Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.
The Defender Burghley entry list is among the most hotly anticipated entry rosters annually, and while this year we’ll see a mildly diminished field due to the timing of the FEI Eventing European Championships for Seniors that will take place just a couple of weeks later, the roster still boasts a 59-strong membership. Now, we’re likely to see some whittling down yet — some pairs on the entry list this year are also likely candidates for a Europeans selection. As the team selections fall into place with the deadline for Nominated Entries approaching next week, we’ll likely see a handful of pairs drop off in favor of Euros.
THAT BEING SAID.
We shared some big news earlier this week that reigning European Champion Ros Canter (GBR) will forego the team selection for this year’s cycle of Championships. Ros announced that she was pregnant with her second child, due in early 2026. However, in her post, Ros only clearly eliminated Europeans from her list this fall. As it stands now, it seems Burghley is full steam ahead for her 2024 winner, Lordships Graffalo. They’re coming off a big year already; hot on the heels of the team gold medal earned in Paris, Ros kicked off 2025 with her second Badminton title (also aboard Lordships Graffalo).
Should Ros compete at Burghley, she could be looking at another repeat victory and a third 5* title for Lordships Graffalo.
Tim Price and Vitali. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Ros will have plenty of competition for the title though. Tim Price (NZL) will have a somewhat uncharacteristically light week, with just one horse in his CHIO Aachen individual winner Vitali, who was second at Burghley in 2024 behind Ros. This is a pair that would also have a handful of 5* wins under their belt, most likely, were it not for some plaguing troubles in the show jumping — especially at 5* events where show jumping comes on the final day. Tim’s expressed his frustration but also his curiosity at the situation and finally felt he had hit on some helpful points by the time he got to Aachen last month. If Vitali can keep the poles in place on Sunday, he’s also a likely contender for the win.
Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.
Other combinations to eye include David Doel (GBR) and Galileo Nieuwmoed, another pair who’ve been knocking at the door of a big 5* weekend: they were also second at Burghley, in 2023, and also on the podium at the Maryland 5 Star last fall. Katie Magee and Treworra, just crowned British Open Champions at Hartpury last weekend, are also poised to make a big run. Samantha Lissington (NZL) will be aiming to continue her hot streak with two entries in Lord Seekonig and Billy Alberto, two horses that have already had some big results this year. No one can forget Lucy Latta (IRE) and RCA Patron Saint, who absolutely dazzled us all at Badminton last year to finish on the podium in their first 5*. They missed out on Burghley last year but are a proper shout to have another huge weekend if things go to their plan.
Gosh, I could keep going, so I will. And please don’t write me hate mail for leaving your favorite pair out of this preview; I’m writing this from the Atlanta airport after a red-eye flight and I cannot be held responsible for the decisions I make at this time.
Piggy March and MCS Maverick. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Burghley will also mark the 5* debut of Piggy March (GBR) and the former Pippa Funnell ride, MCS Maverick. This 12-year-old British gelding was purchased by a syndicate for Piggy to ride; Pippa had always planned not to keep the ride. Having just taken up the reins less than a year ago, it’s not likely to be a winning weekend for this pair, but this will be a combination to watch as they continue to solidify a partnership.
Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal. Photo by Cealy Tetley.
We’re not sure yet which horses Harry Meade (GBR) will end up putting on the lorry. As is typical for Harry these days, he’s got three horses entered this year for Burghley. He is, however, also short-listed for the British Europeans team with both Cavalier Crystal and Et Hop du Matz. Any of these horses would be a good shout for a competitive weekend, either at Europeans or Burghley. All three have finished within striking distance at the 5* level, including a third place at Burghley in 2024 for Cavalier Crysal, a fourth the same year for Annaghmore Valoner, and a third at Kentucky for Et Hop du Matz.
Grace Taylor and Game Changer. Photo by Sally Spickard.
For the U.S., we’ve got a small contingent this year with just two riders representing the stars and stripes on the roster. First up is Grace Taylor, who bases full-time in England, and her very talented Game Changer. This will be Grace’s first trip back to Burghley since 2023, which was a weekend she’d likely prefer to forget after she had to withdraw Game Changer ahead of show jumping. Cassie Sanger is also entered with Redfield Fyre, looking to build off of a solid 5* debut at Kentucky earlier this year. Cassie’s been in the UK this summer preparing for this run, and will use this weekend’s FEI Eventing Nations Cup at Arville as a final ramp-up to Burghley.
Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre. Photo by Sally Spickard.
You can read more bits and bobs from the entry release here, and the full entry list can be found here.
Stay tuned for much more, including drawn order coming soon, and much more. EN’s coverage of Defender Burghley is brought to you with support from Kentucky Performance Products.
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