Tomorrow, we’ll finally see the first horse down centerline after months of anticipation of the first CCI5* of the fall season: Defender Burghley. We’ve got 51 starters on the final list after a handful of withdrawals from the original entries, and you can follow along with each and every pair using our handy Form Guide.
This year, we’ve made a few adjustments and updates to our Form Guides, and for Burghley this year we’re bringing you a few new changes to how we’ve formatted it, based both on feedback we’ve received from readers as well as our own experiences using it.
Many of you preferred a Form Guide that was accessible natively here on EN, without the need to open a new window or app to view our database now housed on Notion. With that in mind, you can now find a large portion of the need-to-know directly below. Here’s how our Burghley Form Guide is arranged:
Use this post to see quick stats and a write-up on the recent form of each entered pair. You can click through the list in alphabetical order using the list below, or you can keep scrolling to view each pair in drawn order (useful for following along during the live stream on Burghley TV!).
If you want to dive even deeper, you can also click on the horse/rider name to see their full profile within our Notion database. These profiles include backstories on the pair, breeding information, fun facts and more. Choose your own experience!
Have questions or feedback about this Form Guide? Email us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear it!
Entries, Alphabetical by Rider Last Name (click the name to jump directly to that pair’s write-up):
Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [EN’s Coverage]
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By Drawn Order:
#1: Harry Meade and Et Hop du Matz
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Upton House Intermediate, 27th (71.4)
- Kentucky Three-Day 5*, 3rd (34.2)
- Thoresby Park International 4*-S, 25th (60.6)
According to EquiRatings’ Prediction Center for this week, Et Hop du Matz is the least likely of Harry Meade’s three rides to take home the title this week — but he has been given a near-30% chance at a top-10 finish. This will mark “Hoppy’s” first UK 5* start, but a third place at Maryland 5 Star last year on a course that’s quickly earned a reputation as grueling should be a good prep for this debut of sorts.
[Read Et Hop du Matz’s full profile]
#2: Austin O’Connor and Sixmilewater
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Scone Palace International 4*-S, 19th (49.1)
- Hartpury International 4*-S, 22nd (48.4)
- Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 22nd (92.7)
Austin O’Connor brings forward an exciting debut horse in Sixmilewater, who’s enjoyed some steady preparation as he legs up for this forthcoming big effort. Austin’s posted on social media in the past that “Buster” had struggled before with jumping into the water, but he’s had two consistent clears in his last stops on the road to Burghley. He’s generally known as a cross country machine (and we all know Austin knows how to ride a strong track), and if he can channel that energy on Saturday he can be well-placed alongside his more experienced stablemate, Colorado Blue.
[Read Sixmilewater’s full profile here]
#3: Samantha Lissington and Billy Alberto
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International Open Championships, 14th (72.8)
- Burgham International 4*-S, 55th (61.5)
- Chaumont en Vexin 4*-L, 2nd (35.8)
Sam Lissington’s been on top form this year so far, and while she’s remained pragmatic about it, she’s also not leaving a single stone unturned as she heads toward this weekend with two very competitive horses. She most recently tested all of the gears and buttons at one of the toughest short-format events in the UK at Hartpury’s British Championships, leaving with good results on both horses and focus on fine-tuning the bits and bobs as Burghley looms closer. Billy Alberto, the lesser experienced of Sam’s two rides, hasn’t been given a very strong shot at the top 10 by EquiRatings, perhaps owing to his general (and relatable) disdain for dressage, but often that attitude yields a through and through, real deal Burghley horse. We’ll know in a few days, but this isn’t a pair to count out for a strong Eventing Manager weekend.
[Read Billy Alberto’s full profile here]
#4: Aimee Penny and PSH Encore
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 27th (48.5)
- Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 21st (53.7)
- Luhmühlen 5*, 23rd (100.6)
Are we sensing a theme yet? In case you’re new around here, or simply follow eventing more casually, Burghley is world-renowned as the toughest cross country course in the world, owing both it its dimensional size and technicality as well as its hilly terrain. Even in perfect conditions, which early weather forecasts indicate Saturday should be, this is a test that not all will succeed at. However, you’re seriously upping your chances if you bring a good cross country horse — even if they take a strong disliking to the first phase, like PSH Encore tends to have in the past. Aimee Penny rides this homebred of Power Sports Horses with the understanding that they’re here to eat monstrous courses for both — that may also mean a few extra marks left behind in the dressage or a pole down on Sunday, but we’re guessing the feeling of taking this spicy mare cross country makes up for any competitive shortcomings.
