The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The season is far from over for many of the returning Olympic riders as they now prepare for the fourth leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ to be held at The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (4-7 September).
Defending title holder William Fox-Pitt will be attempting to retain the Land Rover Perpetual Challenge trophy he won last year with his Olympic ride Parkmore Ed, in the knowledge that another win would consolidate his lead on the HSBC FEI Classics™ leader-board. Third place at Badminton (Ballincoola) and a win at Luhmühlen (Macchiato) mean the Dorset based rider currently has a ten point advantage.
Second placed American Olympic team rider Phillip Dutton, winner at Lexington in May, will be in a determined mood with Woodburn at Burghley in an attempt to secure vital points to move him up to the top of the HSBC FEI Classics™ leader-board. While a win for the favoured British combination of Lucy Wiegersma and Shaabrak who were second at Badminton, could see them move into the lead prior to the French and final event of the HSBC FEI Classics™ in Pau.
As always there will however be much competition at Burghley. Several experienced and previous winners – Stephen Bradley (USA), Pippa Funnell (GB), Andrew Hoy (AUS), Mary King (GB) and Andrew Nicholson (NZL) – as well as plenty of new home-grown and international talent, will also be vying to associate their name with the prestigious venue and series.
After the last fence has been jumped on Sunday at Burghley just one leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ series remains to determine the division of the sport’s largest prize fund – the top five will share US$333,000 with the series champion awarded US$150,000.
