The iconic Cottesmore Leap AKA the Hard Pass. Photo via CrossCountryApp.
Historic venue – check. Saturday – check. Formidable field of 5* combinations raring to go – check. All this can only mean one thing: it’s cross country day at Defender Burghley. Bring. It. On.
This year, as ever, we’re being treated to the typical test of bravery, scope, stamina, precision and control we’ve come to expect from Burghley, and Derek Di Grazia’s cross country course leaves no terrain or undulation unturned. Riders are going to need to be on their A game as they set out of the start box today, that’s for sure. Derek says the easy route is the straight route, but that’s easy to say. The whole shebang is a hard pass from me, although I’d be happy with a gallop ‘round the track taking my own version of a black flag alternative and avoiding every single fence, but that’s why I’m safely settled on my sofa in front of the TV, clattering away on my keyboard whilst the superstars of our sport are ponied up and waiting in the wings to bring us what’s sure to be a thrilling day of action out on the Burghley estate.
It’s an 11am start / 12 noon CET / 6am ET today with Britain’s Harry Meade kicking things off with the first of his three rides, Superstition.
🇺🇲 If you’re cheering for the US, these are the times you need to know:
📍 Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle – 7:31am ET.
📍 Mia Farley and Phelps – 8:12am ET.
📍Cosby Green and Copper Beach – 8:30am ET.
📍Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M – 9:10am ET.
📍Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54 – 10:15am ET.
I could go through the whole field and pick out combinations of note but basically it’s all of them so here’s the full list of ride times for your perusal.
If you just can’t get enough info about this year’s competitors, then you’re in need of EN’s epic Form Guide, which you’ll find right here.
I’ll be bringing you live updates of all the brouhaha that Burghley brings throughout the day, but if you want to watch along, the only way to view all of the competition live and on demand is via a subscription to Burghley TV.
But first, a quick catch-up with what went down in the dressage:
Dressage Day One:
▶️ [Test-by-test reports]
▶️ [Morning round-up report] [Afternoon round-up report]
Dressage Day Two:
▶️ [Test-by-test reports]
▶️ [Morning round-up report] [Afternoon round-up report]
Here’s a look at how things stand in terms of the leaderboard as we head into cross country:
1️⃣ Heading up the chasing pack and in the lead overnight is Britain’s Ros Canter with Izilot DHI on a score of 19.9.
2️⃣ 2.1 points behind herself is Ros Canter with her second ride Lordships Graffalo on 22.
3️⃣ And 0.3 behind Ros, rounding out the top three as things stand, is Kiwi eventer extraordinaire Tim Price with Vitali on 22.3.
Click here for the full scoreboard.
But that’s all relative as the most quality field in recent history head out onto the biggest Burghley track we’ve seen for a very long time.
While you’re eagerly awaiting the first countdown of the day, check out what the runners and riders will be facing as they thunder along the track via the interactive course preview map, and if you want to know the riders’ thoughts on this year’s cross country offering, we’ve wrangled them together and given them to you here.
And when you’re done with all that, feast your eyes on all of EN’s Burghley content and mosey on along to our IG account for even more @goeventing.
Before we get down to the nitty gritty of things, a pop quiz. What’s the first rule of live updates? Refresh, refresh, refresh if you want to keep up with live updates.
Let’s do this thang ENers, and go eventing!
Defender Burghley: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [Tickets] [EN’s Coverage]
EN’s coverage of Defender Burghley is proudly presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for every horse. Click here to learn more about KPP.
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11:58am
Update:
Harry was right and the flag penalties he was given with Annaghmore Valoner have now been removed, which puts him in 3rd. All three of his horses are in the top 15.
There are also two US riders in the top 20: Cosby Green and Copper Beach are in 16th and Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle are in 19th.
Here’s a look at the top 14:
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11:05am
And so cross country day draws to a close on the Burghley estate, and what a day it’s been. Action, excitement, riding masterclasses and a whole lotta super talented horses doing what they do best. Oh Burghley, you did not disappoint.
Here’s a quick look at how today’s action has impacted the leaderboard:
1️⃣ In the lead overnight is Britain’s Ros Canter with Lordships Graffalo on a score of 22.
2️⃣ 3.5 points behind is New Zealand’s – Tim Price with Vitali on 25.5.
3️⃣ And 4.9 behind them, rounding out the top three as things stand is France’s Gaspard Maksud with Zaragoza on 30.4.
Click here for the full scoreboard.
There are a couple of flag questions outstanding which we’ll bring you up-to-date on in our round-up report – Tilly’s fingers are frantically clattering across her keyboard as we speak – eyes on EN.
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow… the Burghley 2024 winner will be crowned. The morning session of show jumping will start at 10:30am local time / 11:30am CET / 5:30am ET before we move onto the top-20 at 2:15pm / 3:15pm CET / 9:15am ET.
I’ll be back with live updates for the finale – don’t miss it.
If you need more, like, right now, click here for all the Burghley content you can handle.
What a day. What a sport. Go eventing!
Defender Burghley: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [Tickets] [EN’s Coverage]
EN’s coverage of Defender Burghley is proudly presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for every horse. Click here to learn more about KPP.
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11am
Oh the drama continues – Harry’s been given a 15 at fence 28 – the fish in the water at the Lion Bridge. Hmmm, it’s not over ’til it’s over. Harry says in his interview that he thinks it’ll be taken off. Time will tell.
Tim is at the Boodles Raindance at 26 and heading for home. There’s a shout of ‘Go on Tim’ as he gallops under the Lion Bridge. He’s given this horse a superb ride and Vitali is lapping up this course. He drives to the last and is over and through the flags. How close is he? 3.2 time to add and into 2nd place. What a ride. What a day!
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10:57am
Harry’s continuing to deliver a brilliant round with his lovely mare. What an exciting talent she is. They catch the flag on the fish in the water at the Lion Bridge at 28 but all looks well. He kicks on for home. He’s got the luxury of time to balance for the Finale and they come through the finish flags. CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!! TWO CLEARS INSIDE THE TIME FOR HARRY!!! Wow!
Tim is also flying round the course with Vitali as they’re left as the only combination out on course.
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10:53am
🇳🇿 LAST HORSE ON COURSE: Tim Price and Vitali
Dressage Score: 22.3
Place: 3rd
Tim also takes Tom McEwen’s route at the Leaf Pit and makes nothing of it. Tim holds for the stride into the water at the Trout Hatchery which gives him a great balance for the next element and they go through the combination really smoothly. Another riding masterclass for us, what a lucky lot we’ve been today.
Harry’s really going for it, crouched low and flying around this track with his young mare answering every single question quite brilliantly. He’s clear through to the Raindance at 26.
