back for the double of gates at 13. She swings out to get straight, taking no chances there.
Emma chooses a mix and match of lines at the Pedigree fences at 15 and 16 but it doesn’t work out. She’d tried to swing out to get straight for the second ditch and brush after angling the first. 20 for them there. They run into more troubles at the big corners at the Maltings at 18. They manage the first at 17b really well and then the oxer at 18a is OK, but the horse just doesn’t really read the corner at the b element and it’s not there for them. Another 20 but they continue on.
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7:42am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Emma Hyslop-Webb and Jeweetwel (GBR)
Dressage Score: 36.6
Place: 37
This combination are making their second 5* start together this week and second Burghley. They finished top 40 last year after picking up a 20 out on cross country, so Emma’ll be hoping to secure that clear jumping round today as the quirkily-named gelding gains further experience at the level.
We see them get off to a good start and having a smooth ride through the double of gates at 13.
Tom Strawson has crossed the line just over a minute over the time – a great first 5* for them.
Oh, we catch up with Daniel Alderson as he has a drive by at 16. He was being so bold and riding really well but just doesn’t make the sharp right turn after the ditch and brush at 15 to make the related line to 16. That’s a bummer as they looked to be going really well. We see them over the massive corner at Joules at 17b and he’s really brave to the related fence at 18. It’s all a little free and open though and they don’t make the corner at the b element. Daniel opts to put his hand up. Another day for them.
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7:37am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Daniel Alderson and Blarney Monbeg Pepper (GBR)
❗Rookie alert!
Dressage Score: 37.2
Place: 38
From one 5* rookie combo to another. Daniel may be making his debut at the level with this 10-year-old mare, but they come to Burghley in great form, having picked up a 4th place in the 4*-L at Bramham earlier this summer, and doing it in fine style with a clear inside the time on cross country. What will they make of the step up?
They have a textbook ride through the Boodles Raindance fence at 7, making the bounce after the step look very smooth. Impressive there. Daniel says Woah woah as he comes to the double of gates at 13, really swinging out to get straight for the first one and taking the necessary care for those upright fences there.
We catch up with Tom Strawson at the Trout Hatchery at 21 and 22 and Tom rides boldly into the water. They come on round and lock onto the narrow arrowhead on the way out and push on towards home.
Meanwhile, Cassie Sanger has crossed the finish line – a clear round for them and just 23 seconds over the time. A good day’s work and into third at this stage of the day.
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7:32am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Tom Strawson and Public Address (GBR)
❗Rookie alert!
Dressage Score: 39.8
Place: 47
We have yet another Tom in the 5* club, I make that around 156 now. This pair arrive on the 5* scene off the back of a 6th place in the 4*-L at Ballindenisk, where they jumped clear inside the time in the cross country. That should have boosted Tom’s confidence as they take on the mighty Burghley track today. This horse actually jumped point-to-point before coming into eventing, so he’s sure got the bravery credentials ticked off.
They’re quick through the first water at the Lion Bridge at 4 and look to really mean business on their 5* debut. Tom’s positive into the water at the Boodles fence at 6 and they have to pop in a tiny stride after the step rather than bouncing over the brush at 7b. They’re steady and careful over the double of gates at 13
Cassie’s quick through the Pedigree fences at 14 and 15. Cassie’s being really brave and riding very boldly. We see them through the Trout Hatchery and the horse knuckles over a little on the terrain after the big brush at 21c but Cassie keeps him together and kicks on. She can smell a Burghley completion. They get in close to the first element at Defender Valley at 24 and the horse has a little look to read the questions there, that was a nice ride through there. Redfield Fyre has a good look down the drop at the Leaf Pit at 26 and is a little cautious. He’s beginning to look a little tired but Cassie’s riding sensibly as she nears the end of her round.
