2018 Defender Burghley Horse Trials Gets Underway With First Horse Inspection

The Members of the Ground Jury, Angela Tucker (President) Dr Ernst Topp and Sandor Fulop ensure that all horses are fit and ready to compete at this prestigious 4* competition. Two horses were held for re-inspection; Fernhill Frankie II (Joseph Murphy) and Verdi (Clelia Casiraghi) and subsequently withdrawn by their riders.

Last year’s winner and world number one Oliver Townend presented three horses MHS King Joules, Ballaghmor Class and Cooley SRS and looks a strong contender to retain his title in 2018. As ever Antipodean riders such as Tim Price riding Bango and Ringwood Sky Boy, Mark Todd riding NZB Campino and Kiltubrid Rhapsody and Andrew Nicholson riding Jet Set IV and Swallow Springs are sure to pose a strong challenge, alongside an experienced field of home grown talent including Kristina Cook on Star Witness and Sarah Bullimore on Reve du Rouet.

Former double Olympic Champion Sir Mark Todd (62) will be the oldest rider in the competition, while first-timer, Sam Eckroyd (21) is the youngest rider entered. A strong Irish contingent has made its way to Burghley Park this year, led by Elizabeth Power, Austin O’Connor and Michael Ryan. While Germany’s sole representative is Andreas Dibowski. Katrin Khoddam Hazrati represents Austria and Ludwig Svennerstal, Sweden.

The best dressed riders were Caroline Powell and Alexander Bragg – judged by Emma Warren of HiHo Silver and Lisa Hancock, Chief Executive of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Ros Canter, a member of Britain’s Eventing team at the forthcoming World Equestrian Games, will ride the guinea pig dressage test with Zenshera, in front of the Ground Jury at 9.10 am on Thursday 30^th August before the first rider Oliver Townend and MHS King Joules kicks off the competition in the Main Arena at 9.30am.