2012 Equestrian: Burghley Horse Trials

Seven London Olympic medallists are here among the competitors from 10

nations hoping to be crowned the 2012 early champion. -- Burghley

The hello and welcome to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, the

most prestigious four-star event anywhere in the world. Over 140,000

people are expected here over the weekend. If, like me, you are a

newcomer to this three-day event, here is my 60-second guide. We are

in the beautiful Lincolnshire town of Stamford, 10 miles north-west of

Peterborough. The three-day event takes place in the grounds of this

magnificent 16th century country house. 51 years ago, the sixth

Marquess of Exeter gave his permission for the event to be held

on his estate. But there is more. There is shopping to die for. There

is Pony Club and Young Event Horse competitions. There is food to suit

each and every culinary taste. But the competition is the main draw,

and it consists of three phases, starting with the dressage, which

takes place here in the main arena. The cross country phase consists of

33 fences spread across this undulating parkland. Finally, the

climax of the event is the show jumping, which once again is

performed back here in the arena. Each rider can enter more than one

horse and this year, there is an international cast of 85. These are

the main contenders. Who better to start with than Mr Burghley

himself? William Fox-Pitt is out to break his own record of six wins

and regain his status as the number one rider in the world. New

Zealand's event rider of the century is also here and could

equal Fox-Pitt's six burly successes. 51-year-old eventing

Queen Mary King, fresh from the Olympics, will be hoping to better

last year's third place. Don't trader is aiming to give his

country its first Burghley victory. Caroline Powell gave New Zealand a

tenth success two years ago and was a member of the team that took

bronze in London. Oliver Townend completed a rare double in 2009. He

will have a point to prove after missing out on the Olympics.

Another Kiwi contender is the world number-one, also a two-time winner

here. And former world champion and Olympic medallist Clayton

Fredericks is one of four riders representing Australia. Great

Britain's dressage rider stole the show at Greenwich last month, with

gold medal performances in the team and individual events. It seems

about Burghley has caught dressage fever. A eyesore Laura first and I

cried, because Alf was so beautifully behaved. We know how

bad he can be with the crowd, but he was gorgeous. It was very

emotional. And honestly, our top girl, Charlotte - what can you say?

Personal best. The Olympics really adds sport to the -- adds value to

the sport and makes it more appealing. The are your heroes?

Charlotte Dujardin was amazing. thought it was so exciting. I must

admit. It went right down to the last riders, so it could not have

been more exciting. Nobody could have written the script, because it

was so close and it could have gone to several nations. That makes it

even better for us. This is William Fox-Pitt, with Park Lane Hall, one

of the two horses he is competing with. Let's joined Mark Tucker to

see how the dressage phase unfolded. Before we look at those dressage

and Germany is certainly one of them after the Olympics. This was

one of the strong German challengers. But the stars came

thick and fast. Andrew Nicholson, of course, previous winner here on

two occasions. Lovely, calm test. It was very accurate, and he also

finished on 41. You have to get a good start at Burnley. On William

Fox-Pitt and Park Lane awkward looking for wind number seven.

Lovely, smoothed test, very relaxed. They got 41 as well. Clayton

Fredericks had a lot of help from his wife in the dressage phase, or

to good effect. He ended up with a superb test. The Americans have

something to prove after a disappointing Olympics in London.

They have been helped in the dressage phase by Linda Zhang, to

good effect. Firstly, malice and Springer, 36 years old, on her

second time here. She produced a good lead. But then Sinead Halpin

and Manoir de Carneville set the dressage competition alight. Lovely

movement, with a very accurate test. They really caught the judges' I

with a score of 36.3 to put the Americans in first and second place

and head the dressage. I was not thinking about coming in and

winning. I was just really hoping to have a great ride that showed

all the work we have been doing at home, and to be proud of my horse

and myself. The lead was only three points up in penalties, but look

how close the third and equal And so to the centrepiece of the

competition, the cross country, where the control and discipline

displayed in dressage must be combined with endurance, power and

pace. Let's take a closer look at the course.

Again, captain Mark Phillips has taken on the challenge to design a

burly track worthy of his reputation as one of the toughest

in the world. The course is the same distance as last year, with 33

fences, 45 jumping efforts and the optimum time is just under 11

minutes 30. Let's look at some of the important fences on the course.

The Leaf Pit is a similar offence to last year, but they have changed

it by adding an extra jumper before the big drop down. So we jumped a

roll-top fence, and then it is a two stride distance to a two-metre

drop. But where we land, the horse and rider will land another two

metres on from that. With a rider and operate or house -- course, it

is a long way down. Then there is a narrow fence where you have to be

very accurate. There is a longer alternative which is more along a

straight line, which makes it easier. But if you take that way,

it will be at least eight seconds longer and you don't want to take

long way his early on if you want to win. This is Land Rover Valley.

Then we do a tight turn back to the Land Rover hedge. Then there is a

tight left to jump the third part on an ankle. It is an accuracy

question, and it comes very early on. Here at fence 19, the Land

Rover Dairy Farm, it is between the sixth and 7th minute, so the horses

are starting to settle in. It is a question of power and accuracy. The

most important thing is to get your horse back enough without killing

the engine. Both these steps are quite tour. It is important to get

there on a good distance. Once you get on top, the fences are at an

angle, so it is important that your horse has his eye on the fence. If

you don't have control, your horse could go left or right or even stop.

