2014 Equestrian: Burghley Horse Trials

The event horse has to be the complete equine athlete. There are

three different disciplines that test its physique and temperament to

the max and Avebury is one of the best in the world. This striking

grey as victory in its sights because he and Andrew Nicholson

could be the first partnership to win here three years in a row. You

will find out over the next few hours if they can do it or not.

Welcome to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.

The eventing circus is always on the move and those riders that were

representing their country at the World Equestrian Games in France

have packed up their horse boxes and headed across the channel to

Lincolnshire. We will take you to Normandy at the end of the programme

to show you the very last event and the medals being decided in the

individual show-jumping. For now we will concentrate on the Burghley

Horse Trials because this is one of the toughest cross-country courses

in the world and the toughest cross-country courses

prestigious titles. Let's look at the key contenders. Top

prestigious titles. Let's look at always have to be this man, William

Fox-Pitt, the world number one, six time champion and recent individual

bronze medallist at the World Equestrian Games. The key French has

Jakata, back from a break, and Westwood Marina. -- Piggy French.

Aiming for his place in history books, Andrew Nicholson brings back

burly winner Avebury looking for the hat-trick. Fellow New Zealander and

fourth placed in France last week, Jonelle Price is not afraid to put

her foot down. Sam Griffiths took the title at Badminton. A win here

would put him on track for the rare Rolex treble. And Izzy Taylor was

named in the Great Britain team for the World Equestrian Games but had

to pull out. She is some cross-country rider. The riders are

only half of the team because the horses oche. They have to be the

best athletes because as well as swimming, cycling and running they

have to excel at show-jumping, cross-country and dressage. We

turned to Andrew Nicholson to explain what is required.

What a horse does need to be competitive at Burleigh is a very

good engine in it. When I say engine, I mean they don't have to be

a furore in terms of speed, they just have to be able to keep going

along at that consistent speed, up and down the undulations without

getting tired for 11 and a half minutes. You know pretty much when

you do your first couple of novice events which ones can do that and

which cannot. Pretty much all the top events, we go there knowing that

we have to be very good at the dressage, very good at the

cross-country and very good at the show-jumping. This sport has got to

such a level now that you cannot afford to have a weak link. And when

I plan which horses I will take to Burleigh purely because they can

cope with the cross-country to rain, they all can do the jobs but they

can't all be competitive at the right speed and to rain. -- ter

rain. Temperament is a big part of a competition horse. You want one to

go into the dressage and be very calm but alert. You need ones that

can go in and raise their whole game for the crowd. You want them to be

able to walk from the start box at the cross-country, alert, sharp but

listening to you. You have walked the course and you know the heavy

bits, the rough ground, the ups and downs, the difficult jumps. If they

are listening to you, you can help them a lot. And then with

show-jumping, you want them to go in, respect offences, realise they

don't have to jump over the top bit, they just have to leave the

coloured poles up. As with other equestrian disciplines, breeding

must play its part and Jumbo has sired four winners at Burleigh and

Avebury is the most successful of them. If you can have a full

thoroughbred, they are hard to find. I have a good supply of young horses

but they are not thoroughbreds. At least they have a lot of

thoroughbred in their breeding but they have some warm blood as well,

and that gives them more movement on the flat. They jump nicely. They are

not as fast as thoroughbreds, but if I buy them young, I feel I can train

them and they start galloping when they are four years old. It is part

of their routine when they get older. I think that is why the likes

of Avebury and Cruise Control have managed to win at the top level. It

is the work they have done as youngsters. Avebury has won Burleigh

twice and this horse has won twice. They are different in their types

and both very athletic horses. Avebury, as you can see, is not so

big. The other is a very big, rangy horse and has got to keep his stride

pattern within the little rode crossings and simple pants down

bits. He's quite happy up and down hills, it galloping, but Avebury is

more suited to Burleigh. They both jump the jumps the same but when I

get to the finish with the other, I feel like I have given him a major

work-out worries Avebury could have chugged along for another few

minutes. -- whereas Avebury. They will need a really good dressage

score so let's see how they get on. The steely look of concentration on

Andrew Nicholson's face as he gets Avebury's campaign under way.

