How the cross-country course is riding

Riders will have been encouraged to see today's pathfinder Harry Meade on Superstition jump clear, albeit with 10.8 time penalties. Harry was delighted, saying: “It's a decent course but it did ride as planned. Superstition is a bit ring rusty – he's only had two outings this year – so I set out quite consertatively, but he gave me a peach of a ride.”

There were also clear rounds for Ireland's Susie Berry (Irene Leva) and Aaron Millar (Friendship VDL). “She's an incredible cross-country horse – I've finally got my first Burghley cross-country completion!” said a delighted Susie.

First timer Bella Innes Ker celebrated her 30^th birthday in style with a flawless clear round on Highway, Bella saying, “I can't believe I'm home – I can't put this feeling in to words. This has been the best birthday present ever.”

Tom Jackson also enjoyed a fabulous round with the consistent Capels Hollow Drift, Tom describing it as, “probably the best ride I have had on him. Whatever you ask of him, he delivers. I'm really happy with how strongly he finished.”

Two big named combinations retired early on. Izilot DHI, the overnight leader for Ros Canter, was pulled up after ducking out at the third element of Defender Valley (5c) and Pippa Funnell retired after nearly parting company with MCS Maverick riding away from the Trout Hatchery (11c) and then running out at the Rolex Corners (16b).

It will be all change at the end of today, with plenty more combinations to follow, including Ros and Lordships Graffalo, second overnight, Tim Price and Vitali, third after dressage and multiple Burghley winner Oliver Townend with Cooley Rosalent.