Here we are at the lake crossing at the end of the course. It is at the

10 minute market. So the horses are getting tired, and it is quite a

technical section. A few changes have been made since last year, the

first one being to 26. They have taken the roof away. The drop is

now conducive to a better jump. You then have to pick the horse up and

keep him in a balance. The island fence is different. It has got the

roof from last year. But because the head is soft, the horse should

pop through that. You then go back through the water, a bit more

tiring. Then you are heading up to the Jubilee ditch on the way to the

main arena. Give that was not enough to whet your appetite, how

about this, one of the rider frighteners situated at the top of

the cross country course, requiring a huge amount of courage for oars

and rider to clear. I am glad I 6550 metre course, of the Olympic

feature here really kicking in with the crowds set for a great day of

sport. Who better to get them under way than the start, Andrew

Nicholson, with calico Joe. Irish- bred horse. You can see the clock

counting down from those 11 minutes 30. Away he goes, the first on the

course. Then we go on to the Leaf Pit. Here is the direct route down

over that big drop. The red route is four or five seconds longer.

There is no one better to give everyone an ideal of what this

course it is about. Calico Jo finished fourth individually in the

game's. Andrew Nicholson would love to share his worth here. Now we are

at Discovery Valley. Here, there is again a short route, which covers

the wonderful ditch that has been part of the action now over the 52

years that we have been competing here. The red line shows the

alternative route. This time, that route is a lot longer and will take

at least 10 or 12 seconds more. Let's take a look now at Andrew

Nicholson coming to Discovery Valley. He is a very fast horse

across the country. Andrew was never one for wasting time.

Skidding on the corner. But he makes it through that quick turn.

You can see the horses having a quick look at the ditch. His left

leg slipped underneath him. We are now coming down defence nine, the

cascade, which leads to the Trout hatchery, one of the feature

fencers here. Here again, there are some alternatives. It is one of the

strongest tests on the course. The yellow line is the direct route. If

they refuse, they can take the alternative route. There will be

penalties on the Cardiff that happens. They have to take the

direct route. It is only the last element where they can change their

mind. A little slap on the horse's shoulder as if to say, go on. The

horses have to be committed through the water. Otherwise, they will

struggle on the way out over the final element. We are now up at the

HSBC Maltings Branch. Here, there is a 306 degree turn, with some big

spreads. This is the direct route, coming round to the first accuracy

test as the second element of this sequence of fences. Here, there is

an option. The Red Line takes a lot longer. I do not think too many

people will be taking those red lines. Andrews and -- Andrew

Nicholson is now coming up to the consuming. There's no-one who will

be in for a chance of winning this. You can hardly see how sharp that

angle is. Calico Joe never waivers at all. He turns back to the

halfway. The direct route is some narrow triple brushes with a

coroner the middle of them. Again they are triple brushes, but they

are not sonar row and the corner is not so acute. But, my word, the

how Andrew is on time. He's always very good at judgment of pace. Just

a little bit behind, but that is not perhaps that surprising. There

is a lot of galloping to come later on. I think a horse of this quality

ditch there. His hind legs kicking the flag over. He was very quick

and neat through there. Now, one of the feature areas, the Land Rover

Dairy Farm. Two big steps, then a brush at the top. I think we all

will know whether the horses are still galloping and looking good.

It is a long one-stride in the top, but not for Calico Joe. Andrew is

not hanging around as he comes around to this stride.

Five past winners, Olly one of them n the field. They've had 16 wins

between them. Over a quarter of the field, here at Burghley for the

first time. Now the track. Oliver has to get the stick out and say,

come on, keep transtraiting, keep going forward.

It's quite difficult.... There is a steep down-hill ramp to those

brushes. He's called it a day. That is interesting. Obviously decided

the horse did not feel as if he is committed today and probably quite

sensible. He ended up with two strides in there. There is hardly

room for the two strides. One of the reasons there are so many here

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

is because of the Olympics. Let's battle with Germany -- of course a

great battle with Germany just getting the gold. William Fox-Pitt,

the horse he rode in London now away with Seacookie.

A huge ditch. Crow can hardly see how big that is. It is enormous

when you stand on the edge of that. He makes it look like a fence out

all the time in the world to get lined up and pop over that skinny

this course. Here is William Fox- Pitt. That would have hurt

Seacookie. Will it affect him? It is a big ditch there and a wide

trest on the bank of the other side. A stride in on the turn. He is

still galloping well. It will be interesting to see when the horse

comes to the next ditch whether it has had any effect. He's a long way

on. Andrew will be going for the time, no doubt about that. Remember

11.30 is the time. He really is having to push Calico Joe, this

Irish-bred horse. He taps it, but still galloping on. Jumps nicely,

through that little hole. A rather boat on the an gel. You

Seacookie a very good horse. second here in 2010.

