We’re all set to kick off the action at the 2026 Defender Burghley CCI5* this week! Things will get underway tomorrow (Wednesday) with the first trot-up, and then it’s off to the races. Tilly Berendt will be our on-site reporter this week, with help from Gemma Redrup as well as Hannah Cole on photos and Incanto Sports on video. Stay tuned for much more coming your way all week long, but for now you can get your week started and primed with our Ultimate Guide. Keep this page bookmarked for all of the latest from EN’s coverage!
Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Entries] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Preview] [EN’s Burghley Field Wiki] [EN’s Ultimate GuideBurghley TV] [EN’s Coverage]
The Schedule
Wednesday September 2
4:00 p.m. BEST / 10:00 a.m. EST: First Horse Inspection
Thursday, September 3
10:00 a.m. BEST / 4:00 a.m. EST: Morning Dressage Session
2:00 p.m. BEST / 8:00 a.m. EST: Afternoon Dressage Session
Friday, September 4
10:00 a.m. BEST / 4:00 a.m. EST: Morning Dressage Session
2:00 p.m. BEST / 8:00 a.m. EST: Afternoon Dressage Session
Saturday, September 5
11:00 a.m. BEST / 5:00 a.m. EST: Cross Country
Sunday, September 6
8:45 a.m. BEST / 2:45 a.m. EST: Final Horse Inspection
10:30 a.m. BEST / 4:30 a.m. EST: Show Jumping – Morning Session
2:30 p.m. BEST / 8:30 a.m. EST: Show Jumping – Top 20
All times are, of course, subject to change. You can view the full timetable, including all official events happening on-site, here. We also know there are many other time zones around the world, so if you need help figuring out when to tune in locally, we recommend using this handy app.
How to Watch and Follow
Defender Burghley carries its own livestream, and it’s a great option for those of you wanting to follow along virtually. Burghley TV is the exclusive provider of live stream and on-demand content, and it costs just £25 (about $34 USD) to sign up. The subscription will renew annually unless you cancel it (Burghley TV will email you a few weeks out each year to remind you), and in our opinion it’s well worth the investment.
You can sign up for Burghley TV here.
The Players
We have had a few withdrawals over the last few weeks, including title contenders Felix Cogg (SUI) and his Maryland 5 Star winner Cartania, Sophia Hill (AUS) and Tulara Baltango, and others. The up-to-date entry list can be found here. Our full Form Guide to all combinations in the field can be found here.
Defender Burghley Draw Order: Harry Meade to Lead Off
2026 Defender Burghley Entries Go Live with 58 Combinations
The Officials
Here’s a look at your officiating crew this week:
Ground Jury: Xavier le Sauce (FRA) – President, Joanne Jarden (IRL), Sandy Phillips (GBR)
- Technical Delegate: Gary Parsonage (GBR)
- Cross Country Designer: Derek di Grazia (USA), assisted by Adrian Ditcham (GBR), Andy Heffernan (NED), Clayton Fredericks (AUS)
- Jumping Course Designer: Paul Conner (GBR)
Other resources:
EN’s Coverage
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
US Partnership Bows Out of Defender Burghley at Final Horse Inspection
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
The Defender Burghley Cross Country Report: An Actually Really Cool Day of Sport
Horse-by-Horse Updates from Cross Country Day at Defender Burghley: Live Blog
An Early Hill and Corners for Days: What to Expect from the Burghley Course
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
A Reward for Work Well Done: The Defender Burghley Friday Debrief
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Every Day She’s Shuffling: Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight Take Thursday Morning Burghley Lead
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Major Withdrawal Shakes up Defender Burghley First Horse Inspection
PRE-COMPETITION
A Champion Awaits: EN’s Form Guide to the 2026 Defender Burghley Field
Your First Look at the 2026 Defender Burghley Cross Country Course
