DEFENDER BURGHLEY 2024 IS UNDERWAY
The first horse inspection has taken place in front of a packed house.
Defender Burghley Horse Trials began in earnest this afternoon when 67 combinations were presented to the ground jury of Christina Klingspor (SWE – President), Nick Burton (GBR) and Robert Stevenson (USA) at the Fairfax & Favor-sponsored first horse inspection in front of a packed house in Burghley’s Main Arena.
Britain’s Tom Crisp withdrew Liberty And Glory from the holding box, leaving a stellar line-up of 66 combinations to go forward to tomorrow’s dressage phase, which includes our past Defender Burghley winners — Oliver Townend (GBR), Pippa Funnell (GBR), Tim Price (GBR) and Caroline Powell (NZL).
Oliver will ride his much-admired Kentucky winner, Cooley Rosalent, and they will start as one of the favourites. Tim rides Vitali, fourth here last year, and Viscount Viktor, while Pippa will partner MCS Maverick and Majas Hope. Badminton winners Caroline Powell (NZL) and Greenacres Special Cavalier will also be gunning for a second five-star win.
Two of Britain’s victorious Olympic team gold medallists will be trying to etch their names onto the illustrious list of Defender Burghley winners. Ros Canter will partner her Paris ride, Lordships Graffalo, who looked a picture at the first horse inspection, and Izilot DHI, while Tom McEwen rides the chestnut mare CHF Cooliser, who already boasts impressive top-level form.
The field also includes former world and European and Olympic silver medallist Zara Tindall (GBR), who will ride Class Affair tomorrow at 3.41pm.
There were a few flamboyant displays on the runway, none more so than Britain’s Francis Whittington’s DHI Purple Rain, who bowed to the ground jury with a front leg before towing Francis back down the track at high speed — much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowds.
The Fairfax & Favor and Hiho Silver-sponsored prizes for the best dressed riders at the first horse inspection went to Tom McEwen and Burghley first-timer Isabella Innes-Ker.
Both riders were complimented by judges Marcus Fairfax Fountaine of Fairfax & Favor and Andrew Ransford of Hiho Silver on their unique co-ordinating outfits. Tom paired a matching tweed cap and gilet, while Isabella sported an elegant khaki ensemble.
Dressage starts tomorrow at 9.30am on Thursday (5 September), when Britain’s Harry Meade will enter the arena on the first of his three rides, Superstition.
Prior to that, at 9.15am, Kitty King will perform the guinea pig test with Cristal Fontaine.
As well as dressage there will be two masterclasses taking place tomorrow during the day in the main arena. During the lunch break, legendary National Hunt trainer Henrietta Knight will lead a demonstration entitled ‘Re-educating the Racehorse’, while six-time Defender Burghley winner William Fox-Pitt will team up with his wife, racing presenter Alice, to present ‘Preparing for Burghley’, which will take place at the end of the of the dressage.
Don’t miss a thing with Burghley TV, covering everything from the first horse inspection to the final prize giving, plus interviews and feature content plus a daily highlights show.
Burghley TV is hosted by Nick Luck and Rosie Tapner, with commentary from John Kyle, Nicole Brown and guests. https://burghley-horse.co.uk/burghley-tv
To purchase tickets for Defender Burghley and for more information, visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk
This picture of Zara Tindall and Class Affair is free to use, but please credit DBHT/Peter Nixon.