[Read PSH Encore’s full profile here]
#5: Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Carlow-Lisgarvan 4*-S, 7th (38.6)
- Burgham International 4*-S, 11th (37.8)
- Aston-le-Walls International 4*-S, 10th (44.4)
“Spirit” is ready for another step up as his 5* career continues, having started out at Pau last fall before tackling his first Badminton this past May. As you look at this horse’s FEI record, you can see his rider begin to ask more of him as he gains experience; this year, he’s been asked to go a bit faster on cross country, with Joseph trusting that he’s begun to build that base of strength and condition to carry him forward into some even tougher challenges such as this weekend.
[Read Belline Fighting Spirit’s full profile here]
#6: Tom Bird and Cowling Hot Gossip
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International 4*-S, 21st (48.2)
- Dauntsey Park Intermediate, 13th (60.4)
- Badminton 5*, 39th (85.2)
Tom plucked Cowling Hot Gossip from a field as an unbroken five-year-old, paying just £1000 for the British-bred gelding that would go on to be something of a horse of a lifetime. No, this pair won’t really pose a threat to the Lordship Graffalos of the world — but the feeling “Jasper” must give Tom flying across the country has to be absolutely priceless — and well worth that initial cost of entry. It’s not unlikely that this pair will move up in the standings after a mid-field dressage test, though they are coming off a personal best at Hartpury, and while their show jumping record may hold them back from finishing on their dressage score, this is nonetheless becoming one of the pairs in the field with the best relationship and history of 5* performances.
[Read Cowling Hot Gossip’s full profile here]
#9: Padraig McCarthy and MGH Mr Messack
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International 4*-S, 20th (48.0)
- Millstreet International 4*-L, 10th (51.5)
- Thoresby Park International 4*-S, 27th (62.1)
The ever-thoughtful Padraig brings forward a debut horse this week, and again keeping with the theme of solid cross country performers, MGH Mr Messack ticks the right boxes. The dressage is ever a work in progress with this one, who won’t pose a threat on Thursday, but he’s already proven he can run and jump at distance with a strong top-10 finish at Millstreet’s 4*-L and a clear round at the tough Hartpury 4* as his final prep for this weekend. He was also the sole horse to make the time at the 4*-L at Blenheim last year. At just 10, this Irish horse won’t be pushed to put in his absolute best performance as Padraig rides with the long view in mind, but it shouldn’t be surprising if they make some steady climbs in the standings after cross country to put themselves at least within competing distance.
[Read MGH Mr Messack’s full profile here]
#10: Grace Taylor and Game Changer
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International 4*-S, 8th (32.5)
- Burgham International 4*-S, 7th (31.5)
- Upton House Intermediate, 18th (44.2)
One of our two U.S. pairs riding for the Stars & Stripes this weekend, Grace Taylor and Game Changer already have one Burghley cross country completion under their belts, so they’ll be coming into this year knowing they’ve got a whole additional year of experience to build off of. Their weekend at Burghley came to an untimely end when Grace withdrew “Sydney” before show jumping, but before that they’d turned in an impressive sub-30 dressage and jumped clear. They’ve come out very strong this year with some impressive performances on the flat, and if they can put those pieces together this weekend they will be the top-placed U.S. combination.
[Read Game Changer’s full profile here]
#11: Lauren Innes and Global Fision M
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International 4*-S, 23rd (49.2)
- Burnham Market International 4*-S, 23rd (48.9)
- Tweseldown Intermediate, 13th (33.2)
Kiwi rider Lauren Innes has become something of a stalwart at these big, beefy British 5*s, and for good reason: “Flipper” (which probably wins the award for our favorite barn name of all time) is nothing short of a cross country machine, and while they’re not quite as competitive as they’d like to be on the flat, it’s a bit more forgivable at an event like Burghley. You’ve GOT to have a good cross country horse with staying power to make it around this course, and if Lauren can finish close to her dressage score, she’ll have yet another solid finish to add to her impressive collection.
[Read Global Fision M’s full profile here]
#12: Tom Jackson and Hawk Eye
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International Open Championships, 13th (61.1)
- Burgham International 4*-S, 3rd (25.9)
- Burgham International 4*-L, 3rd (32.7)
Tom Jackson brings forward an exciting 5* debutant in Hawk Eye, who is a former ride of European Champion Nicola Wilson who came to Tom via Kristina Hall Jackson. He’s shown his chops for the top levels and is hitting that age where horses tend to really flourish as they gain the strength and conditioning required to become a 5* horse. You can expect a steadier weekend from Tom and “BB,” but even a solid completion with perhaps just some time on cross country will help this talent for the future set sail for success as he gains more experience.