It looks as if he's not happy. He's made his mind off and he's going

off course. That mistake at Discovery Valley -

there he is, off lirblly touching his cap, which means the white flag

is going up. That is a disappointment for William after

the great success of the London significant combination which has -

- Clare Lewis with that significant combination which has been here

Looking very positive. Andrew Nicholson, with Calico Joe. Owned

by the 2012 Syndicate. The horse galloping to the line. He's so good

at getting his horses fit. That is so necessary with this Burghley

terrain. He heads in front of the great backdrop of Burghley House.

Is he going to get there? He is going to get there. He's going to

be seven seconds inside the time. He stays on his dressage score of

53 and the dye is cast by the I can wi Andrew Nicholson on Calico Joe.

-- Kiwi, Andrew Nicholson, on Calico Joe.

It is so close between these two water fences. That was lovely

through there. That was a piece of good riding. We will not see many

better. A really nice jump over the first

one. She commits him on one stride. He's looking positive and forward.

It is very similar to 12 months ago. The start is a little easier. The

middle of it is pretty intense, perhaps harder than last year,

which makes you a little bit later as well. Sound like it might catch

out a few riders today? I hope so. his stick on his shoulder. He looks

a little slow, this horse. I think it's just his way... Look at his

eyes and ears. He's concentrating, he's honest. He's not the fastest

horse in the world. We are back with Clare Lewis now.

She is forcing the pace. The going here absolutely superb. The rain

has certainly kept it in tip-top nick. One wonders whether there is

more cut than we thought. They are struggling to get the time, but

Significant is going well. You see there he did take a stride out of

that final element. Four strides and then three. One or two more

but long. Enormous strides, so getting him manoeuvred around these

technical fences is probably hard work for Ruth. What I love about

the horse is his honesty and expression and look at the smile on

Ruth's face. Now the turn of 21- year-old Emily Parker. One of the

first-time riders here at Burghley. She has won gold and won the

individual title, that was two years ago.

A combination that really are looking to try and hit the big-time

here. And Significant... Yiebgs! Yike! Didn't get the perfect stride.

She's still in tact. Emily at the Leaf Pit.

Oh, he's hanging right in. He just ducks past. He did quite get the

line right. He certainly took advantage. Now going the longer

route to get back on course. There are 20 jumping penalties and a loss

of time from the young lady Emily waters - the anniversary -

celebrating the 50th anniversary. A dressage score of 6 1.2. The way

things are going she is one of the quickest we've seen so far. Now

back to Parker. She'll fuel that crowd out there. Lots for the horse

to see. He would not have seen so many people around an event before.

Oh sh and again just didn't quite pick up the line quickly enough. It

is another 20. Well, perhaps the occasion just getting to Emily. I

am afraid that is the end of her first Burghley.

Clare Lewis and Significant had a competitors, it is New Zealand's

still enjoying it. I should think the time will be a

bit tricky there, but not for Clare Lewis, only a little bit over the

time when she comes to the last. What an incredible ride for

Significant. That is her best performance at

Burghley. She goes fourth at the early stages. Eight time penalties

positive and how thinking ahead the rider was. He was almost laning

into the turn. He was preparing, conditions. Jonathan Pagett makes

nothing of that. He is going towards the Trout hatchery. This

man has really come onto the stage. He competed in Kentucky and rarely

caught the eye. A good stride in. If oh! Sit tight! I think he has

been watching Mr Nicholson over the years. That was incredible. He

jumped in well, but didn't quite have the right line and the horse

deviated. Grit your teeth, boy. Incredible. Now, we have part of

the Olympic gold medal for German team, Dirk Schrade. Now he writes

this English bred horse, Hop And Skip. I lost a shoe. You often

don't know you have lost a shoe, but he jumped the did well and then

turned left and I heard this clunk. He didn't really slip, but I was

conscious that he had lost a shoe. Touch wood, he will be OK. Hop And

Skip went very well around the world equestrian games in Kentucky,

with a Japanese rider on board. Dirk Schrade bought the horse after

that. He turns very quickly into that Oxer. He is 17 seconds behind

the time. He was the top young rider in New Zealand in 2009-2010.

Since then, he has been in Britain, and he really is a future star.

And Skip, lovely horse. Great type. I love the expression on these

Good jump the Dirk Schrade. He jumps in well, pushes for the

stride, immediately get his position back to lead to the laws

have freedom of shoulder to jump at the second element. Jonathan Pagett

is well on his way home. Little more than half a mile to get home,

and he seems to be travelling only one inside the time. It is not easy

to get this time of 11 minutes 30. You lose 0.4 of a second for every

the second half. He was 17 seconds down at the Rolex fence, but he has

increased his pace over the second the step. The horse thought about

chipping in an extra stride as it did at the Trout hatchery, but took

the one, with Jonathan Pagett now on the main stretch towards the

home arena. He has just got to gallop on. Izzie Taylor is riding

this lovely horse. She has been an extremely good form. This young

But it is a very good run. This man goes into the lead, just having in

those few penalties. That new league will be the one they have

got to go in for. Hop And Skip still answering the questions.

was hoping he would jump out in one and I thought I would stay where I

was with my Legon, but he is a clever horse and he put in another

stride. I was surprised that he jumped. A lot of horses would have

stopped. But he jumped, and I got thrown a bit. I was off, and he

stopped and waited for me to get back on, and we were off again. It

was very lucky. Luck was all it was. New Zealand first and second at the

moment. Well, Pagett said luck was all it was, but I think there was a

serious amount of good riding. But that was where he lost his five

seconds, hanging on. But Izzy is looking good. It is her first

Burghley. Now coming up to the Rolex Combination. Like everyone

else, just a bit behind the clock. The going is a bit on the sticky

team here at Burghley have done. It does look incredible. Walking

around it feels like walking on a carpet. Here is Olly Townend. One

right to come later, on Armada. He is the more experienced of the two.