Ros is balanced as ever through the Boodles Raindance at 26. They’re flat out coming to the Finale but Ros sets up and has a second to spare. CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME FOR ROS CANTER AND LORDSHIPS GRAFFALO AND INTO THE LEAD!!!
We’re hearing that Gaspard and Zaragoza have had their 15 penalties removed.
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10:50am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Harry Meade and Annaghmore Valoner
Dressage Score: 27.8
Place: 11th
Harry is clean and clear through the Leaf Pit and kicking on to give this lovely young mare a good ride round her first 5*. She jumps bravely into the Trout Hatchery at 10 and there’s another huge leap over the roll top into the water at the b element. Goodness me, they’re absolutely flying.
Ros continues her riding lesson for us, she’s bang on the time and really showing how a smooth round is how you stay on your minute markers. She’s the fastest of the day at the Dairy Mound and looks to be having the most foot perfect ride you could ever ask for. Beautiful.
Pippa is over the Finale and through the finish flags with her experienced campaigner. What a treat to see this legend of the sport in action. She’s carrying that 15 and adds 19.6 time.
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10:45am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo
Dressage Score: 22
Place: 2nd
Ros is up at the Leaf Pit. ‘Walter’ drops sweetly down and stays totally in balance as he easily makes his way through there. What a pro. Also Ros, but you’ve gotta love Walter. They’re foot perfect through Defender Valley at 8 – very calm and clear and collected, but of course deceptively quick. Ros comes through the Trout Hatchery in beautiful balance and absolutely shows all of us how that should be ridden. A total masterclass, of course.
Oop, Pippa’s another one to take the flag at the Trout Hatchery – 11a. Majas Hope clearly drifted there and they’re given 15 penalties. Pippa’s throwing everything at is as she clears the double of gates at 18. Onto the Pardubice and up Winners’ Avenue. Pippa’s brave through the Dairy Mound and kicking for home.
Meanwhile, Matt and Askari are over the Finale and through the finish. ‘Muffin’ looks to have really enjoyed his afternoon round Burghley and the pair have got big smiles on their faces.
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10:40am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Pippa Funnell and Majas Hope
Dressage Score: 29.6
Place: 17th
Majas Hope drifts down the hedgeline at Defender Valley but Pippa holds him straight and they go clear through that first real big question on course. Pippa aims for the straight route through the Leaf Pit but it doesn’t quite happen and she has to use all of her experience to wiggle her way through. They’re clear though.
Gaspard is still flying as he comes over the Finale and through the finish. He’s punching the air and absolutely delighted with his thrilling round. He is carrying those 15 penalties for the flag and has 3.6 time penalties.
Matt and Askari have picked up another 20 at 15b – up at Joules at the Maltings. We didn’t see it on screen though so I’m not sure what happened there. They’re now clear to the Cottesmore Leap.
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10:35am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Matthew Heath and Askari
Dressage Score: 31.9
Place: 27th
Matt and Askari are having a very sweet round so far. They’re very nice through Defender Valley for the second time. But then, oh dear. Askari doesn’t lock onto the b element on the way out and they drive by. That’s a shame.
Woah! Gaspard continues to keep us all on the edge of our seats as he makes a real meal of the b element at 16 – those massive corners. Boy, he was lucky there, but what a horse this is. She is ferocious. No surprise that he’s on track to be the fastest of the day.
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10:32am
🇫🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza II
Dressage Score: 26.8
Place: 10th
Gaspard is living life on the knife edge as he positively flies through Defender Valley at 5. Goodness me. That was very fast, very brave, and kinda risky. This mare is super talented though and takes care of things. He opts for the Tom McEwen route through the Leaf Pit and wastes not a scrap of a second. He continues to ride forward through the Trout Hatchery, taking the flag at 11a which comes up as being given as a penalty.
It looks like Susie has been given a flag penalty at 11a – that’s on the live scoreboard at the minute. Susie’s looking in good time as she comes to the Dairy Mound at 22 and 23 but oh no! The horse just wasn’t looking at the c element and they drive on by. How frustrating. She comes back round but there’s another refusal at 24 and she puts her hand up.
Ryuzo has come through the finish, clear with 15.2 time penalty and into 13th place. Good for them!
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10:28am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Susie Berry and Wellfields Lincoln
Dressage Score: 31.5
Place: 25th
They lose a little balance through Defender Valley at 5 but Susie sits up and supports her young horse. They drop cautiously down into the water at the Trout Hatchery but that helps Susie to pick up the line. They drift slightly and take the flag but look to be OK
Andrew’s brave through the Dairy Mound at 23 and heads towards home. They come over the Finale and add 19.6 time penalties. What a great experience to finish Burghley cross country. Great work.
Ryuzo goes through the Maltings at 15 very quickly and as well as any. What a ride he’s giving this horse. He balances for the double of gates at 18 and then it’s over the Pardubice and up Winners’ Avenue.
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10:25am
🇯🇵 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ryuzo Kitajima and Feroza Nieuwmoed
Dressage Score: 33
Place: 32nd
They’re hesitant off the drop at the Leaf Pit but Ryuzo gives his horse confidence and they head on down and over the arrowheads. They continue on clear to the Trout Hatchery. They pop through there and make the two strides very easily between the final two elements. Off they go!
Andrew continues to have a great ride and is clear up to the Rolex Corners at 16. He jumps in but then decides to take the longer route rather than risking that tricky striding to the b element.
Nicolas is close to home as he has a heartstopping jump into the water over the wave at the c element of the Boodles Raindance at 26. This is a very brave ride. He uses all the encouragement of his voice as he takes the fish in the water at the Lion Bridge at 28. He’s absolutely delighted as he clears the last and goes into 5th. What a round that was, everything cross country should be.
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10:18am
🇺🇲 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54
Dressage Score: 40.4
Place: 57th
Wakita gets a bit of a sticky jump over the first element at the Trout Hatchery at 10 but makes up for it with his knees up to his chin over the next roll top. Wakita’s looking very bold and Andrew’s doing a great job of settling him as they get their Burghley cross country underway.
Gemma continues to ride bravely as she makes her way through the Boodles Raindance at 26. She’s on track to be the fastest of the day. She steadies to jump the fish in the water at the Lion Bridge at 28 and can smell home. She punches the air as she crosses the line, just 2.4 time penalties and a fabulous round. She’s delighted as so she should be. Into second for them.
Nicolas makes a very tight turn to the B element at the Maltings at 15 and angles the c element. He’s really giving this horse the ride of his life. Wowza.