[Read Hawk Eye’s full profile here]
#15: David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International Open Championships, 3rd (32.7)
- Dauntsey Park Intermediate, 1st (29.6)
- Burnham Market International Advanced, 11th (56.1)
Most would have picked David Doel and his seasoned campaigner, Galileo Nieuwmoed, as podium finishers at MARS Badminton this spring, but a shocking elimination on cross country meant David would need to regroup for another run ’round a “home” 5* here this weekend. This pair has knocked on the door of becoming 5* champions in the past, and a podium finish is far from out of the question if they can show their consistent form across phases. EquiRatings has given this pair a 47% chance at a top 10 finish, and they could go one better and make their way onto that coveted podium when the dust settles on Sunday.
[Read Galileo Nieuwmoed’s full profile here]
#16: Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Burgham International 4*-S, 40th (54.5)
- Alnwick Ford International Intermediate, 11th (52.9)
- Kentucky Three-Day 5*, 18th (80.0)
Cassie is a rising talent for the U.S. who brings forward a horse she knows very well for her Burghley debut. They didn’t have the most perfect of debuts at the level at Kentucky in April, but they finished full of experience and have had the benefit of training from the US Equestrian Eventing Pathway Program to set them on their way for a strong finish this weekend. They won’t be too much in contention after dressage, but they do have the chops to get it done on cross country. Redfield Fyre has been known to have a pole or two in the show jumping, but Cassie will have it in her head to finish on or as close to her dressage score as possible to firmly tick that Burghley box as she continues to develop her own skills and her string for the future.
[Read Redfield Fyre’s full profile here]
#17: Tom Strawson and Public Address
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Burgham International 4*-S, 40th (54.5)
- Alnwick Ford International Intermediate, 11th (52.9)
- Kentucky Three-Day 5*, 18th (80.0)
Who doesn’t love a horse nicknamed “Brian”? Brian, aka Public Address, makes his 5* debut alongside his rider, Tom Strawson, which already gives them the cojones award in our book. Public Address is a full Thoroughbred, which will lend itself well to the grueling test that’s coming Saturday. We wouldn’t pick this pair out to really compete here this week, but really — if they can manage a clear (or, better yet, a double clear) cross country, they will make some moves up the board as this weekend does reward good jumping and galloping and not necessarily strength on the flat.
[Read Public Address’ full profile here]
#18: Daniel Alderson and Blarney Monbeg Pepper
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Bramham International 4*-L, 4th (33.0)
- Belsay International 4*-S, 29th (47.3)
- Ballindenisk 4*-S, 8th (48.4)
After narrowly missing out on a podium finish at, arguably, one of the best 5* (and Burghley in particular) preps at Bramham this summer, Daniel Alderson and “Pepper” are another pair poised to make their 5* debut here this weekend (and therefore also recipients of the cojones award, which we definitely will not be giving out in physical trophy form). This feisty Irish mare has already proven that tricky courses are exactly her game, and this is another pair capable of making some major moves up the board once dressage is over with and it’s on to the fun stuff.
[Read Blarney Monbeg Pepper’s full profile here]
#19: Emma Hyslop-Webb and Jeweetwel
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International 4*-S, 45th (81.6)
- Upton House Intermediate, 30th (57.2)
- Bramham International 4*-S, 34th (81.9)
Emma Hyslop-Webb returns for another go at Defender Burghley after jumping around here last year with Jeweetwel (which was also both her and “Huey’s” 5* debut and deserving of a cojones award as well). A pesky 20 and a hefty amount of time on cross country prevented the pair from being more competitive, but they’ve got some strong results in the intervening months to build off of and leave this weekend feeling they’ve improved across all three phases.
[Read Jeweetwel’s full profile here]
#20: Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 12th (59.0)
- Upton House Intermediate, 8th (33.1)
- Thoresby Park International 4*-S, 31st (53.7)
Podium finishes at MARS Badminton in 2024, Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint certainly made their fair share of fans in their 5* debut. They now come forward for their first crack and Burghley, having focused primarily on National-level events in their lead-up to this weekend. Speed is a strong suit of this pair’s, and a big contributor to their success at Badminton, but of course Burghley is a different beast. If they can manage a similar performance to their Badminton efforts, they will be well-placed in the victory gallop come Sunday.
[Read RCA Patron Saint’s full profile here]
#21: Holly Richardson and Ballyneety Silver Service
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Frickley Park International Intermediate, 13th (67.3)
- Burgham International 4*-S, 29th (48.4)
- Bramham International 4*-L, 20th (42.0)
Holly Richardson is looking to have another 5* horse for her string after this weekend as the 10-year-old “Butler” makes his debut after an impressive string of results in preparation for this move-up. He still needs some work in the final phase, but cross country has become his speciality, and will serve him well this weekend. Even a low-40s finishing mark will be a strong debut for this pair, and Holly will be riding with an eye to the future with this young rising star.