He is checking out the distance in that Discovery Valley. It has been

one of the most influential fences. He was walking a tighter line for

two strides on that term. He is planning to anger and more. Here is

Dirk Schrade, home for Germany. He goes to 52 points up in his

nation in this sport. Jeff was unlucky not to be on the team for

London, but he has something to prove here at Burghley. Nice young

horse. Went very well at the event in Ireland. Finished fourth.

Magnificent jumping. That is exactly what you want your horses

to do. There have been some tricky moments, but the ground was holding

more than I expected and he was a bit tired at the end. Apart from

that, it was beautiful. He worked so well with me and didn't lose his

jump until the end. I am very don't want to jinx Izzy, but she is

riding this course so well and look so good. She deserves to have a

good ride. Clayton Fredericks was third after dressage, 40.8. He has

never won here. He was third here two years ago. There is so much to

look at for the crowds. There are three of the London Olympic fencers.

It looks like a schooling exercise for Izzy. Geoff Coen is an army

officer, based in Dublin. He was in the Olympics in 2008. He did miss

out on London. He has something to prove, and at the moment, he is

certainly proving it. Brilliant ride fizzy Taylor. The time is

pretty good. She is into third place at the moment. And so well

deserved. New Zealand one and two, Britain third. What can Australia

do about it? They had a disappointing Olympic Games,

including this man. It was a very unlucky tumble at this Leaf Pit

fence in London, where he slipped up and fell between the elements. I

think is the has been taking a shower herself by the looks of her.

A pat on the back from the performance manager for eventing.

Clayton Fredericks now swinging into the Trout hatchery. Big horse,

with a lot of scope. The going is a little holding. That is why they

are coming home tired, plus the fact that it is 11 minutes 30 and

we are at Burghley. But you can't ask for more. We have had a

difficult year. It is great to be at a big event. It has been a good

day. On the back regret Britain's success in equestrian sports at the

London Olympics, interest has been raised to a new high. The question

is now how and where youngsters get involved. There has been a system

in place for almost a century now, and that is the Pony Club.

Olympics has made it much more high profile. Riding schools have

noticed a big increase in bookings. The children are far more excited

about what they might achieve. But most children are passionate about

horses anywhere. -- anyway. I had a Shetland pony, called Velvet.

first pony was called Blackie. A little Shetland pony that actually

lived in my house! Because the children have to learn how to

control and other living thing, it is important to have the right

training. It is not like running where it is just yourself. It is

about looking after another animal. In it is not boring, it is fun and

you learnt lots of stuff. You do get complaints from others. We all

want our children to do well, but there are some parents who are

driven to ridiculous degrees. Children will be crying because

they don't want to jump the fence, and mum or dad will be saying, get

over it! It is seven days a week, 365 days a year. But it is

something that gives you a different perspective on life with

the children. There is always a reason to get out of bed. They

can't afford to be teenagers that lie around all day. We get up at

six. One time do you finish? Quite late. Maybe seven. And then you

have to do homework. It is not easy. champions of the future? A lot of

dreaming and a wonderful place they get in the Pony Club. Here is

He would need to be galloping well to make up that time. It can be

done if the horse has enough time. a score of 52.7 in the dressage.

Yes, checking his watch there. The horse is still pulling, so he has

plenty of running left. So much better, that fence, is riding this

year compared to last year, with that little roof on the way in.

Polly Stockton coming down to fences six and seven.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

It looks as if the horse is all right - that is good news. Clayton

on his feet too. A nasty moment. Out they go of the competition. The

Australian, Clayton Fredericks. This horse was a little naughty in

the start box. It has been reering. A sharp turn there.

Quite nippy for a big horse, but so well trained normally, Betina's

horses on the flat, that would you -- you would expect that.

This man has now gone well here at Burghley. He's in third place at

went out now I would not make the time. When I got to the top of the

hill with the big ditch, I gall lopd then and made up a lot of time.

He's a huge heart and always keeps to be nice all the way between

those two water elements. It was so punchy and positive. Now Mary King

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

- another part of that great silver and Mary's enthusiasm as good as

year, but it still has to g jumped. Ears still pricked, but he's

already 30 seconds down on the time. That, I would say, will be

impossible to make up. Not that experienced at this level,

so perhaps Bettina Hoy is going out to have a good ride and give the

horse lots of experience for the Her chance is gone. Again, just

doesn't turn the mare as well as she would like. That is 20

penalties and probably will be, I would say, good night. She retires.

She's not the only one. She's not the only one that has had trouble.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

- what an impressive start. 30- year-old Sinead Halpin.