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10:12am
🇫🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Nicolas Touzaint and Absolut Gold HDZ
Dressage Score: 26.1
Place: 9th
Nicolas taps the rail at Defender Valley but it stays. The horse looks down into the ditch but Nicolas pushes on and they’re clear through there. They continue on clear to the Trout Hatchery and have a massive jump in. They go through there bravely and cleanly.
Wills is up at the Dairy Mound. They get close to the log but they clear that tricky combination and continue on their way. They come up to the Defender Finale and secure a first 5* completion for A Class Cooley. It’s been a great round for them.
Gemma’s on her minute markers as she comes to the Rolex Corners at 16. Chilli Knight does a great job to get his legs out of the way at the b element and they waste not a scrap of time there. Gemma’s brave through the triple bars at Keeper at 21. She’s really giving this horse a great ride and their partnership is so very clear as they boldly attack this course. She shouts ‘Come on’ as she heads towards home.
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10:07am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight
Dressage Score: 29.7
Place: 18th
Gemma’s quickly Defender Valley at 5 and is crouched low and going for it. They’re clear up to the Trout Hatchery and Gemma does a very good job of balancing him down the hill which results in lovely balance as they land. She keeps him on his line and really shows us just how to ride through there.
Meanwhile, Monica’s got a chance of being close to the time. They absolutely fly the penultimate fence – the official charity My Name’5 Doddie fence – and then the clock turns red. Just a few strides to the line, over the last and they finish with just 8.4 penalties and go into second place!
Wills takes the five strides between the two big corners at 16 after landing a little short over the a element. It comes up for them though and they gallop on.
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10:03am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Wills Oakden and A Class Cooley
Dressage Score: 30.6
Place: 19th
Wills leaps off the Leaf pit on the left-handed side and chooses the slower route through there. They’re in a bit of an awkward position for the final element but A Class Cooley makes it happen.
Rose and ‘Jack’ are slightly sticky at the Cottesmore Leap at 20, that was a heart-in-the-mouth moment. They tap at the top rails of the triple bars through the Keepers but they’re through and clear.
Monica and Artist jump the wide part of the corner at the b element at 16 but Artist is really carrying her forward and their relationship is paying off for them in buckets. She looks to be smiling all the way round and Artist is ears pricked and hunting out every flag. They jump conservatively through the Boodles Raindance at 26 but Jack is in a good rhythm and still looks to be enjoying his jumping. Rose is really riding nicely. He doesn’t get very high over the fish in the water at the Lion Bridge, but they’re nearly home now.
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9:58am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Monica Spencer and Artist
Dressage Score: 24.4
Place: 5th=
Artist is brilliant through the Leaf Pit. Monica slightly loses her balance coming into the final element but Artist is locked onto the flags and helps mom out.
Jesse continues to give us a riding lesson as he puts Cooley Lafitte on the exact lines and picks out the perfect spots to make the horse’s job as easy as possible. He chooses to take the slightly alternative route at Capability’s Cutting at 24, the carved hares. He’s looking to bring this horse home clear and with a whole bunch of great experience under his cinch. He comes home and looks up to the heavens as he crosses the line. An emotional finish. The whole eventing community was right with him all the way round.
Rose is also riding brilliantly and having a great round. She’s clear up to Joules at the Maltings.
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9:54am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Rose Nesbitt and EG Michealangelo
Dressage Score: 30.9
Place: 21st
Rose is easily through the straight route in the Main Arena at 4 and she gallops towards Defender Valley for the first time. She balances before the triple bar and they do a great job through there. Easy.
Jesse doesn’t look like he’s got his foot fully on the gas but this horse has a mammoth stride and they’re in a great galloping rhythm. They make light work of Joules at the Maltings. The horse twists slightly over the b element at the double of corners at 16ab as Jesse tries to hold for the stride. He’s sat in perfect balance though and there’s no doubt they’re flying through.
Just a note, apologies but I think I’ve been seeing the straight route at the Leaf Pit when in fact it hasn’t been. All those arrowheads look enormous to me and it’s not always easy to see everything in the moment.
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9:50am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte
Dressage Score: 41.1
Place: 61st
Cheg back after Sally Spickard kindly hopped in while I took a well-needed bathroom break!
Jesse sees a perfect line through Defender Valley at 5 and goes through there in perfect balance. There’s more excellent riding on show from Jesse as he puts Cooley Lafitte in the perfect spot through the Trout Hatchery at 10 and 11.
Meanwhile, Nadja’s in sight of home as she splashes through the water at 26 – the Boodles Raindance.
It’s been a wet end to Padraig’s competition, sadly. They had a similar problem to Gireg earlier, a bit too bold over the roll top into the water at 10b and he flies over Lady Ophelia’s ears and has an early bath. It’s come up as a horse fall but really, the horse just stumbled a little and both are on their feet and walking home, albeit a bit wet.
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🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Padraig McCarthy and Lady Ophelia
Dressage Score: 33.9
Place: 37th
Global Fision M really uses his footwork and scope to clear the triple-bar at the Maltings, what an athlete. She really isn’t going to be too far off the optimum time, all things considered, as she heads through the Boodles Raindance and the Defender Lion Bridge.
Meanwhile, Padraig was very quick to get back in balance after jumping down the Leaf Pit and makes his way through clear.
Lauren picks up around 18 time penalties and no jumping faults as she crosses the finish. What a round from this pair!
Padraig makes the second trip through the Valley look absolutely effortless.
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🇨🇭 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Nadja Minder and Toblerone
Dressage Score: 31
Place: 22nd
Nadja does a great job at Discovery Valley to work on balance and getting her line correctly, resulting in a great effort from Toblerone. Now I want chocolate.
Lauren Innes also has a great ride through the s-turn at the Maltings. And now a big cheer after clearing the second corner at 16, well-deserved as I’d also be relieved to get that one done!
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🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Lauren Innes and Global Fision M
Dressage Score: 42.2
Place: 63rd
Here we go now with Lauren Innes and Global Fision M, who will have the course to themselves for a short bit.
Lauren has a great trip through the straight route at the Leaf Pit and wow was so honest at 8 after a HUGE jump over the A that pitched Lauren slightly off balance. What a horse.
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9:28am
🇱🇹 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG
Dressage Score: 40.8
Place: 59th
Aistis Vitkauskas will now be the sole rider on course after the falls of Oliver and Jonelle. Aistis has routed here after unfortunately losing his qualification for the Olympics due to a Dangerous Riding elimination at Luhmühlen earlier this year, and will be out with a bit of a chip on his shoulder to make up for missing out on Paris. He’s run into some early trouble and has now retired on course at the Defender Discovery Valley. Not the day he will have wanted today.
This leaves the course vacant now as we await the next pair, Lauren Innes and Global Fision M.
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9:25am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera
Dressage Score: 37.6
Place: 51st
Oliver wheels his way through the Maltings, taking the left flag in the process.