[Read Ballyneety Silver Service’s full profile here]
#22: Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Burgham International 4*-S, 43th (55.1)
- Badminton 5*, 23rd (58.6)
- Thoresby Park International 4*-S, 14th (40.5)
Will Rawlin and “William” come in as a highly-touted pair that’s demonstrated consistency at this level, especially on cross country. They’ve taken it steady in their preps for this weekend, and they’ll be looking to build off a top-25 finish at MARS Badminton this spring. They’re liable to have some time on cross country, but they can put in a really nice test to set themselves up well for the rest of the weekend.
[Read Ballycoog Breaker Boy’s full profile here]
#23: Piggy March and MCS Maverick
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International 4*-S, 19th (47.8)
- Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 1st (36.1)
- Aston-le-Walls 4*-S, 25th (53.1)
Most eventing fans in the know will be buzzing to see the 5* debut of this newer partnership between Piggy March and MCS Maverick, who competed at the 5* level with Pippa Funnell. Piggy’s remained pragmatic about “Eric’s” competitive potential this weekend, understanding that she’s only had the ride on this, at times, powder keg of a horse for a few months. But Piggy wouldn’t bring the horse to an event like Burghley without some confidence that they’ve got the ingredients and the strength of partnership to make a good run to build off of. MCS Maverick has the tools to be very competitive at major events like this; the key will be managing his emotions and reactivity on the first day and keeping him focused and in the bridle on cross country. It won’t be shocking if this pair have a strong, top-15 or better performance, but also understandable if Piggy opts to take it slower and steadier, racking up time penalties but gaining strength and trust in her newest ride to come back and go for the win next time around.
[Read MCS Maverick’s full profile here]
#24: Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Upton House Intermediate, 32nd (67.4)
- Badminton 5*, 4th (33.8)
- Thoresby Park International 3*-S, 72nd (58.8)
Podium finisher alert! Cavalier Crystal seemed to absolutely love Burghley last year, finishing third in strong fashion with Harry in the irons. She then went on to take home fourth at MARS Badminton this past spring, so it’s not unusual to be thinking about this pair for your Eventing Manager team or when you’re tasked with picking a winner among your barn pals. Harry, always a consummate horseman, knows exactly how to get a horse fit for a test like this, and even with Derek di Grazia’s reversed track this year, we can count on this pair as one that should show us the way — and make it look almost easy in the process.
[Read Cavalier Crystal’s full profile here]
#25: Michael Owen and J’Adore Salsa
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Burgham International 4*-S, 41st (54.9)
- Upton House Intermediate, 3rd (33.5)
- Bramham International 4*-L, 18th (41.1)
This is another pair who’ve used events like Bramham to really test their readiness for this next step up, and a top-20 finish in the 4*-L this year has set them up well for what could be a very strong 5* debut for “Salsa.” This is a pair that truly has the ingredients to make a very well-rounded effort and finish well as a result; they can be competitive on the flat and also have the chops to jump a clear show jumping on Sunday. Should they prove they can marry those pieces together, they’ll be looking at a top-15 or better finish at Burghley this year.
[Read J’adore Salsa’s full profile here]
#26: Simon Grieve and Autograf
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International 4*-S, 18th (45.9)
- Burgham International 4*-S, 52nd (59.1)
- Upton House Intermediate, 1st (27.0)
When he’s not part of the hosting squad of the Shut Up and Ride podcast (which you should definitely take a listen to!), Simon Grieve is producing 5* horses like Autograf, who makes his 5* debut this weekend. They’ve also got Bramham’s tough 4*-L under their belts en route to this debut, and while Autograf has some improvement to make in the final phase, they’re a good shout to deliver a clear, albeit potentially steady, cross country on Saturday after turning in a respectable dressage score to start off their weekend.
[Read Autograf’s full profile here]
#27: Alexander Bragg and Ardeo Premier
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International 4*-S, 14th (40.6)
- Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 6th (45.1)
- Upton House Intermediate, 17th (43.5)
This pair have already ticked off Pau, Luhmühlen and Badminton during their 5* tenure and now look ahead to their biggest challenge to date. They may fly somewhat under the radar, but they really should be firmly on your radar as you’re handicapping this field. They’ve notched clear jumping rounds on cross country at both Badminton and Luhmühlen, and if “Eddie” can cope with the additional terrain this weekend, they’ll be well-positioned for perhaps a personal best finish.