Excellent dressage last year of course. But he will be satisfied

with this. Avebury is pretty reliable in the dressage. The hind

leg should be on the centre line and then move off into the half pass. It

does not alter the angle and rhythm. Andrew getting every ounce out of

Avebury. If you want to see a good-looking horse, Happy Times

arrives at the party with Sam Griffiths. Gorgeous to look at. Very

elegant horse and that works in your favour big time in the dressage. As

you come down the centre line, you want this good luck and it catches

the eyes of the judges. If there was any doubt, they tend to go that bit

higher, good-looking horses. any doubt, they tend to go that bit

Good-looking riders helps sometimes. William Fox-Pitt, the unmistakable

figure of William, the six time winner here. On his horse, and

second placing after this performance that scored 39.5. An

excellent start. Yes, brilliant for William. Bay My Hero, a short career

so far, but an out and out winner. You can see that in the dressage.

APPLAUSE You can see how popular William is

with a really good start to his Burleigh.

And of course Jonathan Paget. 38.8 on Clifton Promise. Of course last

year, allowing for what happened in the aftermath, a great dressage and

did not really look back. He has a lot to put to the back of his mind

and concentrate on here. He is usually reliable in the dressage. He

has a headshaking attitude and every now and again his nose twitches. It

is something that they react to in the atmosphere. He does all his

warming up with nets over the horse's eyes and nose. But they have

to take them off in the arena. They can keep the earmuffs on. It is

supposed to be for the flies but it does help the noise and tension of

the atmosphere. You can see that twitching of his nose. Lovely

picture, lovely outline. Jock is very confident and relaxed in this

phase. Beautiful changes. Absolutely crossing the centre line, so

accuracy is all-important. You can see how straight the horse

is in the centre line. Brilliant halt. Lovely, lovely. Jonathan Paget

off and running. The judges liked Clifton Promise as

well, and he leads the way. Andrew Hoy is also back in the big-time and

Springer from the USA. Let's get the reaction of Andrew Nicholson. Yes,

very happy. I rode him a bit too small but if you want a big mark you

have to make them small but not that small. And the change, I was too far

past the centre line. Costly mistakes that this sort of level. He

is 14, which is younger than some of them. Some of them are 17 in the top

level but he has been in the job since he was six, and he has been

used to the maximum, shall we say, in a nice way. He has always been

reading competitively. -- ridden competitively. Whatever he does now

is a bonus. Burleigh is one of six events around the world known as the

Classics. William Fox-Pitt, if he is top here, could win the overall

title and Oliver Townend is not far behind. The cross-country day is

always misty and murky but that has not stopped the crowds. Hundreds of

thousands of people here to watch the action unfold. This is the first

of 32 fences, the upturned horseshoe to wish them good luck. 11 minutes

19 is the optimum time. The course starts and finishes in front of the

house and it is an anti clockwise loop. The first couple of fences are

big but essentially friendly. They go into the arena with a test of

accuracy with some hurdles with water plates beneath them. Then

discovery Valley. Sam Griffiths explains. This is fence five,

Discovery Valley, an iconic fence at Burleigh. The difficulty the riders

face here is that they have to come down quite a steep slope that can

unbalance the horses and then run up a steep slope to quite a narrow

fence. You then have a curving side to a skinny fence. I don't see this

causing a huge amount of trouble but it will catch out the odd rider.

After that they jumped a big spread at the elephant trap. The classic

leaf that has an astrological theme to it this year. Compared to last it

should not be as difficult as it looks. Here we are at fence nine,

back at Discovery Valley. This is the first really tough test that

gets the riders scratching their heads. We have to come over quite a

narrow fence, similar to what we have already done. Down a steep

slope. Probably in three strides over a ditch, then sharp right-hand

turn to a corner. The difficulty the riders face here is judging how the

horses will jump the ditch. If your horse jumps the ditch and large, you

could well do three strides to the corner and if they just pop over,

you could be looking at four and even five strides. There is a lovely

natural look to the hollow and at 12, and then onto the iconic complex

where William Fox-Pitt awaits. The trout hatch at 13 and 14 has a new

look. The first element comes down a very steep hill with brush. Then you

have got the sharp turn right to the step. This can ride on any stride.

Two, three, four and any step out of the water can be tricky so you will

be hoping to get a good clean jump up that step and then up to the

brush next to me here. Then you have a possibility of three or four

strides and even more if you need it. It is a question of feeling how

your horse is, hoping he locks on and staying on that line. After the

trout, they get to the captain's Log, named after the course designer

Captain Mark Phillips, who has set another test where we join Jonelle

Price. This is fences 16, 17 and 18. Five and a half minutes, so nearly

halfway. The horses will be feeling some fatigue as they go up the hill

and into the complex here. We have a good set of white rails, pretty

imposing looking and intimidating when walking up to it but the horses

will make fairly light work of it. Then we come round to 17 and 18.