And oh no! Oliver tried to make the distance to the second and very influential corner (16) after getting off his line and taking the left flag at the A. What a brave girl, Rosie, to try to make the second happen but unfortunately it’s just not possible and Oliver gets chucked off as she glances off the B and takes down the rail. They both look fine.
Jonelle Price has now also come off at the first arrowhead at the Leaf Pit, after Grappa Nera just dragged her front end and over-rotated slightly, pitching Jonelle off to the left. They’re both no worse for the wear. What a shame!
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9:23am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent
Dressage Score: 24.4
Place: 5th=
They look super confident at the start of the course and Oliver sure has his game face on. They’re clear up to the Trout Hatchery and very smooth through there. Oliver’s arms are going but Rosie doesn’t even take a glance outside the flags. Oliver’s in it to win it.
Oh no! Hannah and Chito have parted company. Chito leaves a leg at the log at the Dairy Mound and Hannah has no chance, she’s shot out of the side door. What a sad end to their competition but they’re both on their feet and look to be absolutely fine.
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9:18am
🇫🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Gireg Le Coz and Aisprit De La Loge
Dressage Score: 25.3
Place: 7th
This pair look really impressive as they sail over the combination in the Main Arena at 4. Oh boy! The next time we see him he’s getting wet. The horse catches a leg going into the Trout Hatchery at 10a and the pair of them come down in the water. The horse is straight up and shaking the water out of his ears. Gireg’s quickly on his feet also and we see them walking off course.
‘Chito’ looks a little tired as he comes through the double of gates at 19, but there’s a bit of space for a breather up Winners’ Avenue coming up next for him.
Meanwhile Humble Glory is traveling beautifully, he looks so happy and comfortable and well within himself as he nears home. They have a great shot through the Boodles Raindance at 26. Way to put an early disappointment behind you and kick on to get the job done. The horse is still full of running as he comes to the finale and what a round it’s been. 8.4 time for them. What a pair for the future of the sport. Awesome.
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9:14am
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M
Dressage Score: 30.7
Place: 20th
We haven’t seen a lot of Hannah, sadly, but I can tell you that she’s clear through the Pedigree Rails at 9 and is heading to the Trout Hatchery.
Sophia and Humble Glory have put that early problem behind them and the horse really shows his scope over the massive corners at 16ab. They get the perfect stride through the double of gates at 18 and seem to be having a ball out there.
Emma and Icarus are galloping on and really look to be enjoying their round. The horse’s ears and pricked and he’s still jumping boldly and bravely as he comes towards the end of his round. They opt for the fish in the water at the Lion Bridge at 28 and are almost home.
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9:10am
🇦🇺 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Sophia Hill and Humble Glory
Dressage Score: 36.9
Place: 50th
Humble Glory is fighting for his head as he comes down to the rails at Defender Valley at fence 5. He comes down on the fence and the frangible device is activated. What a shame for this pair at the start of their round. They come back round though and continue on with 11 penalties on her card.
There’s trouble for Emma and Icarus at Joules at the Maltings. They have a run out at 15a and Emma loses her stirrup. It takes her a minute to get sorted and come back round but they continue on their way.
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9:05am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Emma Thomas and Icarus X
Dressage Score: 39.1
Place: 54th
Icarus is very keen at the start of the course and they run into trouble at the Trout Hatchery. The balance just isn’t there to make the b element of 11 and they pick up a 20. They come back round and carry on.
Oh goodness, that’s a surprise. Caroline and ‘Cav’ run out to the side of the first of the Rolex Corners and Caroline quickly puts up her hand. What a shame for them, but best to save the horse for another day.
Alice and Topspin are through the finish and have picked up just 1.6 time penalties. What a round. What a very cool achievement for this young rider who’s really making her mark at the level.
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8:59am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier
Dressage Score: 25.4
Place: 8th
Caroline’ll be here full of confidence after her Badminton win in the spring, and she’s riding like a 5* winner. They’re quick into the Trout Hatchery and Caroline really shows us how that combination should be ridden. She drops into the water in a beautiful balance and puts ‘Cav’ in the perfect spot all the way through. Lovely.
Alice is having a great ride with her second generation homebred. They have a great line through the double of corners at 16 and make the enormous fences look small. Alice uses her voice to slow Topspin up for the double of gates at 18 and then crouches low and shoots forward for the Pardubice before galloping up Winners’ Avenue. Topspin leaps into the water at 26 – the Boodles Raindance – and they continue to storm their way along the track. They’re good on the time.
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8:57am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Alice Casburn and Topspin
Dressage Score: 36.6
Place: 48th
Topspin looks very strong at the start of the course, but this pair really know each other so well and Alice will have everything in hand. They’re clear through to triple bar at 13.
Tom hails a cab over the wave into the water at the Boodles Raindance at 26. They’re having a great round. They fly through the rest of the course and complete with 10.4 time. They looked quicker than that, to be honest.
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8:53am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson
Dressage Score: 34.5
Place: 39th
Sarah chooses the straight route at the Leaf Pit and Grantstown Jackson is characteristically quick. There’s a miscommunication at Defender Valley at 8ab and they miss their stride at the corner alongside the ditch, almost going to jump the trees at the widest part of the fence. Sarah comes back round and continues on with that 20 on her card. She loses her steering through the Trout Hatchery and has to try and pick her way through. They pick up a 20 at 10b. It’s not their day, they have a drive by at 11a and Sarah puts up her hand.
Tom wastes not a smidge of a second through Joules at the Maltings at 14 and 15. They’re being bold and brave at every fence, although flirting with the flags somewhat in places. Cooliser comes back nicely for the double of gates and then Tom sees a stride at the Pardubice and they have an absolute flier. Up Winners’ Avenue for them.
Meanwhile Andy and Harthill Phantom have hacked round and completed with 20 on his card and plenty of time. An educational round for them.
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8:48am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tom McEwen and CHF Cooliser
Dressage Score: 31.2
Place: 23rd
Cooliser flies out of the start box, very keen to get on her job. Woah there girl! He takes a much lower line into Defender Valley and sets up that combination at 5abc perfectly.
om’s caught us out and has come up the other side of the Leaf Pit, but he’s gone the straight route and appears to have saved himself a few seconds. Full marks for his homework and a big fat A for creative course walking.
Will has been pulled up before the Dairy Mound. He’s got off and is walking his horse home. Everything looks to be fine, but time for them to call it a day.
Andy and Harthill Phantom continue to storm around the track and it culminates in a 20 at 16b, the Rolex Corner. He comes back round and continues on, hopefully a little slower.
