Defender Burghley Horse Trials launches new digital TV service: Burghley TV

Burghley TV will combine comprehensive livestream footage of this most prestigious CCI5* event with expert commentary, analysis and behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.

As well as extensive coverage of Defender Burghley from the first horse inspection on 31 August to the final prize-giving on 4 September, the Burghley TV package will include an exclusive preview of the cross-country course, which is designed for the first time this year by the USA’s Derek di Grazia, and in-depth interviews with some of the sport’s most popular characters, including an ‘At Home’ feature with reigning champion and Rolex Grand Slam winner Pippa Funnell.

Burghley TV will be a much more detailed and ambitious production than other “event livestreams”, with the outstanding TV presenter Nick Luck fronting an entertaining and informative daily magazine programme from Defender Burghley during the event, alongside “roving reporter” Rosie Tapner.

The renowned Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Final, this year judged by Capt Mark Phillips, will also be livestreamed, as will some of Defender Burghley’s exciting main arena demonstrations, such as Carl Hester’s masterclass and Yogi Breisner’s new and exclusive Educating the Racehorse clinic, featuring two major stars of the British equine scene.

For anyone wishing to “watch again”, a replay service will also be available on Burghley TV, with dressage footage quickly online after each session and cross-country rounds not long after completion.

A comprehensive library of historic Defender Burghley Horse Trials footage, stretching back to 1990 will also be part of the Burghley TV package.

Martyn Johnson, Event Director of Defender Burghley, said: “We’re really excited to be launching Burghley TV - this will be a comprehensive production of unprecedented quality which offers a wealth of content both in terms of live sport but also with superb added value from our team of expert commentators and presenters.

“With streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime considered mainstream viewing these days, we felt now was the time to establish our own, bespoke TV production service. It gives us the scope to create a unique viewing experience for anyone unable to visit in person or who prefers to watch from the comfort of their sofa. It also means we have global reach and the opportunity for international eventing fans to access the competition.”

The service costs £20 per year and is subscription-only. Viewers can subscribe via the www.burghley-horse.co.uk website, with the service also available via the Apple TV, Android TV and Amazon Fire apps.

BBC 2 will continue to broadcast a highlights programme from Defender Burghley on the afternoon of Sunday 4 September 2022.