Captain Mark Phillips has been created here. The uphill bounce is

not something we are overly used to or have seen too many times before

but once they land it should be a fairly direct four stride line to

this fairly acute looking corner. I think the layer of the land helps

take the horses to the right line. The horses walk three or four times

so they can pace out, see how many strides it will take. As they face

the Rolex Combination, they will be checking their watches and keeping

up the pace and accuracy. The dairy farm is a good example of the humps

and hollows that are part of the challenge of Burleigh. Two brushes

to jump. We then reach the hunting Lodge and the widest and biggest

fence. Most riders do not even get this close when they are walking it.

They just kick on and hope. Then there is a gallop down the avenue,

with previous champions doubt it, and then down and up this cutting

into the last section. The horses can be getting weary as they come to

the second quarter. There is a drop into the water. Then turning sharp

right to a severe looking goose that can cause the odd run out. Then

horses come below over two boats and then they can pick on towards the

house and home. A really big spread to finish with. Get over that and

everybody will heave a sigh of relief. One of the early starters is

Piggy French for Great Britain riding Westwood Mariner, in eighth

place after the dressage. Let's see how she gets on.

On a cloudy day, what a perfect place to start. Burleigh, a

cross-country day, and away with Piggy French, who first rode here 12

years ago on Westwood Mariner, eliminated 12 months ago at

Discovery Valerie. But such a popular figure. -- Discovery Valley.

Yes, a brilliant jockey in all three phases of the eventing. This horse

previously ridden by Polly Stockton up to the top level and Piggy French

has ridden her just over a year now. Great pathfinders for us to watch.

Doesn't look like she is in a huge hurry but she is brilliant on her

lines and incredibly accurate. You can see the horse shying at the

runner which can have a big effect on the rhythm and flow.

Piggy safely out of the arena and to Discovery Valley next. The yellow is

the brave route. Let's see what Piggy French makes of it this year.

A big, striding horse, Westwood A big, striding horse, Westwood

Mariner. You have to be sure that you have the right speed when you

have got a big, easy stride, because they can cover so much ground.

Flicks through the brush. Five strides there can become three then

you have a problem. Through the valley, up around the big turn and

then back through it. It is when you get to the second bit that you can

get into the rhythm. You can waste time earlier on the course. The

leaflet taken with no problem. -- leaf pit. I wonder how she will be

feeling at Discovery Valley. 12 months ago it all went wrong. The

yellow is dead straight. The alternative takes you miles out. I

think we will find that they will jump this brush on the way in and

then holds to the left of the ditch to give themselves more room to jump

that corner. Three strides before the ditch and then four after. Lots

of room to make a decision and that is where Mark has been clever on the

course. The direct routes will encourage people to go quick and

straight, but if they go the long and twisted ways, they can add extra

strides in and each stride is extra time and suddenly the time

disappears from you. Look of steely determination on her face. In

towards the hollow. A dip just in front of that and it can affect the

striding. On the landing over the second element, the bighead, -- big

hedge, it has been softened on the landing.

Now the trout hatchery, one of the most famous and iconic and Burleigh.

The alternative is a long way round. That yellow route is the way to go

but it will not be as easy as that graphic looks. Big drop back into

the water and then can they make the turn? You can see how far to the

left Piggy is, that he has to waste time pulling to the right and

getting lined up again for that corner. -- then she has 2 waste

time. Certainly that adds five seconds and if you do that if you

times, it adds up. They have to land over that log and drop and turn

immediately. To the next big challenge. Oxer next. They literally

bounce between these two and then a very tricky corner to finish off

with. The oxer is big and wide. Last year

they jumped the combination and then turned back to it which made it

easier. The temptation is to gallop at it or start kicking to it and you

have to meet it at rhythm. These brushes had the riders concerned. It

is uphill. If they don't jump in well enough, they can crumple and

land. Nice four strides. A serious corner and Piggy makes it look like

something you go over at home. Scared me when I saw it early on but

she is away and moving now towards halfway. It is at this point that we

will get some initial indication as to how fast she is going. Might be

deceptive. Does not appear there is a great deal of speed on and well

outside the target time. In terms of the clock, a huge amount

of time to make up. She is one minute 30 down, which seems pretty

extreme to me. The beginning of the course is twisting and turning, you

can't make up the time, and then you are climbing, climbing all the way

up. But at this combination, really effective. Piggy did not waste any

time. Kept the rhythm, two strides and made the turn look easy. That

will please the guys watching at home on the monitors. Now the dairy

farm. Piggy heading for the step. Two options here. I am not

surprised. The quick way is quite technical. Huge risk. Most will go

down those steps, I think. This is Harry on Xam and his first Burleigh.