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8:45am
🇳🇱 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Andrew Heffernan and Harthill Phantom
Dressage Score: 33.5
Place: 35th
Andrew’s horse is super strong as they set out and they’re fast and furious through Defender Valley at 5abc. Woah! He bounces through there. That was brave!
Cosby’s having a great ride and is almost home. What a round this has been. She clears the Finale beautifully and comes through the finish of her first Burghley. What an achievement and in such fine style.
Will is still going well and is hunting his way over the Pardubice at 19 and up Winners’ Avenue.
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8:43am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy
Dressage Score: 32
Place: 28th
Will’s horse looks a little suspicious at Defender Valley for the first time but Will squeezes and they come through clear. He has a look down the drop at the Leaf pit, but that’s not a bad thing and much better than being too brave and leaping off the top. Will has to work hard at the Trout Hatchery. His horse lands really steep after the drop into the water and Will sits right back. Ballycoog Breaker boy is really honest as they pick their way out of the combination on not much of a stride. They don’t get very high over the final element of Joules at the Maltings at 15c but it’s brush and they’re on such a good stride this time that it’s no trouble at all.
Copper Beach really stretches over the enormous corner at 16b and they make their way through the double of gates at 18 really nicely. She’s really riding brilliantly and having a great spin around the Burghley track. They’re not a million miles off the clock at the Dairy Mound. How exciting. Go Cosby.
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8:37am
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Cosby Green and Copper Beach
Dressage Score: 31.6
Place: 26th
Cosby gets off to a confident start on her experienced campaigner and she comes quickly into the Trout Hatchery. She pushes through the straight route and Copper Beach leaves a leg at the b element on the way out, but it’s brush and causes no problems at all. They gallop on.
Tom is heading towards the finale, he clears the final fence and he punches the air and pats his horse. What an achievement for this young rider and a 5* debut horse.
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8:32am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Emily King and Valmy Biats
Dressage Score: 24.1
Place: 4th
Emily drops into the Leaf Pit and really looks to have a lot of control as she steers her way through the straight route. She’s straight and very much on it through Defender Valley. She doesn’t look to be in a hurry but with such a strong, powerful horse, who can get very strong, that would be her plan.
Oh! Things go wrong for them at the Trout Hatchery. They get a good shot into the second water but her reins are very long and she doesn’t see a stride to the brush corner at 11a. He stretches for it but there’s no chance of making the b element. She comes back round, jumps it and then decides to call it a day.
Tom meanwhile, is clear through to the Boodles Raindance at 26. This pair are in for a leaderboard climb for sure, they were last coming into today but Tom’s hunting his way round for a clear completion. Nearly there. The horse looks a little tired but Tom is supporting him all the way. Good for them.
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8:26am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tom Bird and Cowling Hot Gossip
Dressage Score: 46.2
Place: 65th
They get off to a very confident start. Tom’s the youngest competitor in the field and this is a 5* debut for Cowling Hot Gossip. He’s clear through the Pedigree Rails at 9.
Meanwhile, Mia’s taken her foot off the gas after that 20 at 16 and is making her way home for a Burghley completion. She crosses the finish line with 23.6 time. A really unlucky mistake for her and so much expectation after her superb finishes at Maryland and Kentucky, but that’s eventing and they’ll be taking home a lot of valuable experience and will come back out all the stronger for it.
Zara makes a really good turn to the b element at the Rolex Corners at 16 and oh no! They get there on a half stride, Socks twists over the fence and Zara’s pitched out the side door. That’s so unfortunate and unlucky for her. Socks gallops off down the track to finish Burghley for himself.
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8:20am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Zara Tindall and Class Affair
Dressage Score: 36.8
Place: 49th
Zara’s down the drop at the Leaf Pit. She turns her way through the longer route and will be very relieved to have that fence behind her. It’s been such a bogey fence for her in the past. Socks is putting in some massive jumps at the Trout Hatchery and Zara is sitting right back. Boy, she’s got her head down and is really working hard. The crowd appreciate the spectacle and there are huge oos and aahs and a massive applause.
Meanwhile, Phelps hasn’t slowed down any and he’s already at the Trout Hatchery. Blink and you’ll miss this pair. They’re brave at Joules at the Maltings and have a tiny trip on landing and Mia pulls round to the longer route. Smart. All that speed and bravery goes against them at the Rolex Corners though. The line between a and b is very difficult and they don’t quite get there. They pick up a 20 and continue on. What a shame.
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8:16am
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Mia Farley and Phelps
Dressage Score: 33.7
Place: 36th
Wow, Mia sets out on a brave stride and is saving seconds right from the start. They absolutely fly the first three giving us at home a fair few heart-stopping moments in the first few seconds of her round. So brave and bold. Go Phelps!
She’s super accurate through the Leaf Pit and gives us all a masterclass of superb cross country riding – right on her line, bold and brave, and a partnership working as one.
Meanwhile, Andrew’s clear through the first part of the Trout Hatchery but loses all momentum on the way out of the first part of the water and don’t make it happen at 11a. He wisely decides to pull up.
Lizzie is coming to the end of her round now. She’s taken a few longer routes but she knows her horse and is out to bank a great experience. She’s clear over the fences but has taken her time. What an achievement to finish Burghley on your homebred. Way to go.
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8:12am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Andrew James and Celtic Morning Star
Dressage Score: 40.9
Place: 60th
We have a save of the day at Defender Valley. Andrew loses his balance down the drop towards the ditch. He’s hanging almost upside down over the neck but somehow manages to right himself. They pick up a 20 at the b element but have to cross their tracks to come back it and pick up a second refusal at the same fence, so that’s 60 in total there for them. He seems to take it in good humor, as really, he could have been walking home from there, and carries on.
Ian’s 10 seconds up at the Dairy Mound. Wow, this really is looking to be an impressive round. Such a shame they’re carrying those 11 penalties.
Lizzie takes another long route at the Trout Hatchery, she really does have her own plan and has walked her own course for her horse. She’s now clear up to Winners’ Avenue.
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8:07am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Lizzie Baugh and B Exclusive
Dressage Score: 35.4
Place: 44th
Lizzie and B Exclusive opt not to drop down the bank at the Leaf Pit. She takes the a and b options instead of the drop – so two jumping efforts – and then goes bolding towards the short route for the way out and makes those two enormous arrowheads look very easy.
Ian and Master Point have cleared Joules at the Maltings. They take the flag at the Rolex Corners but are really motoring on. The Pol Roger table at 17 doesn’t slow them down any although they have to steady up for the double of gates at 18 before flying the Pardubice. They look really confident and have clearly put that early whoopsie behind them.