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7:27am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre (USA)
⭐ Burghley debut
Dressage Score: 37.4
Place: 40
This combination got their 2025 season off to a great start with a top 20 placing at Kentucky on their debut at the level. But for a missed flag out on cross country, that result would have been even higher. Cassie made the trip to Europe earlier this summer to prep for the British big one and will surely be looking for a clear round today, given that those 15 flag penalties are the only blip on a very impressively clean cross country jumping record.
Cassie does a nice job through the double of gates at 13 and seems to be having a great spin so far.
Tom Jackson has crossed the finish line, carrying that 20 and 44 seconds over the time. That was a really positive round for a new partnership and plenty to come from them in the future, for sure.
We see David back up on Galileo as he hacks home. Both will have been fully checked over by the medical team and have obviously been deemed OK to ride back to the stables.
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7:21am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed (GBR)
Dressage Score: 29.6
Place: 14
This pairing are a force to be reckoned with, that’s for sure. Clear inside the time at Pau, twice. Clear inside the time at Kentucky. Clear inside the time at Burghley. Clear inside the time at Luhmühlen. Clear inside the time at Maryland. Seriously. They very nearly won their first 5* at Pau in 2021, but for two extremely uncharacteristic poles in the show jumping phase dropping them down to 15th. They came back out the following spring and secured 6th at Badminton, very nearly finishing on the dressage score. They were 4th at Pau later in the year and then achieved that elusive feat of adding nothing across the jumping phases at Kentucky in 2023 for 8th place. That fall they repeated that achievement and were Burghley runners-up. Last year they had a top-10 result at Luhmühlen and then took the third spot on the podium at Maryland. The knocking coming from this pair is Shakespearean. We hear you, David. Door’s open… 👀
OK, this is our first real chance at the clock. They get off to a quick start and are through the water at Lion Bridge at 4 in the blink of an eye. They come on the inside line to the Boodles fence at 6 and spooks at the decoration there. But David’s focused and gets Galileo’s mind straight back on the what’s in front of him, bounding up the step at 7a and then bouncing smoothly on over the angled brush at b. Game on.
But oh, I spoke to soon. Everything’s going great, as expected, but then they’re a little off the corner at 10b, just the tiniest smidge, David’s in balance, but Galileo tips up. David’s sat up, obviously gutted a probably winded. Galileo’s straight up on his feet. That’s such a shock, and such a shame.
We catch up with Tom and Hawk Eye at the Trout Hatchery and all looks well on the way in – a beautiful jump on a super line through the combination at 21. But then the horse just doesn’t seem to read the arrowhead at 22 and they drive by there for 20 penalties.
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7:16am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Tom Jackson and Hawk Eye (GBR)
⭐ Horse’s 5* debut
Dressage Score: 35.1
Place: 32
Brought out by Nicola Wilson before joining Kristina Hall-Jackson’s string for a couple of years, this gelding makes his 5* debut with another Jackson, World No. 10 Tom. The pair have had three international runs together this season with impressive results, and come to Burghley off the back of a 3rd place finish in the 4*-L at Bramham and another in the 4*-S at Alnwick, both times finishing on their dressage score. It’ll be cool to see how that experience plays out today.
Tom looks focused at the start of his round and makes the bounce through the Boodles Raindance at 7ab look absolutely effortless. They fly the Cottesmore Leap at 11 and Tom’s pitched forward on landing, but he sits up and kicks on towards Winners’ Avenue. Tom brings the gelding back for the double of gates at 13 and looks to get straight back into a really good rhythm. All good thus far for them.
Lauren’s having a peach of a ride and makes nothing of the related Pedigree fences at 15 and 16. They take the flag at the Joules corner at 17b and then get really close to the huge oxer at 18a. Lauren keeps her leg on and they make the open corner at 18b fine. Great riding through there. The make the loop at the Trout Hatchery look very smooth. This looks to be a really fun round.
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Many thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of our Defender Burghley coverage! Click here to learn all about their science-backed and time-tested nutritional support products for horses.