What a moment for him. Great combination. I got really

overexcited watching them at Badminton. Unfortunately they had a

rush of blood to the head and made a mistake halfway round the course and

got knocked out of the competition. Up until that point, I thought this

combination would see him eventually in the British team. Let's see what

they can do at Burleigh. Harry is just 24 and tasted gold at junior

level and a former stable rider with William Fox-Pitt. He certainly

picked the right man to learn from. He could not have a better mental

and if he can ride like William and be half as good, he will be pretty

special. -- better mentor. Now Sam Griffiths aboard Happy Times, in

third place after the dressage. Already looking firmly established

as a good contender this week. A great partnership and Happy Times

has been a great horse already for Sam. Very capable of jumping fast

and clear around this course. All in the lap of the gods. Piggy French

and Westwood Mariner. This is the stage where she really needs to be

making inroads into that time. She was behind, significantly. Once you

get over the leap at the top of the hill, it is quite a long way down

and there is a chance to freewheel. If the horse has some energy, you

can make up sometime. There is still quite a lot to jump and you must not

sat out all of the energy trying to make up the time too quickly. Just

do it gradually over the distance. That is an enormous oxer and it does

not get any smaller over the years. Every time I walk, I think wow. She

will be incurring time penalties pretty shortly and she is probably a

good minute from the finish. Yes, her main aim now is just to get

home. I don't know what her plan was with this horse, whether it was to

be very competitive or whether she is riding Jakata later and is using

this as a pathfinder to get the flow of it. She might put more pressure

on the second horse. I think overall she could have been a bit faster in

between offences. The marina, through the central arch. No

apparent problems. Little incline again. One of those nasty energy

bursts required. And right at the end, it is tough. We have Sam in the

main arena here. Turning inside, another one to turn inside over that

hurdle. I think quite a lot might go round there. He did a brilliant job

of doing the tight lines, but you have to be careful not to start

taking too much energy out of your voice and having strides in there

but trying to be accurate. -- your horse. Sometimes keeping the flow

can be more beneficial. Plenty of twists and turns on this course and

you want to minimise them as much as possible. Happy Times has been

ninth, 12th and 13th here and is no stranger to this big stage. Going

well early. Piggy flying now. Already one minute over the time but

she has made up half a minute from what we saw earlier. She has

certainly increased the speed over the latter part. She will be

thrilled with that. She is clear. The picnic table is the last

obstacle and she clocks a total penalty of 75, setting the early

pace. The irrepressible and ever popular Piggy French. Quite a lot of

time over but it will be interesting to see how she works out. The ground

is perfect. We saw two voices going inside the time last year and it

might be similar this time. -- two horses. They will need to go quicker

than Piggy French. Sam Griffiths through the leaf pit and a winner at

Badminton as well. Will his eyes be on the prize already? All of the

riders will be thinking about it a bit and hoping to win. At the moment

he will be focused on the cross-country. Another one to put

three strides in before that ditch. More three strides than anything

else, I think. If they do two, they can pay the job, hit the rising

ground, crumple on landing and mucked up the brush corner. I'm

pleased to get around. I got around the last five attempts, I tried. I'm

gutted to be quite so slow. I lost it at the beginning. Minute mark I

was way off. Two minute mark I was way off. I wanted to get on with T I

had a few pickles. Turning right was an issue today which I never had

before. It was just wasting time. Just all the time, turning that way

