Oliver Townend, seen riding Cooley Master Class at Burgham 2019, is in first and second places of two CCI3*-S sections
Photo courtesy Rupert Gibson
Unprecedented numbers of entries – and a desire to help competitors achieve their goals in this difficult and interrupted season – means that Burgham International Horse Trials will run over five days and will, for the first time, also stage a CCI2*-L class.
Each of the short-format CCI classes – the CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S - has received huge entries of a very high quality, and this year those classes will each be divided into two separate sections.
The event has already started on Wednesday 19 August with two sections of the CCI3*-S having started their dressage and led by two of the biggest names in the sport; Section K is led by Piggy March riding Fonbherna Lancer on a score of 28.3 ahead of Oliver Townend riding our favourite cuddler, Cooley Master Class (28.8) and Izzy Taylor riding Hartacker (29.6). Oliver has the top spot however in the Section K riding MHS King Joules (24.5) with Dani Evans and Hollywood Dancer in second (26.3) and Emily Young-Jamieson in third on board Diamond Cove (30.1)
Dressage for the international classes will take place from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22, with the jumping phases for the CCI3*-S on Friday 21, for the CCI4*-S on Saturday 22 and for the CCI2*-S on Sunday 23. The jumping phases for the CCI2*-L will take place on Friday 21 and Saturday 22.
A few names are missing on the start list as riders that have returned from Le Gran Complet Nations Cup competition at Haras Le Pin last weekend are abiding by the request of the Burgham organiser to not compete at the big event
“This has been an extremely difficult situation and we apologise to those riders affected” says Event Director Martyn Johnson “Although the riders could apply for an exemption under the DCMS guidelines, we are all in agreement with the proposed way forward. We were all very uncomfortable with the idea of any potential risk, however small, to our amazing volunteers and helpers and the local community - and of course other riders, owners and officials”
“Burgham is the first international event of the British 2020 eventing season. We do not wish to jeopardise the rest of the equestrian competition season or to bring ill-feeling towards the equine community from other parts of society.”
British Eventing chief executive Jude Matthews added that “We thank all riders who applied for elite athlete exemption who have done everything necessary to ensure that they have kept themselves and others safe. While the exemption covers them to compete at Burgham, all involved agreed that it would be prudent for those returning from Haras du Pin not to compete at Burgham this week. It has been a difficult period for all concerned but safeguarding both our members and the future of the sport remains absolutely key.”
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