4 - 7 September 2025

Burghley image

Cream of the crop: our Defender Burghley prize winners

Several of this year's prizes went to the same recipients as last year, with Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo once again victorious.

Sunday, September 07, 2025 - 16:36
Prizes

The Defender Perpetual Challenge Trophy, awarded to the winning owners. A miniature replica will also be awarded to the owner and the rider of the winning horse: Archie and Michele Saul for Lordships Graffalo, ridden by Ros Canter

The Burghley Challenge Cup, awarded to the winning rider: Ros Canter

The Burghley Cakes, provided by The George Hotel, Stamford, to the winning rider and horse: Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo

The Henry Tate Challenge Cup, awarded to the owner of the second-placed horse: The Salty Syndicate

The Sugden Challenge Trophy, awarded to the rider of the second-placed horse: Austin O'Connor

A Crystal Champagne Cooler, awarded to the owner and rider of the second-placed horse: The Salty Syndicate

The Stamford Challenge Cup, awarded to the owner of the third-placed horse: Charlotte Opperman

A Silver photo frame, awarded by Dawson of Stamford Ltd to the rider of the third-placed horse: Harry Meade

A Crystal Tulip Bowl will be awarded to the owner and the rider of the third-placed horse: Charlotte Opperman and Harry Meade

A Miniature of the Defender Perpetual Challenge Trophy, awarded to the highest placed first-timer: Cassie Sanger riding Redfield Fyre

Pol Roger Champagne will present a jeroboam of Pol Roger Champagne to the winning rider and a magnum to the riders placed second and third. Ros Canter, Austin O'Connor and Harry Meade

The British Horse Foundation will present the Richard Matson Memorial Trophy and a £1,000 prize to the breeder of the highest-placed British-bred horse, provided it finishes in the first 12 places: Lordships Stud, Writtle College for Lordships Graffalo

Fairfax & Favor, a prize to the best dressed male and female rider at the first horse inspection: Matthew Heath and Samantha Lissington

British Breeding will award a prize to the highest-placed British-bred horse: Lordships Graffalo

The Twemlows Burghley Scholarship for two embryo transfers, awarded by Twemlows Stud farm to the owner of the highest placed British domiciled mare to finish in the top 20: Charlotte Opperman for Cavalier Crystal

The Avebury Trophy, presented by Mark and Rosemary Barlow in memory of their three-times Burghley winner, to the rider of the best cross-country round as judged by Yogi Breisner: Ros Canter for Lordships Graffalo

Spillers Horse Care Prize, to the grooms of the best-cared-for horses, in recognition of their hard work and dedication. Winner: Francesca Denning for her care of Austin O'Connor's Colorado Blue, Runner- up: Tilly Hughes for her care of Laura Collet's Bling

The Worshipful Company of Farriers Best Shod Horse Award: Stephen Hill for Alexander Tordoff's Cool Jack

Lady Victoria Award, awarded to George Burnham, Groundskeeper

Unsung Hero Award, in memory of Justin Llewelyn: Annette Grundy, catering steward for over 30 years