Bullimore’s young superstar is a ‘work in progress’
Sarah Bullimore reflected on "a work in progress" after putting herself in contention for a first title at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials.
The Bedfordshire-based rider is a Burghley veteran, having made her debut 30 years ago and posted fourth-place finishes with Reve Du Rouet in 2018 and 2019.
Although Sarah's dressage mark of 33.6 aboard 10-year-old home-bred Corimiro - enough for sixth place midway through Friday morning - left her "a little disappointed", Saturday's cross-country phase could easily see them move up a gear.
Their previous five-star outings at Badminton this year and Pau in 2025 not only produced top 10 finishes, but they also finished both cross-country rounds clear inside the time.
"We are just here trying to do our own thing," said Sarah. "I have got a young horse, but he is a fabulous young horse, and just trying to prove to the world how good he actually really is. It is just about me getting it right on top.
"He stayed with me. There are always bits that can be better - his first change was good, but it wasn't great - and the third change was lovely. I am little disappointed with the mark, but it is all a work in progress."
Ten-year-old horses have won Burghley on 12 occasions, but only once in the modern era of eventing when Oliver Townend guided Ballaghmor Class to a memorable victory in 2017, which was Oliver's second of three triumphs at the event.
But Sarah has vast experience, including representing Great Britain at the 2021 European Championships in Switzerland, winning an individual bronze medal, and being an FEI Nations Cup regular. She has also contested Burghley 12 times.
"He is just a fabulous horse. He is my baby, and it is really special having bred him," Sarah added. "To win here would be something that I would not be able to put into words, but it has still got to happen. Let's not count our chickens."