Bubby leads the debutants

Tom Jackson (GBR) and Capels Hollow Drift are half a penalty behind Bubby in 13^th with Susie Berry (IRL) and Ringwood LB hard on Tom's heels.

“Badminton and Burghley are like no other events in the world, they are really special,” said Tom. “Here the terrain is the main factor – I know from talking to other riders you have to really know your horse and feel your way round course.

“I'm really happy with him. It felt very 'busy' in the arena given we were first in after the lunch break so he got a bit bright, but thankfully held it together. He's not the flashiest mover and we have worked hard to make his trot a bit more special. I felt it was today.”

Susie Berry declared herself 'over the moon'. “There is way more to come in the dressage for us, and Ringwood LB is enormous which is a challenge. I'm going to give it a good go tomorrow but the course has been roped quite tight which may be a bit of an issue given his size."

Kristina Hall-Jackson (GBR) posted a score of 33.0 with CMS Google to lie in 27^th place. “Dressage is not her strong point,” Kristina admitted. “I made a mistake in the half pass which impacted on the first flying change, but otherwise I am delighted; I absolutely loved it in there. The mare felt a bit nervous and I had to rather hold her hand, but she's an out and out jumper so I am looking forward to tomorrow.”

One penalty apart are Sarah Clark (AUS) on LV Balou Jeanz (34.3) and Phil Brown (GBR) with Harry Robinson two places behind on 35.3. Phil had far and away the shortest drive to Burghley; he has been based in Stamford for the last two-and-a-half years and can even see Burghley House from his yard.

Sarah let slip that she has been, “saving up to come here for years. Every time I sold a youngster, the money went in to the Burghley pot. Neither of us is built in body or brain for dressage – I've never ridden in this type of atmosphere of in front of so many people before.”

Sarah arrived two-and-a-half weeks ago, from Adelaide, travelling for five days in the crate with her horse. “He's recovered better than me,” she quipped.

Kate Shapland (GBR) and Uris Cavalier are slightly further down the order, 48^th on a score of 38.7 while Hollie Swain and Solo are lingering just above the bottom of the leaderboard on 42.2.

Last of the first-timers to perform their dressage was Ireland's Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua. “I'm excited to be here,” said Cathal. “I've never even been to Burghley before because it tends to clash with annual championships, which I have been lucky enough to compete at since Rioghan Rua was six-years-old.

“The atmosphere was electric in there and my horse felt every bit of that so we made a few mistakes, but I think tomorrow will thin out the competition.” Cathal lies in 29^th place on 33.5.