Burghley fields ‘strongest entries’ yet

Five former Burghley champions will be back at the Land Rover International Horse Trials this weekend (5-8 September), each hoping to claim victory once again.

Most successful rider

William Fox-Pitt is the most successful rider ever at Burghley, with six wins under his belt, and this year he’ll be competing a number of top horses, including his 2011 winner Parklane Hawk.

Fresh from the European Championships, where William won individual bronze on Chilli Morning, his confidence will be high – but he is up against some tough competition, not least from his greatest rival Andrew Nicholson.

Andrew has been on unstoppable form since his 2012 triumph at Burghley on Avebury, on whom he is entered this year. He will also ride Nereo, who took him to victoryat Pau, and Mr Cruise Control, who was his partner when he won Luhmuhlen.

Promising new rides

Also competing is Sir Mark Todd, whose Burghley victories stretch back to 1987. He has a couple of promising new rides with Oloa and Ravenstar, while Oliver Townend – who won Burghley in 2009 and was fourth last year – will be piloting Armada. He took over the ride from Andrew Nicholson last year, who produced the 14-year-old Throughout his career, coming came eighth at Burghley with him in 2008. Can Oliver do better?

Last but by no means least is Pippa Funnell, who is entered on her 2010 World Equestrian Games mount Redesigned. Pippa is the only rider to date to win the Rolex Grand Slam at Burghley in 2003. Although she’s been out of the running for a few years, it looks like she’s back on top form with a first and third at Tattersalls in June and a ride for Britain at the Europeans last week.

Making her debut

Among those hoping to secure their first Burghley victory will be the two new faces from this year’s team out in Malmo, Izzy Taylor and Tom McEwen. Tom unfortunately had to withdraw from the championships when Diesel failed the trot-up, but the horse is fit and ready to go for Burghley.

Making her debut at this world-famous four star is Lincolnshire-based Alex Postolowsky, who will be riding Paul Newbert’s Islanmore Ginger.

“I’ve been going to Land Rover Burghley since I was small, first for the Pony Club showjumping competition, then a Winergy young rider academy and more recently for the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Final, so it’s always a regular fixture in my calendar,” said the 28-year-old. “It’s incredible to be coming to do the four-star competition.”

Tough challenge

There are a number of strong European riders entered, including Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas, who were part of the German gold medal-winning team at the London Olympics, while young French star Astier Nicolas will be making an appearance with the exciting nine-year-old mare Quickly Du Boguet.

“This has to be one of the strongest entries we’ve ever had,” said Burghley event director, Elizabeth Inman. “There are four-star winners, gold medallists and up-and-coming stars hungry for a win. Mark Phillips’ cross country course will provide them with a really exciting, tough challenge and we can’t wait to see who will take home the Land Rover Perpetual Trophy.”