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8:04am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ian Cassells and Master Point
Dressage Score: 32.4
Place: 30th
Ian has an early problem and activates a frangible device at the rains at Defender Valley. The horse doesn’t really focus and the safety device really did its job there. They put it behind them and go clear through the tricky Leaf Pit combination without a second thought.
Meanwhile, Declan has decided to put his hand up. The horse didn’t look up for the big corner at 16 and really didn’t take it on. They scoot to the side and walk home. Good decision and good horsemanship on show.
Max has come through the finish on his exciting young horse. What a round they had and so much valuable experience banked for future big Bs. Just 22 time penalties to add for them. Good work from both horse and rider.
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7:58am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Declan Cullen and Seavaghan Ash
Dressage Score: 35.2
Place: 43rd
Declan is clear so far up to the combination at Defender Valley at 8. The spotty pony is hunting for the flags as he makes his way through the Trout Hatchery and Declan’s really giving this homebred a super, confidence-building ride.
Max is having a great round and is clear up to the Cottesmore Leap. The horse looks very comfortable and within himself and to be enjoying his trip. They make the Dairy Mound at 22 and 23 look very easy.
Ooo Tim’s living a little on the edge as he makes a mistake at the Dairy Mound. Viscount Viktor is really brave and scrambles over. They take the flag and there’s a bit of a question there – a missed flag comes up on the live scoreboard, but honestly, they were lucky to make it through there at all. He’s sitting up and carrying on to give this horse the education of completing at Burghley.
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7:53am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Max Warburton and Deerpairc Revelry
Dressage Score: 28.9
Place: 15th
Max really rides well into the combination at Defender Valley. I’ve been so looking forward to seeing this horse go cross country since spotting him at the horse inspection on Wednesday. They really are making light work of this very difficult track.
Harry takes a pull coming into the final fence, but he’s got time to spare and HARRY MEADE AND CAVALIER CRYSTAL ARE CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!!
Tim has troubles at the c element of Joules at the Maltings at 15. He activates a frangible device. A little greenness coming out perhaps. There’s more problems at the Rolex Corners for this pair and they muddle the striding slightly between the two corners and pick up a 20 at the b element. They continue on though to bank the Burghley experience.
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7:48am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tim Price and Viscount Viktor
Dressage Score: 29.5
Place: 16th
Tim is making nothing of this track with Viscount Viktor. They’re confident and clear through to the Trout Hatchery at 10.
Francis and Prince have put that wild moment at 16 behind them and are splashing through the water after the Boodles Raindance. They’re pedal to the metal and really look great. They’re almost home now. Prince looks like he could go again as he clears the last and comes through the finish flags. 22.4 time for them but what a round, and what a ride from Francis.
Harry and Cavalier Crystal continue to be smooth and slick and are hunting down the time. They’re clear through to the Lion Bridge at 27. Not far to go now.
Jennie Brannigan is home clear with 15.2 time penalties. What a fabulous round. William Fox-Pitt in the commentary box quite fancies having ‘Foxy’ in his barn. Us too, William.
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7:43am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal
Dressage Score: 31.3
Place: 24th
Harry’s clear through the Leaf Pit and then through the Trout Hatchery.
Prince is still looking strong at the Trout Hatchery but Francis is making it happen. Oooh, there’s a big moment at the Rolex Corners at 16a. The line’s not great and Prince absolutely throws himself over the massive corner. He uses all of his body to twist over the fence, takes out both red and white flags and looks to have actually made it through. Wow. That’s cross country.
Jennie’s going great guns and is making up time as she comes to the final part of the course. She’s on her way home and over the Boodles Raindance at 26. Her elbows are going as they splash through the water. She takes the fish at the Lion Bridge at 28 and they can almost see the finish flags.
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7:40am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Francis Whittington and DHI Purple Rain
Dressage Score: 34.7
Place: 40th=
‘Prince’ is brave off the drop at the Leaf Pit and there looks to be a little control trouble going on, but Francis knows this horse inside out. He goes the long route as he’d planned to do but Prince really does look enthusiastic and Francis has a whole lotta horse on his hands. There’s no better man to manage this guy though.
Meanwhile, Jennie gets a lovely jump at the rails at Joules at the Malthings – 14. It carries her through to the separately numbered but related 15abc. They squirrel through the flags at the a element of the Rolex Corners at 16 and make nothing of the second enormous corner at b. They’re clear through to the Rolex Grand Slam at 24.
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7:35am
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle
Dressage Score: 34.7
Place: 40th=
Jennie gets a perfect bouncy canter into the combination at 5 – Defender Valley. ‘Foxy’ looks into the ditch but Jennie’s in the perfect balance and position to squeeze on through. They’re textbook through the Trout Hatchery at 10 and 11. Go Jennie!
Nicky is through the first water at the Trout Hatchery at 10 and 11. She’s crouched low and hunting round the track. But things fall apart at the double of massive corners at 16. It just doesn’t happen for them and they have a run out at the a element. Nicky opts to walk home.
Libby has a moment at the Lion Bridge – the fishing lodge before the water at 27. She has to adopt the safety position as Angel takes a flier and they really are scrabbling for a finish, which they so deserve based on this round. She’s ridden brilliantly and Angel has been clever at every fence.
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7:30am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Nicky Hill and MGH Bingo Boy
Dressage Score: 40.7
Place: 58th
They’re another combination to slide down the bank to the ditch at the b element of Defender Valley at 5. It’s a bit heart-stopping but Nicky sits back and they jump through clear. They drop off the Leaf Pit and take on the long route. It’s a huge stretch but Bingo Boy brushes through and they waste no time there.
Libby’s riding with everything she’s got through the combination at Keepers – 21ab. They really look like a confident pair and to be thoroughly enjoying their Burghley.
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7:26am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Libby Seed and Heartbreaker Star Quality
Dressage Score: 36.1
Place: 46th
They pick their way through the combination at 5 – Defender Valley – and ‘Angel’ really shows off some clever footwork. They come back round for the second time to take the fences at 8 and get an absolute flier over the big log. Libby balances down the slope and they get a great shot at the big corner alongside the ditch. Superb. It looks like this horse has walked the course. There’s more enormous leaps at the Trout Hatchery which prompt oos and ahhs from the crowd. Angel’s really enjoying her first Burghley and Libby’s along for the ride.
Austin and Colorado Blue are over the last and through the finish with just 4.8 time penalties. He’s a little disappointed with the time but very pleased with ‘Salty’.
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7:22am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Richard Jones and Alfies Clover
Dressage Score: 36.3
Place: 47th
For the last time, we get the pleasure of seeing Alfies Clover hunting round a 5*. I’m already sniffling. What a horse this is, what an eventing horse, what an absolute ambassador for our sport.