A horse which finished third in Kentucky and was here last year,

finished 13th. Well, coming to that Land Rover Finale fence, Polly

Stockton. How's the time? Well, a little bit over, but a pretty good

time and Polly is smiling and into fifth position. She looks very

happy. A great ride from Polly. Sinead Halpin now at the Leaf Pit.

Had a lot of help from people. Spent six months with William Fox-

Pitt. She really is a developing water splash. Looking pretty good,

I have to say. I mean Andrew Nicholson makes it

look easy. He's on a thorough bred horse and he was busy on it. I knew

to do the time everything was going to have to work my way W the

landing being soft and now landing steep, it takes more out of them.

He's such a brave horse, he keeps going. I am delighted. This

combination looks promising last year. They are riding now with much

more confidence address they come into this. It has caused some

problems to riders. It's still being pretty influential.

They are through and ears pricked. Bettina Hoy - well the time may be

just over half a minute over, but look how pleased she is with the

horse. And so she ought to be - a young horse - probably his first

four star and's chatting away to him. Sinead Halpin on a horse bred

in France. Really does look full of running and very confident as they

now come to the other influential on this course, the Trout Hatchery.

She's not hanging around. She does not look that fast, but perhaps

she's just looking very balanced. Certainly the horse is jumping and

looking convincing at the moment, She's actually shaving every corner

and every second off that she can. Look at that determination and

expression! Francis Whittington - one of the

reserves for the Olympics for Great They show that experience, that was

so quick and neat through that they leave this to the halfway

point, she really does look focused, this American rider. He has a small

advantage, but she needs to keep it - here comes that check of time.

Nine seconds and if Andrew Nicholson is anything to go by,

that is very possible to make up. He's still the only one inside the

time at the moment. Very deceptive. She never looks

like she's in a hurry. What does she do is she moves quickly from

her fences and gets back into the rhythm in a hurry. So, she's

obviously not been hanging around she has set the horse up there.

Didn't hassle it. It understand the question great. The Trout Hatchery

now, he Adams justed the difference between these hedges. I don't think

it has made it much easier. It is all about the take-off. If they get

the take-off wrong, they are in all sorts of trouble.

Kai Ruder for Germany at the Leaf Pit - makes it look like child's

play. Now Sinead Halpin, coming to the Leap.

This is a wonderful picture of happiness from the Americans -

looking good! level, but this is a very classy

horse and a very good combination. It's the Rolex Combination next for

Francis Whittington. He's only six seconds behind the required time at

this halfway point. He is certainly one of the quicker ones over the

first half. I just wonder whether they might turn in the later

stages? We'll see! A fast combination these two. Most

of the horses so far have been taking it easy in the first half

and making up the speed in the second - time rather, in the second

half. And Sinead Halpin is an example of that.

Wastes no time on her fences, gallops away quickly. She looks

in Yorkshire with Chris. He is a man who has a great track record of

producing young horses. He won the young German eventing championship

on two major occasions as well as fences, so he doesn't look at all

tired, unlike some of the other that time. This has been a

brilliant exhibition from Sinead Halpin for the United States of

America. She will definitely hold the lead into the final phase, the

show jumping. She has increased her lead at this stage to nearly 12.

was too quick in the beginning last year and I lost, but this year, he

just felt great and I was patient even though I was 10 seconds down

in the beginning. I just pushed him shade weary. Does well to get out

of that without any jumping penalties. The horse was lucky to

challengers, Allison Springer on Sir Percival get tired at the end

of a course, but it has been a great performance. This rider was

down on the clock at halfway. He was one of those on four-to-one

equal fourth place. He could get close to the current leader, Sinead

Halpin. Allison Springer is also trying to prove for the American

selectors wrong in their decision. They might have sent their best

team to Burghley. This has never been any easy oars. You don't see

too many stallions eventing these days. He has long-striding, which

makes it difficult to get quick times, but he seems to have enough

energy left. This horse did the test of his life here. How will he

cope with this cross-country? He has done a couple of four-star

events, and looked pretty neat. Germany -- German rider is already

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

the other German with the lovely man who is trying to put the record

books straight. A tumble put him out of contention in the Olympics.

He was knighted after the dressage from 42, and he is quickly through

the Trout Hatchery. He was as good as anyone through the Trout

Hatchery, his horse looking gutsy and determined. Allison Springer

was second overnight after dressage. Not quite as quick as her college,

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

America. Arthur and Allison Springer. She will be happy with

that. She was second in Kentucky, behind William Fox-Pitt, back in

the spring. She will not be in that position at the moment. She is in

third place. This man is currently on a dressage of 42. If he can come

inside the time, and he is certainly trying, he could go have

behind Sinead galloping. But there medal Kiwi team. She is not going

looking so enthusiastic about their work. Here comes the Caroline to

New Zealand. They have gone very well. She rode for New Zealand in

2006. She is now one of the world's better. Did a great dressage test

to. He is wasting no time. Notice how he is looking for clean ground

to try and overcome that holding effect that everyone is talking

dressage. This is the point on the course where we see whether the

out to do, to put the ghost of the four at London behind him. Sinead

gapping can't be beaten tonight, machine. I was able to stay pretty

fast. I still had to work a bit. Liam Fox pit has the most amazing

track record here. This year, he is going for an unprecedented 7th

title. Here is a look at how he has top of the three-day event.

