Six time Burghley Champion William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk
There is no doubt in my mind that Burghley, like Badminton, is the pinnacle of our sport. To compete and finish is an outstanding achievement. To place or even be in the top twenty shows a special kind of determination.
OMG did it RAIN!
For the competitors there have been many highs and lows this weekend, for me seeing Michael and Icarus fall at the wall was one of my nightmares. I was so relieved that by the time we reached the lake, Icarus was back on his feet and then walked onto the trailer.
As for the highs, William’s record breaking sixth win was brilliant and he is such a lovely family man, his family was at the final presentation at the Land Rover party post event. Boyd and Neville were amazing, by all rights the odds were against Neville making it to Burghley.
No introductions are needed
When I saw Neville on Tuesday I could hardly believe how good he looked, at the Trot Up on Wednesday he looked his normal mad self. To see Boyd’s relief and joy following the dressage was just wonderful, in case you missed it, check it out on Nico Morgan’s site.
On Saturday, I shed a tear with Samantha and Boyd watching this video, all weekend Boyd has put on a brave face, never wavering publicly til this moment, thank you Samantha for capturing it.
For Boyd and Neville to finish Burghley with one rail on what was a BIG and LONG track was the icing on the cake. Neville is one tough horse, the Neville Bardos Syndicate owners were easy to spot in the crowd with their caps, big smiles and often with both Boyd and Silva in tow, well done to the whole team.
There was plenty of non horse action all weekend too
Personally I had a brilliant Burghley I spent my whole first time at the event, inside the ropes being involved in all the action. I cannot thank the Burghley team enough for making me feel so welcome and the FEI Global Education Program for giving me the opportunity to come and see the world’s best in action.
The culmination of the weekend was a flyover by a Lancaster Bomber escorted by a pair of Spitfires, it was great fun and the pilots looked to be having the time of their lives. I have a couple of days off before I head down to cover the action at Blenheim.
The flyover was a fun way to finish the weekend, don’t worry this happened while all the horses were tucked up for the night
As well as the AECs and Blenheim this weekend we also have the Sydney CCI and we have Caroline Wardrop covering the action for EN. Caz will be along soon with a Sydney preview.
Yours in Eventing,
ESJ