[Read Ardeo Premier’s full profile here]
#28: Sam Watson and Ballyneety Rocketman
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Carlow-Lisvargan 4*-S, 13th (51.3)
- Badminton 5*, 40th (85.7)
- Ballindenisk 4*-S, 14th (58.0)
If you want to know how to get a horse fit to run around Burghley, Sam Watson is an excellent person to ask. He’s got loads of experience at this event and 5* in general, and his attention to data and detail makes him an all-around expert on how to manage horses well. He’ll put all that to the ultimate test with Ballyneety Rocketman, who steps up the level for the first time this weekend.
[Read Ballyneety Rocketman’s full profile here]
#30: Caroline Powell and High Time V
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Carlow-Lisvargan 4*-S, 13th (51.3)
- Badminton 5*, 40th (85.7)
- Ballindenisk 4*-S, 14th (58.0)
Caroline Powell’s latest superstar comes to us via Pau and Badminton for this Burghley debut, and this is another out and out cross country horse that’s become something of Caroline’s staple over the years. This is another pair who will need to sort whether or not they can cope with the Burghley terrain, but a solid effort here will be very validating for Caroline, especially with next year’s World Championships at Aachen looming.
[Read High Time V’s full profile here]
#31: Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza II
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Wellington International 3*-S, 8th (39.7)
- Badminton 5*, 25th (62.5)
- Burnham Market International, 16th (46.3)
Grit is one word to describe this pair, who’ve already proven they can jump clear without time on tough cross country (see: their 2022 World Championships performance), and they’ve found success here at Burghley in the past with a sixth place finish last year, adding just 3.6 time penalties on Saturday. This year stands to potentially be an even bigger test with the reversed direction, but if all three phases come together, they could well move on up into the top 5 or better come Sunday.
[Read Zaragoza II’s full profile here]
#32: Alice Casburn and Topspin
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International Open Championships, 9th (45.3)
- Burgham International 4*-S, 19 (42.6)
- Aston-le-Wall Advanced, 3rd (40.0)
Alice Casburn and Topspin have become regular features on these big 5* rosters, and they’ve finished well here at Burghley in the past with a fifth-place finish in 2022. They’re definite climbers, not quite having the strength to compete with the Lordships Graffalos and Vitalis of the world at this juncture, but a pair that can climb is usually well-rewarded here, and you can expect to see them doing just that across Saturday and Sunday.
[Read Topspin’s full profile here]
#33: Max Warburton and Deerpairc Revelry
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International Open Championships, 6th (39.7)
- Aston-le-Walls 4*-S, 1st (25.4)
- Badminton 5*, 45th (92.1)
Deerpairc Revelery made their 5* debut at Burghley last year, finishing a very respectable 18th. They’ve had a great run-up to this year’s event, with a win at the 4* level at Aston-le-Walls, and if Max can replicate that form for this weekend, we won’t be surprised to see them finish in the top 10 on what promises to be a very challenging weekend.
[Read Deerpairc Revelry’s full profile here]
#34: Elspeth Bryce and Lacoste
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Burgham International 4*-S, 23rd (44.6)
- Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 7th (46.0)
- Bramham International 4*-L, 29th (66.1)
Rookie alert! This pair also wins the cojones award and will come forward for both horse and rider’s 5* debut this weekend. They’ve ticked all the right boxes in their lead-up, running the 4*-L at Bramham and also tackling Burgham’s 4*-S this year. Don’t look for a winning dressage score here to set their weekend off, but they’ve been pretty consistent in the jumping phases and should do well to put in a solid finish for their debut.
[Read Lacoste’s full profile here]
#35: Jack Mantel and Jack Daniels
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Scone Palace International 4*-S, 24th (52.5)
- Burgham International 4*-S, 38th (53.6)
- Badminton 5*, 32nd (71.6)
The double Jack is back for another 5* go, and looking to improve on their Badminton performance that featured a steadier cross country and two poles down on Sunday. They aren’t quite at a point where they can really compete with the top pairs on the flat, and this run will be all about continuing that all-important education, but an improved finishing score will make Jack a happy guy when everything comes to a close on Sunday.
[Read Jack Daniels’ full profile here]
#36: Tom Crisp and Dassett Rock Star
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Burgham International 4*-S, 45th (59.9)
- Upton House International, 8th (35.8)
- Badminton 5*, 51st (107.3)
Tom Crisp brings back Dassett Rock Star for a second 5* go this weekend, and he’ll be looking to make some improvements from his run at Badminton earlier this spring, where a pesky 20 and three poles down kept them from being more competitive. They’ve been on good form leading up to this weekend and if they can knock off the penalties they accumulated at Badminton, they’ll finish quite well here.
