Fifty-two horses, gleaming in the bright sunshine between showers, were presented to the Ground Jury of Andrew Bennie (NZL), Christina Klingspor (SWE) and Valerie Pride (USA). Several athletes had their hands full on the runway, as fit, excited horses were keen to get on with the job. Defending champions Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo (GBR) passed in style, and only one horse was not accepted by the Ground Jury and vets into the competition – Burghley debutante Laura Birley (GBR)’s Bob Cotton Bandit. Best dressed man was Matthew Heath (GBR), clad in a tweed suit with long jacket, by Holland Cooper. Every moment of the action from Defender Burghley 2025 will be shown live on Burghley TV: https://burghley-horse.co.uk/burghley-tvTo find out more about Defender Burghley (4-7 September 2025) and to purchase tickets and make a reservation in the Avebury restaurant, visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk.