and coming out of the water, I think, jumped him big and had to do

a loop around, so I was just wasting. To the Trout Hatchery and

Sam Griffiths with Happy times. We heard Tiggy saying she wasted

time. She jumped big over this log. The neater they can be in, the

quicker they can turn to this final element. Sam didn't waste a lot of

time, but I think we'll see some quicker than that. Back we go with

Harry Dzenis, heading towards the completion of his round. We have

already seen Tiggy a minute-plus over. Now we have Harry, the same,

almost 1 minute, 25. That seems tonight way the course is going. But

a good combination. A star for the future. He is thrilled. No wonder he

is saying "good boy." They are all running. Good boy, indeed. Hapy

times again. He flew that. It is a maximum height and spread. It is a

big fence. Really, it is bread and butter to these horses. This, on the

other hand is much meatier. Beautiful. Perfect line. Didn't

waste a fraction of a second. Off Sam goes, powering towards the

half-way stage. Yeah, they will be taking a at their watch now. It's

difficult to tell just where they should be. As I said, the beginning

of the horse. The first couple of minutes, horses are going to be down

in time and they'll always be chasing that clock. They'll have to

be brave but not take ridiculously silly risks and cause a runnout

Through the next combination. He was good there as well. Well, done,

Harry, what a Burghley debut for you? It was great. Sam was

incredible. He was really pulling me towards the end. It is a great

feeling when they are like that. Now, Arthur and for the United

States, Allison Springer. Currently sixth after the dressage. Into the

arena. She's taken a very tight line to the second element there. Arthur

had a little bit of a look to his left. But it didn't lose

concentration for the jump. Capability's Cutting for Sam

Griffiths. A couple of minutes away, perhaps from the end of this cross

country for him When he takes the quick way out of there, it is much

closer to the lip coming out of Capability's's Cutting but a much

narrower spread. It should ride better for me. Theft horse's behind

legs in front of him. He is coming down the water towards home. The

riders have to make a quick decision about how brave they go in and how

fast. There is a big drop. It is about nine inches of water that's

going to drag on the horse's legs, if they go in too fast.

Clare Balding: This is one of the most popular spots to WAP. You can

see everybody getting close up the bridge. The next horse we'll see

is Sam Griffiths on hapy tie.s they are

is Sam Griffiths on hapy tie.s they coming towards the end of the

course. He got close to that one, oh, close to both and away and he

can kick on for home. We'll see him at the finish shortly.

Back with Arthur and Allison Springer now, heading down towards

the Discover Valley. They are an experienced combination. They have

been here at Burghley in the past. They have been part of the American

team in the past. He has just come off from a bit of time off with a

little injury. Schiavone will be looking for oar good round. -- she

will be. So hapy times and all eyes will be on the clock. This is

certainly the quickest so far. Pushes through and 24 seconds

outside of the set time. But that, by some way, sets the standard. I

think big time sets the standard. He is the fastest we have seen. That's

the time everybody will be chasing. We might not see

the time everybody will be chasing. time. A steep drop into the water

there and Allison flops up his neck. A quick

recovery, and looks good. Well hapy times is getting the equivalent of

the Ice Bucket Challenge. -- Happy Times. You got held twice for long

periods of time. A long period of time. Originally I thought it was

going to work into my hands because the cross country is such an

endurance time but in reality when I got stopped the second time t threw

me out of my rhythm. It took me a while to get going and these are big

fences to be starting all over at. Alison spring coming down towards

the Rolex Combination, time not bad, but again, so. This horse's grand'

