With only days until the start of the Defender Burghley horse Trials 2023, we have a look at some of the strongest contenders in this year’s field.
Oliver Townend with Ballagmor Class
Oliver Townend has four horses entered, but can only run three. The 16 year old, Ballaghmor Class has an outstanding five star record which includes taking a 1st, a second and a 3rd at Burghley.
Ballagmor Class
- 1st Burghley 5* 2017
- 2nd Burghley 5* 2018
- 5th Badminton 5* 2018
- 2nd Badminton 5* 2019
- 3rd Burghley 5* 2019
- 1st Lexington 5* 2021
- 5th Tokyo Olympic Games 2021
- 5th Badminton 2022
- 2nd Badminton 2023
Ballaghmor Class (ISH) – 2007 gelding Courage II (HOLST) out of Kilderry Place (ISH). Breeder: Noel Hickey (Limerick)
Oliver Townend with Swallow Springs
Swallow Springs
- 3rd Burghley 5* 2018
- 5th Badminton 5* 2019
- 3rd Badminton 5* 2022
- 7th Luhmülen 5* 2023
Swallow Springs [ISH] – 2008 gelding by Chillout (ISH) out of Kilila (ISH)[TIH] by Cult Hero (TB). Breeder: Maria Keating (Galway)
Oliver Townend with Tregilder
Tregilder
- 7th Bicton 5* 2021
- 9th Luhmülen 5* 2023
Oliver Townend with Cooley Rosalent
Cooley Rosalent (ISH)
- 2nd Bramham 4*S 2022
- 2nd Blair 4*L 2022
- 6th Bicton 4*S 2023
Cooley Rosalent (ISH) – 2014 mare by Valent (KWPN) out of Bellaney Jewel (TB), by Roselier (TB). Breedere: J.W Rosbotham, Down. Owner: Paul W Ridgeon.
Tom McEwen with Toledo De Kerser
World No. 2, Tom McEwen rides the 16 year old Toledo de Kerser.
Toledo de Kerser
- 4th Burghley 5* 2017
- 7th Badminton 5* 2018
- 11th Badminton 5* 2019
- 1st Pau 5* 2019
- 5th Pau 5* 2020
- 2nd Tokyo Olympic Games 2021
- 3rd Aachen Nations Cup 4* 2022
- 4th Badminton 5* 2023
Austin O’Connor with Colorado Blue
At Badminton this year, Austin O’Connor became the first Irish rider in 40 years, to achieve a podium place . It’s 60 years since the last Irish rider won Burghley (Capt Harry Freeman-Jackson in 1963). Can the 14 year old Colorado Blue make a podium finish at Burghley?
Colorado Blue
- 13th Tokyo Olympics 2021
- 8th Badminton 5* 2022
- 3rd Badminton 5* 2023
The last time there was an Irish winner. Plaque on Winners Avenue.
Pippa Funnell with Majas Hope
MAJAS HOPE
- 16th Badminton 5* 2019
- 5th Bicton 5* 2021
- 16th Burghley 5* 2022
- 10th Badminton 5* 2023
Majas Hope (ISH)[TIH] – 2007 gelding by Porter Rhodes (TB) out of Brown Sue (ISH)[TIH] by Flagmount King (ID). Breeder: Jack Murphy (Kilkenny)
Ros Canter with Pencos Crown Jewel
World No. 3 and newly crowned European Champion and Badminton winner, Ros Canter rides the 14 year old bay mare, Ponchos Crown Jewel.
Pencos Crown Jewel
- 4th Bicton 5* 2021
- 11th Burghley 5* 2022
- 9th Badminton 5* 2023
Tim Price with Vitali
World No. 1, Tim Price rides the 13 year old Vitali.
Vitali
- 10th Luhmuhlen 5* 2022
- 3rd Burghley 5* 2022
- 7th Badminton 5* 2023
Wills Oakden with Oughterard Cooley
Wills Oakden and the Irish bred Oughterard Cooley were placed 13th last year, and placed 12th at Badminton this year. They will be hoping for a Top 10 finish this year.
Oughterard Cooley.
Oughterard Cooley [was Oughterard Sky Boy] (ISH)[TIH] – 2010 gelding by Puissance (ISH)[TIH] out of Oughterard Sky Cruise (ISH)[TIH] by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Gerard Lynch (Clare).
Equiratings Burghley Stats
It is interesting to see the Equiratings predictions for Burghley. Piggy March has had to withdraw Brookfield Innocent, who has sustained a minor injury, so Oliver Townend is definitely at the top of their most likely winners.
For their full stats. https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/burghley_5l_2023
How to watch
If you can’t manage to attend Burghley, you can still watch all of the action, from the trot up to the final prize-giving, plus in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes features, plus the daily Today @ Burghley round-up show hosted by Nick Luck and Rosie Tapner, an annual subscription to Burghley TV costs just £20. Visit https://burghley-horse.co.uk/burghley-tv to subscribe.