[Read Dassett Rock Star’s full profile here]
#37: Emma Thomas and Icarus X
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Scone Palace International 4*-S, 49th (66.1)
- Burgham International 4*-S, 25th (46.4)
- Badminton International 5*, 52nd (114.9)
Another pair that debuted here at Burghley (2023), Emma Thomas and Icarus X have become notable figures on the entry lists each time out. Even more notable, Emma was one of just a few clears inside the time on cross country back in 2023, and while the buzz this year is that the optimum will be that much harder to attain with the reversed direction of the course, this pair is a solid one to bet on to be well-placed heading into show jumping.
[Read Icarus X’s full profile here]
#38: Katie Magee and Treworra
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International Open Championships, 1st (29.7)
- Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 2nd (38.2)
- Badminton 5*, 11th (46.6)
Newly-crowned British Open Champions, Katie Magee and Treworra are poised to make a really strong impression at Burghley this weekend. They were 11th at Badminton earlier this year, and the British Open at Hartpury is arguably one of the tougher tracks one could run, especially in prep for a 5*. They’ll be really well-positioned and prepared to have a good run here, and if their form this year is anything to bet on, this could be a very special weekend to remember.
[Read Treworra’s full profile here]
#40: Tim Price and Vitali
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International Open Championships, 2nd (30.9)
- Aachen 4*-S, 1st (30.5)
- Badminton 5*, 10th (46.2)
Vitali is a horse that truly needs little introduction, and while he’s earned himself a bit of a *reputation* when it comes to the final phase, he’s certainly a horse that can win at this level. He’s coming in hot off a win at CHIO Aachen and a second in the British Open Championships at Hartpury, and he has done as well as lowering just one pole at Burghley in the past. Tim’s been candid about his struggles on Sunday with this horse, who can set a record on the first day and jump clear and fast on Saturday, and if he’s found a way to manage those poles, you’ll be looking at a podium finisher.
[Read Vitali’s full profile here]
#41: Tara Dixon and Master Smart
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Carlow-Lisvargan 4*-S, 24th (72.2)
- Burgham International 4*-S, 39th (54.6)
- Belsay International 4*-S, 65th (105.7)
We’ve got another 5* rookie pair here in Tara and “Fred,” who come forward with eventing in their blood and ice in their veins. They’ve got a bit of work to do to make this a competitive weekend, but for all intents and purposes, a finish here this weekend will do a lot to boost both horse and rider confidence as they continue to develop for the future. Show jumping is a particular strong suit for this pair, and if they can emerge from Saturday with just some time penalties, they’ll be well-sat to have a strong debut to build off of.
[Read Master Smart’s full profile here]
#42: Alexander Tordoff and Cool Jack
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Burgham International 4*-S, 65th (73.9)
- Thoresby Park International 4*-S, 14th (50.2)
- Riseholme College Lincoln Intermediate, 10th (47.4)
It’s a Burghley debut for Alexander and “Colin,” who stepped up to 5* at Pau last year. They’ve not quite shown the speed on cross country that would allow them to really climb the leaderboard, but for a pair that’s been together since Alex’s junior career, a finish here will be a big feather in the cap, especially if the only thing they add to their starting penalty is time.
[Read Cool Jack’s full profile here]
#43: Sammi Birch and Finduss PFB
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Burgham International 4*-S, 27th (46.1)
- Aachen 4*-S, 16th (46.8)
- Farley Hall Intermediate, 4th (35.2)
Aussie pair Sammi Birch and “Louis” did not have the Burghley debut of dreams when they first came here in 2022, parting ways on cross country and ending their season on a low note. They’ve since, however, completed Badminton twice in the top 25 and will now look to put those Burghley demons to rest for good. They’ve not really got the flatwork to put themselves in a high position ahead of cross country, but a clean pair of jumping rounds will do them well for a much stronger finish than their first go-round.
[Read Finduss PFB’s full profile here]
#44: Matthew Heath and Askari
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Scone Palace International 4*-S, 50th (66.2)
- Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 27th (59.5)
- Belsay International 4*-S, 45th (55.8)
Matt Heath brings Askari back for a second run at Burghley this year, having run here both in 2023 and 2024, albeit with penalties accrued on cross country. They’ll really be looking to deliver a coveted clear round this week, not having the success they wanted at Luhmühlen earlier this year either.