mother, was secretariat. Would you believe that, that was a

nightmare. She has come back from a break. Short of another good horse,

follow-up from this horse and that will rule her right out. Andrew Hoy,

the legendary Australian. Hard to believe, isn't it, he won here 35

years ago. He is on Rutherglen and fifth after the dressage. Yeah,

always great to watch across the country, Andrew. Rutherglen, an

enormous stride. He makes these fences look so easy but very, very

experienced partnership now. ! -- Adjust tops over those angle

rails. ! Now over the water. The Trout Hatchery. A big stand-off

there, actually. ! How good was that? That was superb. A lovely

line. Didn't waste any seconds whatsoever. Looking very, very good

indeed. Iz zy Taylor about to go. Izzy. Izzy's great-aunt won here in

1961. A attempted young rider She is a great star of the future. A star

already but she has more great things to come as we watch Andrew

Hoy now. He is at the half way point. 22 seconds over. Very similar

to al-Allison on Arthur but I doubt we'll see the runnout here. Just

incredible. He makes it look effortless. It was worth watching

that again. Never in any doubt. The horse knew exactly where he was

going. Andrew just looks like he is happy to be a passenger. Heading

down to the Dairy Mound again. You will remember, the horse, I'm sure

from the Olympic Games, Rutherglen. Competed in London. Finished 13th

there. Here he goes. Most have gone down the steps there, but Andrew is

turning back to the second of them. He doesn't get high but jumps it

beautifully. Takes a funny line there, I have to say. It was almost

as though he got lost. Back with Izzy Taylor. Discovery Valley. She

was going well at Badminton, before slipping up. It was good to see how

well he jumped through Discovery Valley there. She had a runnout with

this horse, had a skinny at the European Championships and then

another runnout at Badminton in the spring. Always been nearly there and

she's such a good pilot. But she has to have her wits about her. She has

to keep riding this little mare all the way. A talented horse but just

needs a bit of assistance from on top. 16 hands. One of the smallest,

as you say, one of the smallest in the entire contest, as she heads

back to Discovery Valley, with these fabulous crowds either side. Craning

for the best view. And this is probably one of the most popular

spots to watch on the entire track Well, look at the cloud. Up the

bank, behind the strings everywhere. It is great they are clapping and

cheering these riders as they go along. You do notice it when you are

out there. Well, what about this, Andrew Hoy - he looks as though he

was walking home. He was going so well. We saw him out of the Dairy

Mound. Well, that is a big shock, because he looked fantastic from

what we saw. I do know that the horse had a bit of a virus early on,

before this competition, so perhaps he didn't feel as though he was in

great form. He certainly looked as though he was in form and Izzy,

phenomenal at the Trout Hatchery. A great close-up shot. You can see

Izzy already looking and turning before she had landed into the

water. That's exactly what the riders need to be doing, get that

tight turn, then you jump up the step and you can see he is focussed

on the last L that was a great shot of study. He was so responsive. Now

Marilyn Little on FRDemieter. Marilyn, for many years, known as a

really good show jumper. A top show jumper. Jumped in the American team

for a many years. Now she has taken up eventing with a vengeance. Is

looking good on this really talented horse. Good jumping. She is not

wasting any time in the first part of the course. 10th after the

dressage. Marilyn's first Burghley. It must be so exciting for her. She

is a qualified, pilot, you know, a talented girl. A hairy moment there.

A bit of indecision about what stride to get to that ditch. We've

had pilots turning to eventing in the past, actually. It seems to be

they are related somehow, going at speed and getting up in the air.

Some curious fascination. Thanks goodness for that Azizy Taylor comes

now to the Maltings. -- as Izzy comes to the Maltings. Trying to

improve her position from dressage where she was 12th after the cross

country stage. We saw her jump that big wide objectioner and give the

horse a couple of taps. That was to say -- concentrate, pay attention,

we have a difficult fence, I want you focussing on me. You can see a

lovely jump through the bounce. Then gets on to the line for this corner.

You can't just see how big and difficult that corner is, until you

are actually standing right at it. Clare Balding: Sam Griffiths is the

leader. But this is the guy who could change it but this is Paget.

You can see the grease on the horse's leg. That's so if he comes

close to a fence, he won't get any sliders or splinters. He won the

title last year, this horse, but had it taken away before he testified

for a banned substance. They appealed and. He would dearly love

to win this title and for there to be no question marks about it. We

will see Jock Paget pretty shortly. Sheer Briarl narks ds Matilda. --

here is. -- Briarlands Matilda. I think it is

the fastest we have seen so far. A quick little mare. She put in an

extra stride but didn't deviate, didn't try to go off, which has been

an issue. Marilyn Little to the Trout Hatchery on Demeter. Well,

they were sixth in Kentucky earlier in the year. They are perfectly

capable. Just losing the knitting. Gets a in a bit of a mess. Comes to

nearly an standstill and still jumps. It wasn't pretty, but it was

effective. Now Murray Lampard riding under the clocks. A 43-year-old

Australian, 17th in dressage. This horse was twice a winner as a

racehorse in New Zealand. It is extraordinary, how many of the New

Zealand thoroughbreds win on the from the and then they come, turn to

eventing, come over here and they are riding at four star level.

Extraordinary. To the Halting's Oxer, and Marilyn Little. A big

jumping horse. -- the Malting's Oxer. Let's see how accurate he was?

He was just messy at the Hatchery but it was partly the big jumping

that got him into trouble. Oh, breaks the win there. No risk am

coming off or having a fall but that's a 21 penalties. We will see

it again in slow motion. -- no risk of coming off. Jumps the bounce well

enough, theb then a long four strides. Some are going down in

five. She looked as though she tried to go in three and is a long way

off. The horse struggles to make the distance, breaks that pin, so 21

penalties. It was hard enough beforehand, now it has got harder

for her. Izzy Taylor again, to the Cuttings. About two minutes from

home. Just adds a little stride in there. She gives her a tap on the

bottom to say - come on, try harder. They are getting a little leg weary

coming down the hill. It is towards the end of the horse. That's a big

effort coming out of Capability's. And do this massive fence.