remember just feeling that he was the most fantastic horse in the

world. Keep him steady, not too quick. Gave me a win at Burghley,

so he put me on the map. I owe him everything. My second one came with

a much younger, less experienced horse. That was a shot out of the

blue. He is a young horse, first time at Burghley. I didn't expect

to be anything like up there with the winners, let alone being the

overall winner. It was the biggest surprise of my life. This was the

most consistent horse I have ever had. He is an awkward a horse, but

it is brilliant that he won here. He deserved that. Very talented

horse, but not one I had ridden a lot. He came here with a patchy

record. He has only had this horse for a couple of months. I love that

horse. This one won Badminton for me. And he won Burghley, which

horse. He just saw around the cross-country and gave me my 6th

win. There is no chance. There is no statistic that would say I have

line as Calico Joe, held to the right, turned left over the boat -

leaving nothing to chance there. A better jump for William this time

over the ditch at Discovery Valley. A big jump over the ditch, but he

home. That is significant. Could he get two within the time. He still

only has two within the time at the moment. A lovely piece of riding. A

New Zealander won this title ten neat with his feet. Nicholson, at

the last. Is he going to do it? I don't think he's going to quite

get there. Oh, look at that! Just missing out. 41.8, but he does go

in second place and there's certainly going to be a battle on

At the Trout Hatchery. Last year's winner.

That will be far from his mind at the moment.

Poetry in motion! stick to the new ground, now you

are wasting a lot of time crisscrossing across the track to

try and find a new bit of grass He gave himself a chance at the

Rolex Grand Slam. He did not make it. The only person who has is

Pippa Funnell. Galloping up to the Rolex

Combination, William will get a look at this time. 19 seconds over.

It is possible to do the time from there, but he'll have to have

enough horse left on the latter part of the course to do some

pretty serious galloping. Took the He made a huge climb last year to

finish 14th. What can he do this time? To watch the man is magic.

Now 56 years old, but as good as ever. He's just bought himself a

brand new centre in Wiltshire. He certainly means to stay here.

That will be great for Britain and eventing.

So the Olympic legacy in the main arena for Oliver. Look at his time!

I wonder if he had gone fast enough. But he's one of the quickest at

this point. If the horse has got Has he judged it to a nicety. Will

he get a few time penalties and then make his trial to win a

he judged this right? He looks pretty relaxed. He has a watch.

He'll know his time. This man has certainly judged it right - surely.

He'll get within the time. In fact, right on the time. He goes third.

He has a great partnership going now with Armada. Showjumping has

not been his easy subject, but rider on the course.

55 seconds to get home. My word, it will be close!

There is no doubt, there's plenty of horse left.

I am very privileged to ride him. Andrew Nicholson did four stars on

him. He's just a machine. Obviously comes with his difficulties,

otherwise I don't think Andrew would have given that talent up. A

huge talent to the man that gave it to me and very grateful to the

owner as well. Here comes William Fox-Pitt to the

last. He's not going to get inside the

time. I am sure that will disappoint

William. He's on 43.4. He goes third. We'll have a Grandstand

Splash. A good demonstration for young

riders out there to watch. To be honest, with him, I hoped it

would rain a bit more because he could have done another four fences

easily. He's a great machine. It is a great ride. They felt the

pressure after winning here last year. So far I am relieved he

proved what an awesome horse he is. He's in the mix again. Bettina Hoy

was amazing. That was an -- Sinead was amazing. That was an

now in the time. He is clawing up to 15th place, Mark Todd. What a

great finish to an intriguing day. Look down the right-hand side,

the competition, hopefully the rain will stay away. Before we get to

the showjumping, news of this morning's vet inspection. There are

56 horses left after the cross- country. Three this morning have

been taken out. The most significant of those is Geoff

Curran's horse. They were lying in tenth place. The highest placed of

the Irish riders. This morning, at the vet's inspection, he failed to

pass at the vets. That means Izzy Taylor on her four-star debut moves

into the top ten. Great stuff from her. Andrew Nicholson still has two

horses in the top ten. That meant he and his first horse, Calico Joe,

had to go out of sequence. Let's see how they got on in the

Nicholson, once again he has proved what a master he is of this horse.

Two horses in the top ten, as we heard, jumping out of order. At the

moment, he is on a score of 53. He's in eighth place.

Last year, he got Pitt in the show -- showjumping.

He has certainly made them a strong force. They won bronze behind Great

Britain. This man very much part of that.

Calico Joe has not always had the best reputation in the showjumping

phase and jumped the first fence rail. He trailed his legs over the

always respect the poles. There'll be no-one better on board than

Andrew to try and get the enthusiasm and carefulness into him

to try and bring out a clear round. Two down so far. He is interesting.

