Nadja Minder and Toblerone still in peak position at Defender Burghley
A thrilling day’s cross-country is guaranteed tomorrow at Defender Burghley Horse Trials as only one penalty separates the top three riders after dressage and a mere 10 penalties covers the top 35.
The New Zealander will enter Saturday's cross-country phase with Falco holding third spot and Global Quest lying sixth as he targets a second Burghley triumph eight years after his first aboard Ringwood Sky Boy.
Tim has won six five-star competitions during his glittering career, and 17-year-old Falco, particularly, is strongly-placed for more success after landing Pau in 2021 and being second at Maryland three years later.
"I am a bit of a sucker for Burghley," Tim said. "I love it here, and maybe that comes through, because the horses have been really nice and relaxed.
"I think everyone comes from a very busy year to this point and we all just take a bit of a breath, other than the very formidable cross-country we have to deal with tomorrow.
"The horses seem very happy, and I don't know what else it is about it, just that Burghley has got a grandeur, It is such a lovely place to come, and we are all here giving the biggest competition in the world a go, so there is a real nice honesty here with all the riders and everything."
Tim and Falco were the penultimate combination from 48 starters to complete their dressage test, with a score of 30.5 tucking them in behind leader Nadja Minder and Gemma Stevens, in second.
"He is such a cool horse," Tim added. "I was really happy with him today, and as with Global Quest's dressage test, I really enjoyed it.
"Falco has got a really interesting story, because he is missing a few teeth and he has had a couple of issues that have had him on the sidelines over the last few years, but he looks better than ever.
"He had a tumour in his tummy that meant him needing six or eight months off, and just recently he has a disease that affects older horses. So the result of that is he had to have his top incisors taken out, bless him. But he is a good eater, and he would never let that get in the way of a good meal, and he is much happier without them in.
"He has been an amazing little horse for Sue Benson, who owns him, and I over the last 12-13 years, and yeah, he is just one out of the box."
Every minute of the action from Defender Burghley, from the first horse inspection to the final trophy lift, as well as the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Finals and the Main Arena Masterclasses, is broadcast on Burghley TV.
For the full timetable and to plan your visit to Defender Burghley visit 2026 Timetable.