After a 37 year wait there was an all-female podium at Defender Burghley Horse Trails in Stamford which annually welcomes over 170,00 visitors across the four day event.
Teams GB’s Gemma Stevens’s stormed ahead into first position with Chilli Knight, followed by British rider Katie Magee in second at her second ever Burghley, with Caroline Pamukcu from USA with a spectacular debut coming third.
Stamford’s iconic parkland was transformed into the perfect arena and cross-country course for the CCI 5* event, one of only seven events of the standard around the world.
Steven’s was delighted to win after 25 years of working to win a Big ‘B’ and said: “I’ve just known there was a big win in this horse and we just needed our stars to align.”
She has a special relationship with Chilli Knight, son of 2015 Badminton winner Chilli Morning, who she has known since he was born, and praised his character and determination.
Speaking after her cross-country- which she completed with no faults- she said: “We had one dodgy moment but he said hold my beer, I’ve got you, which is what a partnership is all about.”
After dressage, Swiss rider Nadja Minder was in top position but the notoriously difficult Saturday cross-country saw a leader board switch-up, with many riders failing to complete a clear round on the route past the famous Lion Bridge.
She finished in 5th place, the highest of any rider from Switzerland in the history of the event which began in 1961.
Local rider Matthew Heath from Oakham made it through to the final day of showjumping but after a successful start to the weekend had a disappointing fall.
Rutland’s Simon Grieve with his horse Autograf ended the weekend in 17th place, one place higher than last year.
He said: “This event is so special and that horse is so special, we just had a really fun time.”
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal attended Sunday’s showjumping and to award the prizes, including £120,000 to Steven’s and the trophies which are kept by local Dawson of Stamford.
Tickets are on sale for next years event- 2 - 5 SEPTEMBER 2027 https://burghley-horse.co.uk/
Weekend sports round up