He is a thorough bred. We don't get too many clean-bred horses in the

12 to add. Remember he is jumping out of order

here. It means those behind him have the door open to go ahead of

Andrew Nicholson. Finishes 65 with Calico Joe. This is what it is all

about. The final ten riders about to go in the showjumping, starting

with Kai Ruder. Let's go back to Ruder. 40 years old. Is a farmer in

northern Germany, but is a fegsal rider. He does a lot of his --

professional rider. He does a lot of his training.

Kai Ruder in 11th place, 22 marks behind, under 22 marks behind the

lead. Andrew Nicholson's score of 65 - the best in the Club House so

far. This is a horse which was flying throughout the day.

Kai Ruder is particularly good in this phase and particularly good

under pressure. A little bit of a right drift down

don't feel as if you are holding your breath. He is jumping big and

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

He goes on to 62.2. This postbox fence seems to be

catchs the riders out. It is right besides the Grandstand and the

horses, for some reason, are not reading it very well. They have a

long approach to it and that seems to be causing extra hassle.

Well, now the young 29-year-old Izzy Taylor. Her grandmother was

mare in this class. This is Izzy Taylor's first Burghley. Can she

finish off in style? You are right. She was very stylish and very good

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

Kai Ruder, but no more. The time penalties will make things very

tight. Yet another one. That fence has come down so many times that

the riders are riding a bit defensively. They are jumping

immaculate rounds, but they are getting a bit tight. Easy Taylor

goes on to 61.3. She will remain in fence was phenomenal. Delighted

that it was not too costly. The prize money goes right down the

it did not come down. That might help keep him shopper for the rest

of the round. It is no bad thing if you can get away with it without

the poll coming down. Just a bit tight with his hind legs on the

take-off. He is not that experienced at this level. But he

is a very good jumper. Caroline is so good at keeping him in balance

and in with them in all phases, but two offences are expensive. Mark

has already jumped. Such a good round, and just slightly went to

pieces at the end. The horse got a little Keane, and those two

offences are slightly downhill. It encouraged him to quicken a bit.

Those three fences were very expensive for Caroline Powell.

Andrew Nicholson comes up a place. Allison Springer came here a few

years back and got eliminated. But she has put in a very good

performance yesterday. She was second after dressage. The

Americans are certainly getting some recompense for their

disappointment in London. Another one to give the first fence a hard

rubber. If you were watching the cross-country earlier, Allison

Springer was giving herself a hard time for not going faster at the

beginning of the course, because she said she could not make up the

time. But she did look very impressive yesterday. She can

afford to have one down and still stay 7th. I have seen this horse a

lot in America. He is a very good jumper, but he is robbing a few

more polls than you would be comfortable with. But as long as

they are just a gentle rubs and not second in Kentucky in the spring,

behind William Fox-Pitt. And a second fence down. So, two down.

She goes on to 57.2 and stays in seventh place. There is David

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

O'Connor, the manager of the in this phase of the event. He is

giving defences lots of height. It is always difficult on this final

day, after they have been across the country, to see that they are

being careful enough. The ground is holding slightly after a bit of

rain. A sad groan after that fence. Whoever comes the first clear round

will put the pressure on. He finished in seventh place

individually in London and was a key part of the Kiwi bronze-medal

team. They were right behind Great Britain. Those first three teams

call-up for Australia in London. That was when Megan Jones had to

withdraw just 24 hours after having been called up herself. Then sadly,

Sam had the misfortune to have a fall and was eliminated. Australia

did not have a good Olympics at all in this event. But yesterday put

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

jumping for �11,000. Oh! That was not so good. You heard him saying

whoa. The last four fences down, sadly, after a potentially

brilliant round. 62.4, with 16 added, so he drops below Jonathan

Paget and Allison Springer. The winner here takes home �55,000,

with a further �5,000 going to the rider. Disappointment, bad luck. We

are now down to that final four. There is one fence between Sinead

Halpin and Andrew Nicholson. The next three are all within a fence.

This man, who won in 2009, has a serious look on his face. He missed

out on London, won in 2009, went very well on this course, Armada,

ridden for a number of top seasons by Andrew Nicholson. This was the

fourth place. But if he can jump clear, he is not without a chance

of winning the Land Rover championship for the second time.

It is exciting taking on a horse of this calibre for any rider. Oliver

is certainly relishing it. They have struck up a brilliant

partnership already. The crowds are jumping with him. I think the horse

has a few thousand people on his back. Let's hope it doesn't

flattened him. Crikey. Sometimes, he can do that. He has to try and

keep calm as a rider and allow the horse to use his head and neck to

help balance. That has dropped him below Jonathan Paget. Whatever

happens in this round, this is a partnership we will see a lot of in

the future. And actually, he stays just above Jonathan Paget. He stays

in fourth place. Very close. There was a lot of potential there. I

know we had two down, but I think we will seek clear rounds from this

partnership. He looks happy. Nail- biting stuff, because there are two

pots of gold on offer here now. This man was the winner here last

year. He has won it six times. Could he still win it? William Fox-

Pitt, with Parklane Hawk, a New Zealand-bred horse that has won his

last three major competitions. That was at Kentucky in the spring,

early here last year and Blenheim before that. He is on 43.4. That is

not two offences behind the leader. A clear round would really put the

pressure on. He had a clear round to win last year. If she stays in

the top four, he has a chance of taking the top prize for the

classics, the lead for all the majors around the world. Andrew

Nicholson is a close second. As you say, he did jump a very impressive

clear round here last year. He won Kentucky as well in the spring, but

he had one down there. He had the luxury of that fence in hand. I

think the horse jumps better out of slightly deeper ground. Perhaps I

shouldn't say anything! The first one we have seen to hit the gate at

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

Oliver Townend. That has got to Himalayas at least third by 0.1 of

is on 51.5. A great jump over the last. A bit

of a disappointment there for William. A four-star win, a third

and now his with this one. Now the key round for Andrew Nicholson.