Unfortunately, we’re not going to get to enjoy this guy as things don’t go to plan and they have a really unfortunate 20 at Defender Valley. It really is unlucky and they just don’t quite make the line to the angled brush after the ditch. A real, real shame. Richard puts his hand up. The end of an era. But this doesn’t take anything away from all the great sport this horse has brought us over the years. We love you Alfie!
Meanwhile, ALEX BRAGG AND QUINDIVA ARE HOME CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!!
What a round. Foot-perfect, confident, supremely talented mare given a fabulous ride round the world’s toughest track.
Austin and Colorado Blue are clear to fence 26 – the Boodles Raindance water. They can smell the finish flags now.
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7:18am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue
Dressage Score: 33.9
Place: 37th
Austin has an early moment at Defender Valley – fence 5. He stumbled slightly on the slope down to the ditch after landing over the rails at a. They have a sticky kind of scramble over the ditch but Austin holds everything together and kicks on. A heart-in-the-mouth moment for them but no harm done. They’re such an experienced combination and will put that right behind them as they continue on the course.
Alex is having a really confident ride round here. They are flying. The fastest time of anyone so far at the Rolex Grand Slam at Capability’s Cutting. A beautiful ride through there.
Oh. Phil heads towards the Cottesmore Leap but Harry’s looking tired and it doesn’t happen. They fall backwards slightly and land in the ditch. It’s down as a horse fall but Harry landed on his feet. They’ll be checked over by the medical/vet team before they walk home.
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7:14am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Alexander Bragg and Quindiva
Dressage Score: 35.1
Place: 42nd
Alex has put his brave pants on and goes straight at the Leaf Pit and makes it look very simple. He continues on clear through to the Trout Hatchery at 10 and 11.
Phil is at the Rolex Corners at 16ab and takes another long route. He’s obviously going for the finish but all these long routes will add up. He waws carrying a 15 flag penalty which we didn’t see on screen but it seems to have been taken away now.
Felix opts for the fish in the water at the Lion Bridge – 28 – on their way home. They cross the finish with just 12 time penalties to add.
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7:08am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Phil Brown and Harry Robinson
Dressage Score: 39.9
Place: 55th
There’s an early problem for Phil at Defender Valley at 5. They have a little slip after the rails and slide down the bank towards the ditch. Harry jumps the ditch big and Phil’s thrown out of the tack. He lands back in but he’s lost his stirrup and it takes a while to get himself sorted out. They navigate through clear though. Phil takes the long route at the Trout Hatchery – it’s a very long way round but a sensible decision given that moment earlier.
Meanwhile, Felix is up at the double of gates at 18. He makes light work of that. He’s having a lovely round so far. He gallops over the Pardubice at 19 and up along Winners’ Avenue. Cartania makes nothing of the Cottesmore Leap and Felix rebalances for the white triple bars combination at Keeper – 21ab. He’s straight through there and wastes not a second of time. There’s a tiny moment at the Dairy Mound when Cartania takes a flier but Felix slips the reins and they continue on.
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7:04am
🇨🇭 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Felix Vogg and Cartania
Dressage Score: 28.8
Place: 14th
We meet Felix at the Leaf Pit. He’s careful off the drop and takes the alternative route. Cartania is galloping along and eating up this track, she’s such a star. They come to Defender Valley for the second time and, like Tom, Felix adds a stride before the b element to give his horse the best shot at the left-handed corner alongside the ditch. Felix is tipped forward as he drops into the water at the Trout Hatchery, but it’s all go for his core and he’s straight back upright and clear through the combinations there – fences 10 and 11.
Tom is beautifully through the Dairy Mound at 22 and 23. He’s on the target time! He pops the Raindance combination at 26 and Tom gives his horse a little squeeze towards home. He’s still bang on the minute markers. The horse is really responding, galloping happily and within himself and jumping brilliantly. What a treat this round has been. He crosses the finish line and goes into the lead with just 5.6 time penalties. Superb.
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6:58am
Early drama for Luc. He comes into Defender Valley at 5 very quickly, the horse looks down into the ditch at the b element and shoots off sideways. Luc’s stirrup is broken. No choice but to walk home.
Meanwhile, Holly’s had a very unfortunate 20 at the Dairy Mound. A shame so close to home. She continues on though and gets home. Holly looks pleased with her horse as so she should. A really unlucky penalty in an otherwise superb round.
Tom absolutely flies the Cottesmore Leap at 20 and navigates the white triple bars combination at Keepers – fence 21.
🇫🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Luc Chateau and Viens Du Mont
Dressage Score: 41.7
Place: 62nd
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6:54am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift
Dressage Score: 28.6
Place: 13th
Capels Hollow Drift is brave off the drop at the Leaf Pit and he takes the alternative, slightly but not much smaller, triple brushes. They’re looking smooth so far. He adds a stride on the turn between the a and b element at Defender Valley at 8ab. A fraction of a second lost but he set his horse up for success and banks a bit of confidence for later in the course. They get a huge jump into the water at the Trout Hatchery and they continue on confidently through the first water.
Holly and Bally Louis look to be gaining confidence as they make their way round. Holly really is riding brilliantly and the relationship this pair has is really coming into play.
Dan is already into time as he jumps the Dairy Mound at 22 and 23. Oh dear, they have a run out at 23b, the angled brush cabin. He comes back round and clears it.
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6:50am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Holly Richardson and Bally Louis
Dressage Score: 35.9
Place: 45th
Holly’s looking very confident at the start of her round. She gets a big jump over the ditch at the b element of Defender Valley at 5 and puts her horse on a beautiful line through there. She’s riding brilliantly. They take on the Leaf Pit and Holly sees the perfect distance. She loses a stirrup over the enormous arrowhead on the way out but she’s soon got everything back together.
Meanwhile, Bella and Highway are clear through the Lion Bridge. They take the fish in the water at 28 and are on their way home. They come over the last and are clear with 25.6 time penalties. Awesome.
Dan’s as the Trout Hatchery. He balances the horse at the top of the hill, giving the horse every chance to jump the fences well. Blackthorn Cruise gets a big pat as they gallop away. Oh, the horse stumbles slightly on landing over the vertical rails at 15b – Joules at the Maltings. That causes a run out at the c element. He comes back round and jumps is and continues on. He gets a great shot through the double of gates at 18ab, clearly that earlier problem hasn’t knocked the horse’s confidence any.
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6:45am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Dan Jocelyn and Blackthorn Cruise
Dressage Score: 33.3
Place: 34th
Dan opts for the longer route at the Leaf Pit at 7 and looks to be confident as he gets into the meat of the course. He’s easy through Defender Valley for the second time.
Meanwhile, Bella is clear through 19 – the Pardubice on Winners’ Avenue.
