One of my personal 2012 Burghley pairs - Sinead Halpin and Tate. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Ahhh, Burghley week is finally upon us! I will reiterate my “kid on Christmas” statement from a couple of weeks ago when I describe the excitement I feel for these big 4* events. While I am slightly disappointed that Sinead and Tate and Allison and Arthur will not be contesting for the top spot again this year, my excitement is nonetheless reaching its full fervor as the first inspection draws closer. I thought it appropriate this week to bring you a few facts about Burghley to get your mania up to my level – crazy does love company, after all!
1. The entries.
First and foremost, here is the entry list for this year. The US contingent this year is small with many pairs aiming for Pau instead this year. Buck Davidson and Park Trader will wear the US colors this year. Park Trader completed Rolex this year, placing 22nd, and Burghley will be his second 4* attempt. Aside from that, the field is (as per the usual) stacked with heavyweights such as Badminton winner Jock Paget, William Fox-Pit (duh), and Andrew Nicholson (double duh). Canadian Olympian Rebecca Howard and the beautiful Riddle Master are also on the list and will be looking for a competitive outing here after a great summer.
2. The cross country course.
Here it is, folks, the fabled Burghley course. Course designer Mark Phillips certainly has some tricky questions on this notoriously large and challenging course. Be on the lookout for a jump or two from the Olympics to make their appearance here as well. For all of you competitors who may be reading this: I expect helmet cam footage!
3. We all love first timers.
This year there will be 13 first timers contesting Burghley for the first time. I always secretly root for the first timers at Rolex each year, and Burghley is no different. You can find more information on these brave souls here.
4. This year, you can actually ride the course!
Ok well, minus the jumping efforts. If I were there, I can’t promise I wouldn’t get kicked off the grounds for trying to jump the Cottesmore Leap. It would make a great YouTube video, I guarantee it. I digress though. What I was saying is that Burghley is sponsoring a charity ride on the final day of competition that will take you throughout the grounds and around the cross country course. A great opportunity and a good cause – can we do this at Rolex please? Are you riding along this year? If so, send us your pictures and video!
5. You can follow along on your smartphone or tablet.
Burghley has improved the existing iPhone app and added an Android and iPad compatible app for 2013. The app features course maps, timetables, results, and audio/video. It also has a nifty little feature that allows you to find your friends around the grounds. What do you think the chances are that Jock Paget also has the app…?
6. Even more prize money is up for grabs this year.
Over the last two years, prize money for the top three owners has increased 20%. This year, an additional £15,000 will also be added to the pool for distribution among the top five finishing riders. It’s great to see the added support for eventing as time goes on – let’s hope this trend expands to cover us lowly Novice riders. I could do a lot with £15,000 (that’s a little over $23,000, by the way)!
7. Burghley TV
Literally my favorite part of not being able to see this event in person is the availability of Burghley TV. In case you haven’t heard, Burghley TV is a wonderful little website that allows you to watch all riders on demand – for free! It was my lifeline last year, I think I wore out the Refresh button watching Sinead’s mind blowing XC round. Check out this life saver here.
8. A couple of famous steeplechasers will be on hand on the final day of Burghley.
Kauto Star (who you may be familiar with for this reason) will be joined by 2012 Grand National winer Neptune Collonges, who has also been in dressage training at Burghley this year. The two former race stars will be competing in a qualifying event for the Horse of the Year show, to be held in October.
9. Rider blogs.
You can follow along with Burghley riders Sam Griffiths, Jock Paget and Chloe Newton on Burghley’s website. Similar to the Rolex Featured Riders, these three have been chronicling their journey to Burghley this year. Reading Jock’s blog makes me very excited at the prospect of seeing him compete for the Grand Slam at Rolex next year should he take the top honors this weekend.
10. You now have a good reason to shamelessly Google past Burghley rides.
Not that I needed a “good” reason in the first place. Unfortunately, I could not find a video of Sinead’s 2012 ride, but I did find this lovely little compilation of shots from last year’s event. It includes plenty of footage of my two favorite Burghley fences: The Leaf Pit and the Cottesmore Leap. Enjoy, and Go Burghley!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b75gtsdOmY0