Beautiful. Still got the scope and the jump at this stage on the

course, it is good to see. Oh, a little bit sticky in there. This

wasn't the perfect spot. Close going in, so the mare slowed right down

but jumped the brush in the middle well You can't really drive the

horse into a water situation like that, Ian. You need a bit of

impulsing, power, but, if you go too fast, you do risk that drag on the

horse's legs as they hit the water and especially a drop. It just adds

an element of risk. So you've got to try to save time but you have to be

safe. So these boats under this bridge

here are riding well. You they can go through the next arch if they

want, to but it is a real time waster. Jock Paget and Clifton

Promise about to begin their first round. They missed the time last

year by just a fraction. A repeat will probably see them as number one

contender heading into the Sunday as well but a lot can happen, Ian.

Well, it is a very fast horse and Jock is a positive rider cross

country. They did a brilliant round last year. He was held on the course

at one point because the horse had a bit of blood on its mouth. The Grand

Jury had a look at it. It almost gave the horse a bit of a breather

but they are certainly very capable and very quick across the country.

And interestingly enough, he is going round, the slightly longer

route, but you should be able to keep more speed but having said

that, Jock's adding quite a lot of strides in there. A little bit slow,

I have to say, wasting a bit of time in that arena To Jock Paget under

way. Meanwhile Briarlands Matilda and Izzy Taylor heading towards the

end. In pretty good time, too. She will be thrilled. As we have said,

the odd hiccup in the past but a fantastic round. She rode

brilliantly at Badminton as well. Just that slight slip but it is all

clear this time. 28 seconds over, into second position. That is

fantastic. Not only ll it be great for -- not only will it be great for

her, but it is great for the British selectors in the future. ! Back with

Murray lamb period now -- Lamperd now.

Now moving towards the half way stage of his cross country round.

This is the first time I have seen this horse go cross country. Quite

busy, quite active but it certainly jumps and it looks as though it

saves on its line very well. Very saves on its line very well. Very

accurate. One of these riders that we see

quite a lot of now, with a camera on his helmet to film his round, right

in the middle of his head. He looks like sigh clops with the one eye. I

have to say I hate the wretched things. They look silly and

ridiculous. If you watch the film afterwards t gives you a headache.

It is very hard to know what he is capable of achieving. 627nd at

Badminton. 62nd at Badminton. Pretty inexperienced. A bit of an unknown

quantity, to say the least. Well, he is not bad on the clock as well As I

say, a little bit busy sometimes at the fences. He spends a lot of time

setting the horses up, as you can see. That wastes seconds at all the

fences, but the jumping ability and the ridibility is fantastic. He has

kicked a flag out of the way. No problem. CLARE BALDING: Did you feel

you had to be aggressive? She, she has in the past run out. She is

always looking at the flags. You have to mean it. The time was tight.

She is a quick horse but she is normally there or thereabouts with

the time. I knew we wouldn't be - someone could be quicker but the

time is tight. A job well done for Izzy Taylor.

Happy times then, leading, currently from Sam Griffiths and Izzy second

at the moment. What say is Jock Paget going to have on this

fabulous, engross event? Clifton Promise continues his round now. --

engrossing. Jock is certainly looking pretty focussed. A good jump

over that Oxer. And wastes no time. Really accelerating at that big

ditch and hedge. They come down to the Trout Hatchery. ! Quite an

intense area of jumps this. Takes the tightest possible line over that

ditch. Now, what can he do here? Very quick into the water.

Well, that's interesting. He did a good enough turn in the water. He

could just have gone straight to that brush. That wasted two or three

seconds. Unusual, unusual. You never quite know what is going through a

horse's mind or the rider's mind and only the rider knows what feeling

they are getting. You can see him going for the turn, and instead of

turning left and making quite a tight turn into it, he wastes all

that are extra seconds. At Stamford Station we can see

Murray Lamperd from Australia. This horse is full of running and jumping

well. For me Murray wastes a bit of time setting up for each fence. He

is very close to that optimum time now. So another one to get quite a

few time faults, I would think. You can certainly see the racehorse in

him, can't you? Yes. He has endless stamina. He is as quick asp anyone

out of that final water and galloping on well. So, Jock Paget.