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6:40am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Bella Innes Ker and Highway II
Dressage Score: 38.6
Place: 53rd
It’s Bella’s 30th birthday today – Happy Birthday Emma! What a way to celebrate.
They’re already at the Leaf Pit and drop down well. She opts for the longer route there and looks very comfortable. Those fences are still huge, despite being the alternates.
Oh no, Nicole has had trouble at the Rolex Corners at 16ab. They’re not quite on their line at the first corner and don’t make it through the flags at all, really. She comes back round and makes it through on the longer route but there’s 20 penalties on her card. And oh, there’s more trouble at the double of gates at 18. The horse clips the fence, Nicole flies out of the tack, she tries to hang on but gravity is against her. Her air jacket’s gone off and she steps off the side of the horse. A shame for them but that’s eventing.
Emma and Jeweetwel have made it round! She punches the air as she comes through the finish. 20 penalties and a fair bit of time, but a Burghley finish.
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6:35am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Nicole Mills and Fearless W
Dressage Score: 32.6
Place: 31st
Nicole is on her way at her first 5*. She’s clear through the rails at 9 and is setting up for the Trout Hatchery. They look to be very much on the same page as they navigate through 10ab and 11ab.
Aaron and Friendship are home and clear. What a great experience for them. They’re a bit over the time but the horse has finished looking really good. Burghley experience banked.
Emma has a real moment at the Maltings. The horse leaves a leg and she’s pitched forward. She sits back up but there’s no chance of making the next element and now she needs to work out another route there. There’s a bit of a lack of control going on. It all comes to a head at 16 – the Rolex Corners. She jumps the first but the line’s not there and they go on by the second.
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6:28
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Emma Hyslop-Webb and Jeweetwel
Dressage Score: 37.7
Place: 52nd
Emma’s off and is brave through Defender Valley at 5abc. She’s got the bit between her teeth, that’s for sure. She continues clear through the rails at 9 and makes her way to the Trout Hatchery. It’s a little hairy through there as her reins get a bit long, but they hunt their way through and ride forward.
Meanwhile, Aaron is clear through to 15abc – Joules at the Maltings. He comes back for the gates at 18ab and then looks to very much enjoy the Pardubice at 19. Up Winners’ Avenue for them.
Ooo, Susie has a moment when control eludes her slightly and she heads for the crowd. Excitement for the spectators this morning. They continue on to the Lion Bridge and take on the fish in the water at 28. They can smell the finish flags now. She gallops along and gets close to the last, a heart-in-the-mouth moment but they’re home and clear. What a great experience for this young, talented mare.
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6:25am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Aaron Miller and Friendship VDL
Dressage Score: 33
Place: 32nd =
Aaron gets a confident start and makes nothing of the first combination at 4 in the arena. He continues on clear to Defender Valley at 8ab. He puts a curve in before the corner at b and they’re looking to be enjoying their Burghley so far.
Meanwhile, the riding lesson continues with Susie Berry. She tackles Joules at the Maltings at 14 and 15 in a similar way to the Leaf Pit, almost as separate fences. No troubles for them there. She navigates the new combination at 18ab – the gates in the stable yard – and then flies the Pardubice on Winners’ Avenue.
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6:20am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Susie Berry and Irene Leva
Dressage Score: 40.3
Place: 56th
Susie’s quick at the start of the course and is already at Defender Valley at 5abc. They get a huge jump over the angled brush and gallop on. They’re bravely down the drop at the Leaf Pit and Susie gives us a riding lesson over the triple brushes. She rides them almost as separate fences and gets a great shot. Big pats for Irene Leva.
Susie’s tipped forward over the big log at Defender Valley for the second time at 8ab as they jump right out down the slope but she sits up and they’re straight over the massive left-handed corner. Onward.
She’s at the first water now, the Trout Hatchery at 10 and 11. They’re bold through there and there’s more masterful riding from Susie. They’re going great guns so far.
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6:15am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Matthew Heath and Golden Recipe
Dressage Score: 43.7
Place: 64th
Golden Recipe is keen out of the start box and Matt’s got a lot on his hands here, for sure. He hangs on through the combination at 4ab in the arena and comes to Defender Valley for the first time. But all that power goes against them and they have a run out at the c element. They come back round but Golden Recipe is just too keen for the job today. They have another problem at 8ab back at Defender Valley, Matt struggles to hold his horse and he puts his hand up.
Pippa’s up at the Trout Hatchery at 10/11. Wow! Great save Pippa! She’s having a real moment. Maverick flies over the brush on the way out and Pippa flies out of the saddle. She’s had a right bump on the nose. Her stirrup’s got caught over the saddle and she clings on as she tries to right herself and her tack. But Pippa’s a pro and uses all of her decades of experience to get everything back in order and carry on. There’s been time lost there though. Anyone else would have been eating dirt for sure.
And things come to a head at the Rolex Corners at 16ab. She’s pulled up.
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6:10am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick
Dressage Score: 28.3
Place: 12th
Pippa’s on her way with Maverick and look to mean business as they leap out of the start box. They easily clear the combination in the arena at 4. She kicks on at the dreaded Leaf Pit and Maverick takes it on. Superb.
Harry’s right round at the Lion Bridge at 28. He takes the fish in the water and is flying to the finish. He clears the Defender Finale and has given us a great trailblazing round. He’s clear with 10.8 time.
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6:05am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ros Canter and Izilot DHI
Dressage Score: 19.9
Place: 1st
Our current leaders are out on course.
Isaac’s come out of the start box and seems to have his head in the game as he gallops past the crowds and flies the first three. The Main Arena’s buzzing but Isaac’s got his ears pricked on the flags and they go through the first combination at 4.
But oh no. Things don’t continue in the same way and Isaac’s eye’s taken and he has a drive by at Defender Valley – fence 8ab. Ros comes back round and jumps the alternative but then puts her hand straight up. Not Isaac’s day. A shame but every event is experience in the bank for the future.
Meanwhile, Harry’s having a fabulous run. He’s clear through to the white triple bars at 21ab and looks to be eating up the course. He’s on his way down to the Dairy Mound and isn’t a million miles over the time. They make that combination look easy.
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6am
🇬🇧 FIRST HORSE OUT ON COURSE: Harry Meade and Superstition
Dressage Score: 32.1
Place: 29th
And we’re off! Harry has left the start box and is on his way!
They come into the first combination at fence 4 in the arena and fly straight through. Next up is Defender Valley for the first time. Harry makes that tricky combination look very easy – over the rails, no problem with the angled ditch and then over the angled brush and off along the track.
And now, the Leaf Pit.
Woah, those brushes are huge, but Superstition stretched right over and went straight all the way. They sure did look big, even for this class combination.
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