Andrew, lying in second place. M scored 41.8. He is just one fence,

more than one fence behind the Could this be his chance to win it

for a third time? A clear round would put the pressure on. It would

be great for Andrew to have another win here and, I have to say, from a

salvage point of view, it would be great for Rosemary, the owner of

this horse, who does so much for horses and has done for years, as

far back as 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. There would be such just

rewards for her to have a winner at Burghley. A great amount of

pressure on him. I am glad I am in the commentary box and not.... Well,

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

American in the lead, now two 45.8.

It's a clear second. William Fox-Pitt - keeps him in

third place. That's the fence. William, a couple of fences down

today, overall how do you think you did? Overall I am delighted with

Park Lane. He's been fantastic. It is frustrating finishing a couple

down. He held into his place. He's still in third. What a record he's

got! He's just a super horse. I think with more preparation for

this year he would have been back to his old best from last year.

Actually he felt fantastic and gave me such a great ride yesterday. I

am thrilled with third. Well done! Thank you very much. Now the young

lady, who has from the start of this competition, lead and lead

from the front in style. Sinead Halpin - 30 years old, with this

her first Major. Two fences in hand. That's a great comfort to have

these two in hand and, as William said n one of his intervals... That

is one away. That fence has not been coming down.

That's a little bit of a worry for her. William said yesterday, in one

of his interviews, that his partnership with the ride of the

day and it certainly was. It was so impressive.

She has to keep her cool here. She's never been under more

are on the borderline now. She can't afford another.

Andrew Nicholson on 45.8. Sinead Halpin with four down. She's got

the bogey out of the way. She's Andrew Nicholson.

APPLAUSE What a pretty. A smile there from

Nicholson. His wife there. There is Rosemary Barlow. It is just rewards

for the Barlows. She has worked so, so hard for this horse. That means

that Andrew Nicholson wins the Land Burghley champion. The third time -

fantastic stuff. I am very pleased. It is a few years since I have won

a Four Star. It shows you, if you battle on, it all comes right in

the end. It does. The other thing is you do need the horse? Exactly.

The first run I rode, Calico Joe, it -- it's not her speciality. He

had three down bars. Then you hop on a horse like Avavy and it's like

a Rolls Royce after the Morris Minor. I have been consistent all

year and we have got a win. What is the secret then? You talk about

keeping going. How do you keep going? I ride a lot of young horses.

I've had them since three years old. That is pretty much what keeps me

motivated. You get a buzz out of come petting -- competing them. You

have to swallow your pride a bit and carry on with a new one. That

is pretty much what keeps me going. Days like today are a bonus.

Yesterday we were talking about how Burghley is such a magnificent test

of horse and riding - to win it for the third time, to prove you are

number one in the world must be pretty special. It is. To win it

for the third time is very special. To win it once is very special to.

Be number one in the world is a great feeling as well and hopefully

I'll come back next year and try for a fourth time. Andrew,

congratulations. It has been a pleasure to ride here. What a

worthy winner, despite Andrew just missing out on an individual medal.

Remember, he was fourth individually in winning team bronze.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 42 seconds

Now, here at Burghley, he has won performance over the event? Yeah, I

mean showjumping, you never now how they are feeling. He tried really

hard. I don't know. I getsdz he was a bit tired. -- I guess he was a

bit tired. You said two good phases so far, if you don't get it right

in the showjumping you will go and work harder? Exactly! Every time

you leave these things and you have a mistake or two, you come away

stronger and with more knowledge and things to work on. I am so

proud of my horse and... We'll just try harder next time. I know you

must be a little disappointed, surely you will think second place

of bury, after the disappointment of the Olympics is a pretty good

thing. I am disappointed, but... Next year. Next year. You will stay

in front all the way. Yeah. Thank you. Well done. Thank you. Well,

confirmation of that standings after the first final here at

Burghley. That of course is the one point, ahead of New Zealand's

Andrew Nicholson, with Allison Springer going into third place and

the Olympic champion fourth in 2012. So what a dramatic conclusion to

this year's event. It is Andrew Nicholson, 12 years after his last

triumph here who has come out on top. Time now for the presentation.

Andrew Nicholson steps up for the third time to receive this most

prestigious trophy. Being congratulated there by the

President of the Land Rover Burghley horse triels. Together

with her husband, Orlando. Our great hosts here and accompanied by

the managing director of Jaguar Land Rover UK.

What a proud moment for Andrew. He has waited 12 years to win it again.

He goes to the number one in the world. That's it for this year's

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. It is New Zealand who are