Sam Griffiths and Happy Times - the only Australian combination to finish in the top ten at Burghley this year
Megan Jones had a momentary pause when Kirby Park Allofasudden was held at the second horse inspection at Burghley this morning but was passed on representing, as was Francis Whittington’s Sir Percival. Two horses that didn’t make it, however, were Geoff Curran’s Shanaclough Crerora (lying in 10th place after cross country) and Nicolas Wettstein’s Nadeville Merze (lying in 45th place). Sam Griffiths and Happy Times, lying in 5th place overnight, passed with flying colours.
Megan and Kirby Park Allofasudden Photo: Libby Law
It isn’t often that Megan finds herself jumping early in top classes as she is not often in 48th place but, as she stated yesterday, “Whether I am coming first or last I still intend to showjump and complete – especially at an event like Burghley.” Kirby Park Allofasudden may have been a little tired after yesterday’s exertions around the big cross-country course but Megan demonstrated her great skill as a showjumper and provided the appreciative audience with the first clear round. As you can imagine, Kirby Park Allofasudden got a lot of pats for that!
Dogs of all shapes...........................
Burghley has had a record crowd here this year and once again they were out shopping, eating, spectating, picnicking – usually accompanied by their faithful dogs. In the case of those in the member’s enclosure, the dogs are tied to the fence outside while their owners keep an eye on them from an outside table (and sometimes smuggle them under the fence if they are small enough!). This is doggy heaven with a large pedigree marquee providing treats and advice and of course the dog crèche, which caters for nearly 400 dogs during the event and is fully booked way in advance for showjumping day when dogs are not admitted into the seating area of the massive arena.
........... and sizes
The final 25 riders jump in reverse order in the afternoon and there is plenty of entertainment provided during the lunch break. This year, of course, the stars were the British Eventing Team silver medallists who paraded in the main arena just prior to the afternoon showjumping (they were obviously pretty sure William Fox-Pitt and Mary King would not be early in the afternoon jumping order!) and they received a rapturous welcome from the usually enthusiastic but quite reserved crowd. As it has been a long time since a British eventing team won an Olympic medal, they rightly deserve to savour the moment and it was a great sight to see them together in front of a very knowledgeable and appreciative audience.
Team GB Eventing silver medallists (minus Tina Cook) Photo: Libby Law
After the Olympic excitement settled down, William had another job to do and re-focused on the task ahead - to jump a clear round on the 2011 winner Parklane Hawk, not only to try and win the Land Rover Burghley trophy but also important points in the final of the HSBC FEI Classics. William, twice a winner of the HSBC FEI Classics, was out in front again, having triumphed at both Pau in 2011, on Oslo, and Kentucky in April of this year on Parklane Hawk and he had six points in hand over Andrew Nicholson, who now also sported the red armband as the leader of the HSBC rider rankings. However, should the New Zealander earn a top placing - and finish well clear of William - he could take home the US150,000 first prize for the first time.
Sam and Lucy Griffiths who are expecting their first baby in January
By the end of the day there were only four clear rounds from Bettina Hoy, Dirk Schrade, Clare Lewis and Megan and rails had fallen throughout the afternoon. Sam Griffiths and Happy Times had 16 faults which included the last three fences. They had looked good all weekend but, as Sam said later, a top ten finish at Burghley is still a great achievement. They finished in ninth place while Jock Paget of New Zealand, with only four faults, moved up to fifth place.
Andrew Nicholson and Avebury Photo: Libby Law
William wore a look of grim determination riding into the arena as Oliver Townend rode out on Armada with eight faults. William also emerged with eight faults, then made his way to watch the final two riders. You could have heard a pin drop in the huge arena as Andrew Nicholson jumped round to collect only four faults on Avebury, then Sinead rode in looking very calm considering what was literally riding on it!
Sinead has impressed throughout the event and won a lot of hearts
The very popular American rider had three rails down and was obviously disappointed but thought they were as prepared as they could be in that situation. “I’m really proud of him,” she said of Manoir de Carneville, adding, “The week has been amazing and I haven’t done this as much as these guys so I feel that this has been a fantastic experience. It’s such a great event and we’ll be back again, again and again!”
No, he doesn't get to keep the car but he does get £55,000 prizemoney Photo: Libby Law
Andrew Nicholson is a rider who has been here many times but this was his first Burghley title in twelve years; “It feels like 20,” quipped Andrew in the presentation. His first major win was at Burghley and he obviously has a soft spot for the event. His horse, Avebury, owned by Mark and Rosemary Barlow, was bred by Andrew but sold as a four-year-old to showjump then bought back again for Andrew’s wife Wiggy to enjoy lower level competition on. The rest is history but Andrew is anticipating a good future for him too, with next year’s Badminton and Burghley planned and the 2014 World Equestrian Games and possibly Rio in mind (at this, Rosemary Barlow comically uttered “Oh God!”).
William and Parklane Hawk finished in third place – high enough to ensure enough points for William to win this year’s HSBC Classics series and its $150,000 first prize. It is the third time in four years that he has won the series but it was a close thing as Andrew was just one point behind.
It seems that the New Zealand eventing strength at major events rolls on with six riders in the top 20 and young rider Lucy Jackson winning the HSBC Training Bursary for the best performed rider completing their first 4*. This is a top class event which showcases British eventing but the final top ten placings reflect its truly international nature and the regard it is held in by riders all around the world.
For full results CLICK HERE.
