Champions head Burghley entries as cross-country course swaps direction

Entries for the event have now closed, and riders will face a fresh cross-country challenge

- By LUCY ELDER

CHAMPIONS Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo head the entries for Defender Burghley Horse Trials - where the cross-country course is reversed for the first time since 2017.

Entries for the CCI5* (4-7 September) closed on 15 August and feature five riders who have won it: Ros, Oliver Townend, Tim Price, Piggy March and Caroline Powell.

Event director Martyn Johnson said he is delighted that “once again we have great entries”.

“While there are some clear favourites, I think it is an open field featuring some superb cross-country horses,” he said.

“This time of year is exciting; it’s a bit of a landmark in terms of where we are with our preparations. Everything really starts to come to life now the showground build is well under way.

“The course being reversed gives it a different feel. It's definitely a different intensity, so I think that adds a different dynamic to how the competition will unfold.”

Course-designer Derek di Grazia told