[Read Askari’s full profile here]
#46: Laura Collett and Bling
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Scone Palace International 4*-S, 8th (34.2)
- Burgham International 4*-S, 7th (30.0)
- Upton House Intermediate, 10th (25.1)
It’s a first Burghley for Bling, one of Laura Collett’s rising stars coming up behind the legendary London 52. In fact, you’d have to look back over a decade to find the last time Laura herself competed here at Burghley, as she’s either not had the right horse or been more focused on Championships in the intervening years since she was last here with Noble Bestman in 2011. For her part, Bling spent the better part of nearly three seasons at the 4* and Advanced level, really getting confident before Laura opted to move her up at Badminton. They had a green 20 there, but Laura’s charged ahead and knows she’s got a potential Burghley horse on her hands now. This weekend will still be about education for this 12-year-old, but Laura also doesn’t show up to have a canter around — if she’s feeling good on Saturday, she’ll come home as competitively as she can.
[Read Bling’s full profile here]
#47: Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International Open Championships, 8th (43.7)
- Burgham International Intermediate, 6th (33.8)
- Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 14th (39.7)
This is another horse that’s done a double clear on cross country at Burghley, and while the road has been a bit up and down for “Henry,” he’s clearly got the ingredients to compete with the best — and he’s got one of the most empathetic horseman sat atop him to boot. If Jesse can harness the best of Henry in all three phases, a top finish here is certainly not out of the question.
[Read Cooley Lafitte’s full profile here]
#48: Aaron Millar and Friendship VDL
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Burgham International 4*-S, 9th (37.0)
- Upton House Novice, 16th (54.6)
- Burnham Market International 4*-S, 55th (69.3)
Friendship VDL showed up to Burghley for his 5* debut in 2024, jumping clear around cross country and just adding time plus a rail on Sunday to his finishing mark for a top-25 finish. They were meant to compete at Badminton in the spring, but had to withdraw ahead of cross country. Expect a low- or mid-30s mark to start things off for this pair, and a steady clear that builds off of the experience and fitness gained in the last 12 months.
[Read Friendship VDL’s full profile here]
#50: Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Burgham International 4*-S, 5th (27.9)
- Upton House Intermediate, 1st (21.8)
- Badminton 5*, 2nd (26.3)
Cooley Rosalent needs little introduction and is nearly a sure thing for a podium finish, if Oliver Townend has anything to say about it. The Kentucky 5* winner and Badminton runner-up makes her first start at Burghley, but she brings tons of experience to the table with an astounding six 5* completions to date. Expect “Rosie” to lead or at least challenge the likes of Lordships Graffalo and Vitali in the dressage and a clear cross country that’s damn near if not bang on the optimum time. If she can deal with the additional terrain this week, you could be looking at your eventual winner or, at the very least, podium finisher.
[Read Cooley Rosalent’s full profile here]
#51: Emily King and Valmy Biats
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Scone Palace International 4*-S, 3rd (26.0)
- Aston-le-Walls Novice, 1st (25.0)
- Burgham International 4*-S, 20th (43.4)
This is another pair who’s really due their day in this oh-so-heartbreaking sport. Emily’s come achingly close to a dream weekend in the past with this horse, finishing as high as fourth place at the level. EquiRatings has given this pair a 15% win chance, and wow, what a weekend it would be if Emily can pull this off. She’s been on great form with Valmy Biats this summer, bringing home two sub-30 finishing scores in her preps, including at the 4*-S at Scone Palace in Scotland, and she should be riding a wave of confidence knowing that this 10th start could be the charm.
[Read Valmy Biats’ full profile here]
#52: Christoph Wahler and D’Accord FRH
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Strzegom 4*-S, 1st (34.8)
- Badminton 5*, 7th (40.2)
- Radolfzell 3*-S, 2nd (27.9)
Somehow left off the European Championships team for Germany, we get the benefit of having one of the country’s rising talents with us this week in Christoph and D’Accord FRH, who’ve come close to a podium finish at this level in the past. They were ninth at Kentucky in 2024 and seventh at Badminton this year, and while this will be their Burghley debut with its added challenges, they’ve proven time and time again that they can finish strong when it counts the most. Of note: this pair has also gone clear inside the time at both of their 5* starts, and while the consensus this year at Burghley is that the time may prove to be nearly impossible, this will be one pair to give it a good crack.