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7:11am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Lauren Innes and Global Fision M (NZL)
Dressage Score: 38.7
Place: 44
Experienced 5* campaigners Lauren and ‘Flipper’ are going for a hattrick of Burghley completions this week, having been knocking on the door of a top-20 finish at 5* for a while now. The gelding sure was hot to trot at the first horse inspection and was well ready for cross country day. They’ve jumped clear across the country on five occasions across the two British big Bs and will be looking to add a sixth today. Making this feat all the more impressive, Lauren’s actually a full-time accountant in her real life.
This horse so loves cross country and we see just how powerful he is as he flies over the Cottesmore Leap at 11. They gallop on down Winners’ Avenue and take the plinth at 12 over to the right to get a good line for the double of gates at 13. They’re really balanced and smooth through there.
Grace has a real moment at the Pedigree kennel at 16. They’re so quick through those two related fences at 15 and 16, a bit too quick perhaps. They’re really close to the brush at 16 and the horse kind of scrambles over a little. That was a hairy mistake, really. And Grace agrees. They have a hugely bold jump over the corner at 17b at the Maltings, way off there, and Grace pulls up and puts up her hand. Not their day today and a really good decision by Grace.
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7:06am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Grace Taylor and Game Changer (USA)
Dressage Score: 32.4
Place: 24
This British-based US pairing are at Burghley for the second time after making their 5* debut here in 2023 and adding two Badminton completions to their record since then. They didn’t get to complete last time after withdrawing before show jumping, so Grace’ll be gunning to add the fall edition of the big B to her card this weekend. A clear cross country jumping round and 30th place at Badminton in the spring will have stood them in good stead.
Grace gets off to a bold start and gets very close to the first part of the Dairy Mound at 9. She’s tipped forward but is back up and makes it over the corner and down the slope to the skinny arrowhead at c. They get a fabulous shot over the Cottesmore Leap at 11, flying that enormous fence.
Tom Bird gets a perfect shot through the Main Arena combination and kicks towards home. He crosses the line a minute over the time and carrying 20 penalties but another 5* completion for the young rider and more miles under his belt.
We hear that Joseph Murphy’s elimination was due to the blood rule. The horse looked to have some pink around his mouth. That’s information from the commentary team.
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7:02am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Padraig McCarthy and MGH Mr Messack (IRE)
⭐ Horse’s 5* debut
Dressage Score: 36.3
Place: 36
It may be this 10-year-old gelding’s first time at the level, but not so much for super-experienced Padraig. The pair had a solid prep run in the 4*-L at Millstreet, jumping clear across the country and securing 10th spot. It’s always an unknown when you step a horse up a level, but this guy’s got no cross country jumping penalties on his record, so is clearly well up for the game.
They get off to a good start but sadly their round comes to an early end when there’s a green mistake at the Boodles fences at 7. They make the step up out of the water but the bounce doesn’t happen for them and Padraig’s shot out of the saddle. The horse stops and looks round as if to say, where are you Dad? A real shame for them but both horse and rider look to be absolutely fine.
Tom’s really brave to the first of the brushes at the Pedigree fence at 15 and then drives by the second one at 16. They just missed their line there. Frustrating for them. They get quite close to the cabin at Defender Valley but then the ditch comes up for them and they’re smooth through the rest of the combination there at 24.
Meanwhile Joseph is nearing the end of his round. He’s good through the Leaf Pit at 26 but then the red flags are out and he’s pulled up by the ground jury. It’s elimination for them.
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6:57am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Tom Bird and Cowling Hot Gossip (GBR)
Dressage Score: 43.2
Place: 50
This combination made their 5* debut together at Burghley last year and really showed what this horse is in the game for on cross country day. A true eventer, this guy, who loves to run and jump. They were 33rd that time out and then went to Badminton in the spring for another top-level completion. Tom’ll be looking to build on that this weekend.
Cowling Hot Gossip is looking a little strong as he jumps Winners’ Avenue Plinth at 12 and then gets in too close to the first gate at 13, slithering over that but luckily the pin doesn’t go. They get things back together for the second gate and kick on.
