Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street.

© @ lrbht_official

The top three remained unchanged today at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials but the final show jumping phase was anything but dull. Pippa Funnell, the last British woman to win Burghley, walked away with the highly coveted trophy aboard Jonathan and Jane Clarke’s MGH Grafton Street, 16 years after her last win here with Primmore’s Pride.

Both she, Piggy French (second with Vanir Kamira) and Oliver Townend (third with Ballaghmor Class) all lowered a pole in the final phase as the competition went down to the wire.

Pippa’s initial response to her win was typically self-depreciating and analytical: “I’m really embarrassed by that round and in shock – big shock,” she commented, struggling to gather her composure after what was clearly a very emotional win.

“He’s not the best show jumper but I’ve always been convinced he had a big win in him – what an incredible two weeks with this and the Europeans.”

The omens were good from the outset when Pippa was drawn 77th in the starting order, as 77 is the number the character Tilly in her series of childrens’ books always rides in. Pippa also sees the number 7 as being lucky after wearing it when Primmore’s Pride won here in 2003 as part of her historic Rolex Grand Slam.

2019 Badminton winners Piggy French and Vanir Kamira finished second, just .1 of a penalty behind the winners, on 30.9. Their show jumping round started ominously when they had the first fence down but the mare picked up after this.

Piggy French and Vanir Kamira finished in second place at The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

© Nixon Photo

“It could easily have been four down,” admitted Piggy “so I’m delighted to be second to be honest. She owes me nothing after everything she’s achieved so I’ve got to be happy.”

2017 winners and 2018 runners-up Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class jumped a beautifully smooth round after lowering fence two.

“It's been a wonderful competition all week,” he commented. “It was a bit of a cheap fence to have if I’m honest as he barely touched it, but Piggy and Pippa have been amazing all week and their horses were just too good. I think British eventing is in a really good place right now as we’ve all had big wins between us this year.”

Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class.

© @ lrbht_official

Below the top three, show jumping faults played quite a significant role in the fine shape of the leaderboard.

A clear round bumped Sarah Bullimore and Reve Du Rouet up one place to fourth on 39.6, equalling their 2018 result.

“I’m more than happy with that,” said Sarah. “He was fabulous in there. It was a big atmosphere but he felt as cool as a cucumber whereas it would have totally freaked him out a couple of years ago.”

Last year’s winner Tim Price finished fifth with Bango, bettering the 10th place they achieved here last year.

“It was a lovely round and I’m really pleased for the horse as it's finally feeling like everything is starting to come together for him - he’s not always been the easiest,” he said.

A clear round also moved Imogen Murray and Ivar Gooden up another place to finally finish sixth after lying 60th after dressage.

By contrast a fence down dropped Gemma Tattersall and Santiago Bay down to seventh and two down dropped Sweden’s Ludwig Svennerstal and Stinger from fourth overnight to eighth.

Two American riders completed the top ten – Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus were ninth on 53.1, with Burghley first timers Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan’s clear round moving them up two places to 10th.

Australian results:

29th after cross-country, Dominic Schramm and Bolytair B, were eventual 28th on 90.4. This is an incredible achievement for the US based eventer, as 35 combinations were either eliminated or opted for retirement on course.

“It’s good to have that done and dusted,” laughed Dom after posting a clear round. “I had a fresh horse in there as we didn’t go too fast yesterday. I’m back home to the US now as I’ve got some youngsters competing at a show next weekend.”

Isabel English and Feldale Mouse were going extremely well on course, but were unfortunately eliminated at the 13a, b, c and d: Joules at the Maltings combination after having a fall.

Congratulations to both Dominic Schramm and Isabel English for making it to this year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse trials - a truly tremendous effort! Both Dominic and Isabel competed against some of the world’s finest eventing combinations, and both should be extremely proud of attempting superb challenging CCi5*-L course.

Dominic Schramm and Bolytair B at Burghley Horse Trials

© Dominic Schramm Facebook page/Emily Kocubinski

To see the final results, please click here.

Source: Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

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