[Read D’Accord FRH’s full profile here]
#53: Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International 4*-S, 1st (22.8)
- Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 4th (40.2)
- Badminton 5*, 1st (25.3)
Does this pair even need any handicapping? It’s hard not to feel Ros can just swoop right to the win this weekend, and it would be silly to put all your eggs in one basket so early. But hey, if consistency is your thing, you can’t really get much more consistent than this pair, who handily won this event last year to add to their growing pile of trophies. Ros is riding fairly early on in her pregnancy with her second child, and she removed herself from Europeans selection as a result, so there’s of course a chance she’ll go out on Saturday and feel she isn’t 100%. However, barring that, this will be the pair to watch all weekend as they bid for their second consecutive Burghley title. They’re coming off a win (on a 22.8!) at the tough 4*-S at Hartpury, so they’ll be full of confidence as they tackle this next challenge.
[Read Lordships Graffalo’s full profile here]
#54: Selina Milnes and Gelmer
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International 4*-S, 17th (45.9)
- Burgham International 4*-S, 56th (69.3)
- Badminton 5*, 54th (139.4)
Having completed Badminton twice, it’s now time for Selena Milnes and Gelmer to make their debut at Burghley this week. Their 5* record isn’t *perfect* — they had some trouble at Badminton this spring — but they’re coming off some solid prep runs to get ready for this next challenge. They’ve got a low-30s mark in them on the right day, but this weekend’s success will come down to the jumping phases. If Selena can manage just time penalties, they’ll be well-sat to have their best 5* finish to date.
[Read Gelmer’s full profile here]
#55: Arthur Marx and Church’Ile
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Badminton 5*, 50th (106.9)
- Les 5 Etoiles de Pau 5*, 41st (80.4)
- Aachen 4*-S, 38th (114.3)
It’s always interesting to see the paths riders choose to take to Burghley. For example, Arthur Marx brings forward Church’ile with six other 5*s already under his belt at both Pau and Badminton. Of course, there are multiple variables on why coming here to Burghley wouldn’t have made sense, but it also indicates that perhaps Arthur wanted his horse to carry that ever-important base of fitness and experience into this big test. This is a pair that’s also struggled a bit at the level, so a sensible goal for them will be to jump clear on Saturday and Sunday, but they’ve proven they can complete at the level many times over. Now, it’s about the fine-tuning so they can be ever more competitive.
[Read Church’Ile’s full profile here]
#56: Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International Open Championships, 4th (35.2)
- Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 5th (42.7)
- Badminton 5*, 3rd (31.2)
Terrain doesn’t seem to be much bother for “Salty,” who won the MARS Maryland 5 Star in 2023 on tough going. He’s finished on the podium at the level a total of three times, and while Burghley is actually the event he’s had the least success at (his top finish here is 14th, in 2024), this is another horse that’s an all-out cross country machine. He’s not a slouch on the flat, and while he won’t dip down into the low 20s, he can still put in a respectable score to finish on, which he’s proven he can do multiple times over.
[Read Colorado Blue’s full profile here]
#58: Tom Bird and Rebel Rhyme
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International 4*-S, 38th (61.2)
- Dauntsey Park Intermediate, 14th (64.9)
- Bramham International 4*-S, 28th (46.0)
“Hughie” is a former hunt horse who should take to this Burghley track with gusto. He’s not going to be Tom’s most competitive ride this week, but it’s all about experience and improvement, even by the smallest margins. Tom will be looking to improve on their 2023 run here, which was marred by some errors on cross country and several poles down on Sunday.
[Read Rebel Rhyme’s full profile here]
#59: Samantha Lissington and Lord Seekönig
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Hartpury International Open Championships, 5th (37.3)
- Little Downham Intermediate, 2nd (34.8)
- Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 5th (44.9)
As the more experienced of Sam Lissington’s two rides, Lord Seekonig is poised to be very competitive here this weekend. He’s coming off a fifth in the British Open Championships and a second at an easy Intermediate run this summer, and while his 5* record is not *quite* as strong as we’re sure Sam would like, this is a rider who’s been on great form and knows exactly when to ask for more from her string of horses. This weekend stands as an opportunity to rise to the occasion, and with three good phases you’ll be looking at one of our top finishers in the victory gallop on Sunday.
[Read Lord Seekonig’s full profile here]
#61: Harry Meade and Annaghmore Valoner
Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:
- Upton House Intermediate, 30th (61.7)
- Burghley 5*, 4th (31.8)
- Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 20th (43.3)
Fourth here last year in her Burghley debut, Annaghmore Valoner comes forward ready to potentially finish even better this year with Harry Meade. She’s been lightly campaigned as is Harry’s nature for his horses, but she’s a consistent lady who can show up to drop a score in the 20s and finish on it when needed. This is another potential podium finisher — don’t let her time penalties in any prep runs fool you. She’s done the time here before, and with any luck she’s well-poised to do it again on Saturday.
[Read Annaghmore Valoner’s full profile here]
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