Joseph runs into troubles at the Maltings. The horse finds the corner at 17b difficult and then just doesn’t have the oomph for the corner at 18b, running into the rail and breaking the frangible device as he picks up a 20.
Aimee Penny has crossed the finish line carrying that 20 penalties and plenty of time. She gave her lovely mare a great ride and they’ll have really come on for all this experience.
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6:51am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit (IRE)
Dressage Score: 30.9
Place: 17
This 10-year-old gelding made his 5* debut at Pau last year, clocking up a solid completion in 36th place. He took on Badminton in the spring and had a green 20 out on cross country, going on to finish in 49th. Every day’s a school day though and he’ll have banked that experienced ready to take on his second big B.
Yikes, there’s a little moment for Joseph at the Cottesmore Leap at 11, there’s not really the power there and they brush through the top of the fence. Joseph kicks on though and the continue on their way.
Aimee swings right out to get straight for the big corner at the Maltings at 17 and gets a nice jump over that huge fence. They guess a bit coming out of the Trout Hatchery and the horse shows every single inch of her scope as she stretches. Aimee’s in great balance though and really helps her horse out. Oh dear, they pick up a 20 at Defender Valley, at the solid corner at the c element. That’s a shame. They’re a little tentative at the Leaf Pit and Aimee makes the quick decision to go the long route there.
Sam’s over the line 14 seconds over the time, a good first round for her which will stand her in good stead for her ride on 4th placed Lord Seekonig later this afternoon.
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6:46am
NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Aimee Penny and PSH Encore (GBR)
⭐ Burghley debut
Dressage Score: 34.4
Place: =29
This mare made her debut at the level last year at Pau, where she jumped clear across the country. She went to Luhmuhlen earlier this summer and had an educational 20 out on course, so Aimee’ll be hoping to build on her experience thus far and have a good, confidence-building ride round what’s certainly the mare’s biggest challenge to date.
PSH Encore saw a real flier into the first water at the Lion Bridge – a really bold start for them. They’re settled into their round as they come through the Dairy Mound at 9. They get a great shot over Cottesmore Leap at 11 – what a feeling that must have been.
We’re hearing that there was someone on the course as Harry jumped through the Trout Hatchery. Apparently they ran right out in front of them and then quickly ran back again, hence the hairy jump there for them. Behind the ropes please spectators!
Meanwhile Austin is coming to the big fence at 30 – Lambert’s Sofa. Austin’s taken care of this lovely horse as it gains experience at the level. 20 penalties and plenty of time but a whole lot of learning along the way.
We haven’t seen a lot of Sam but we pick her up at the Leaf Pit at 26. They’re very brave off the drop, basically jumping straight down it, but Sam keeps hold of the line through the two skinnies and they continue on towards home.
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6:41am
THIRD COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Samantha Lissington and Billy Alberto (NZL)
⭐ Horse’s 5* debut
Dressage Score: 39.5
Place: 45
World No. 9 Samantha has two rides here, taking on the mammoth task that is Burghley cross country on the newer of those partnerships, this being her first season with the gelding. They may not have many miles under their saddle, but they had a super prep run in the 4*-L over in France earlier this summer, where they finished on their dressage score in 2nd place. This will be a fact-finding mission for Samantha, with regards to both Billy Alberto on his step up to the level and their relationship, but also with her second ride in mind.
Billy Alberto looks strong at the start of the course and really keen for the job. They quickly get stuck in and clear the first fences with no problem.
Harry gives Hoppy time for a little look down the drop at the Leaf Pit at 26 but it’s leg on to encourage him off the abyss. The two sets of skinny triple rails come up for them and they’re smoothly on their way. Harry looks at his watch as he comes out of the main arena. Nearly home now. Oooo! He has a huge miss at the penultimate fence. Harry’s hailing a cab and then is thrown right up the horse’s neck. Hang on Harry! He does. He slithers back into the plate and continues on to the finale. He crosses the line 6 seconds over.
Meanwhile Austin has a problem at the corner at Joules at the Maltings at 17 and has a drive by for 20 penalties. He opts for the long route at the Trout Hatchery, just giving this young horse every chance to get home for a cross country completion.
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6:36am
SECOND COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Austin O’Connor and Sixmilewater (IRE)
⭐ Horse’s 5* debut
Dressage Score: 33
Place: 26
We’ll see Austin again later in the day with his 5* winner and fan fave ‘Salty’, but first up he’s piloting this 11-year-old gelding around the horse’s first top-level event, and who better to have in the plate for a confidence-giving, educational round? The pair took a spin round the 4*-L at Bramham in preparation for today’s challenge, where they jumped clear with a handful of time penalties. Austin’ll be hoping for the luck of the Irish and a solid start to this gelding’s 5* career today.
Austin’s got game face on as he sets out on his first ride. He’s letting this young horse get into a nice rhythm as he takes on these big fences for the first time. They make little work of the Boodles Raindance fence at 7, smoothly over the step up and then bouncing on over the brush at B. Austin works hard at the Dairy Mound to steer round the lines there.
Harry’s in a great rhythm as he carefully clears the double of gates at 13. A little rub but no troubles there. Harry gets a huge jump into the second water at the Trout Hatchery – a little chancy there. But the horse is locked on to the arrowhead at the third element and they continue on straight over the related arrowhead at 22. He comes to Defender Valley at 24 and brings the horse back to get the job done. This looks to be a great ride for the trailblazer.
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6:30am
FIRST COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Harry Meade and Et Hop Du Matz (GBR)
Dressage Score: 32.7
Place: 25
Kicking things off for Burghley cross country day 2025 is World No. 1 Harry Meade, who’s chasing his first 5* victory and has three excellent shots. This guy really showed his mettle at the level when he podiumed at Kentucky in the spring, finishing on his dressage and totally making up for Harry’s unfortunate tumble on the gelding’s debut at the level at Maryland at the end of last season. How will things go for the pair on British 5* soil? Burghley cross country day has begun!
Harry gets things underway with a sweet shot over the Defender Starter then makes his way round to the big parasol table at fence 2. The first water’s early this year and the horse seems a bit looky at he splashes through under the Lion Bridge. Harry’s having to work quite hard at the early part of the course. They seem settled into their round as they navigate the Dairy Mound at 9 and have a smooth ride through the combination there.
‘Hoppy’ is ears pricked as he jumps the massive log at Keepers at fence 10 and then flies the Cottesmore Leap at 11 before enjoying a galloping stretch down Winners’ Avenue. So far so good.
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6:15am
While we wait for trailblazer Harry Meade to be under starter’s orders, a bonus addition to today’s live blog… Burghley Bingo. Play with a pal for bragging rights, or by yourself, because, ya’ know.
Burghley Bingo Answers:
🧂 Colorado Blue (AKA Salty) – 👑🏆 Lordships Graffalo – 🔥🥇 Laura Collett – 🔝🌎 Harry Meade – 🥃 Jack Mantel and Jack Daniels – 🐈⬛ Tom Strawson – ♥️💃 J’Adore Salsa – 🚀 Ballyneety Rocketman – 🎾 Alice Casburn (Topspin) – 🐊 Lacoste – 💎 Bling – 🧮 Lauren Innes (accountant) – 🧑🚒 Tom Crisp (firefighter) – 🐗 Church’ile (AKA Pumba) – 🦁🌉 Lion Bridge – 🍾 Pol Roger table (fence 5) – 🚁 Air Ambulance charity fence (8) – 🌳🪧 Winners’ Avenue (fence 12) – 🐶 Pedigree fences (15&16) – 🐇 Joules hare (fence 17) – 🍃 Leaf Pit (fence 26) – 🪐Ⓜ️ MARS M (fence 28) – 🛋️ Lambert’s Sofa (fence 30)
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Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [EN’s Coverage]
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Many thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of our Defender Burghley coverage! Click here to learn all about their science-backed and time-tested nutritional support products for horses.