An early indication as to how strongly he is going here on Clifton

Promise? Again, another indication - this time is hard to achieve. Slow,

compared to quite a lot, actually. I think Matilda and Izzy were up here

on 15 seconds. He is 34 seconds down on the clock. Very quick actually

over the fence and through the beginnings. Making nothing of the

question there. But he's certainly a bit slower.

So up to the Dairy Mound. Will he be another one to go down those steps

or do a quick turn? The steps only add two or three seconds and it is

so much less of a risk that I really don't see the point in going the

quick way here. He is going straight for the steps. Wastes no time. Turns

away and quickly back into the rhythm. Look at that determined

grimace on his face. He wants this prize, doesn't he? He wants it. So

Under the Clocks about to finish with Murray Lamperd. Over the picnic

table. Just coasts across the line. And third position on a penalty of

69 exactly. Hugely satisfactorially. We didn't

know much about him, Ian beforehand. A good round. I met him a bit in

Australia, I know him as a rider but the first time I have seen that

horse. A good combination, exciting prospect for the future. We know

this young man, this is Bill Levit. Sit tight. Yikes, not the most

promising start. The horse had a good shy at that non-jumping

element. Left a knee on the middle jump. You can see him here, he is

looking to the left, which means the turn is tight. Suddenly that second

element is on him. He leaves his right front leg, hits it hard. Bill

does a brilliant job. Already looking over his shoulder for that

final element. He needs to settle down a bit.

The famous Cottesmore Leap for Jock Paget. He made it look easy. That's

where he pulled up last year. I seem to remember a jump judge trying to

stop him but he jumped and pulled up sensibly. Back to the Leaf Pitt.

-- Leaf Pit. And Levett. R and judging by the way

he clam bored around in the arena, Bill might have to improvise a fair

bit. -- and judging by the way he clambored.

Yes, the horse is keen to get on, it is strong and positive, so he needs

to just make sure he has got the horse anchored before he gets to

some of these fences, but it has certainly got the right attitude,

looking ahead, positive, looking for the next jump and meaning business,

even if he does take the flag out. CLARE BALDING: Murray, how did that

feel? You know what, he has hardly started that season. It felt amazing

in the end. In the meantime it is just a job and I was working at my

job. Back with Clifton Promise now at

Stamford Station. Already, as he approaches the Splash, you can tell

he will be subject to time penalties. There is no way he is

going to make up this ground. He is going to be slower than last year.

He has been slower all the way round. It is interesting, you know.

He took this horse Totti World Games last week. Had a run out. And

because the team were out of the competition, gave up and decided to

come here. I don't know whether last week and the problems he has had

over the last year has affected his confidence but he has certainly not

been quite as positive and aggressive as he was cross country

last year, 12 months ago. He's still driving well but he hasn't got quite

that aggression he had. Now he is near the end of the course he has

opened up a bit but it is perhaps too little, too lighted. He will get

quite a few time -- too late. He will get a few time penalties. Back

to Bill Levvet. -- Levett. A bit of adjustment going

on there by Bill. The horse is keen and strong. He is having to say -

pay attention to me, every now and again. The horse is listening to him

- just. But he has his own mind on the job. He is certainly making

nothing of the fences and he is not wasting any time. He is quite quick

across the ground and quick through these combinations. And Jock Paget

and Clifton Promise now into the finish. The picnic table to end

with. Sam Griffiths on 49.8. He is outside of that but, still, into

second place. Jock Paget in the mix. Clare Balding: Zara Phillips isn't

riding but has come hot on the heels of the world equestrian games. How

chuffed were you to be on the team? Massively chuff. You could tell by

my reaction. I was so pleased to get a double clear and back at

Championship level. Does that fire you up and make you really keen to

be in Rio? Definitely I kind of had my goals set out but, you know, now,

hopefully they are looking a bit more likely - a little bit more

likely but as riders we still have to qualify. So we have to go out and

get another good result, even though the team has qualified. Really? Yes.

What you have to do Badminton or another course? Yes, whatever, some

three-day next year or within the next 12 months, I think. How strange

is it to be here and not riding? It is strange. It is good in a way

because you can come and watch and not have to do all the worrying,

but, of course, I would love to be out heemplt I love Boyerly. A

fantastic track. It is tough. You know you have something good at the

end of the course. Given Jock Paget's time, seven or eight riders

will be confident they can go better than that. Here is one of

will be confident they can go better Karin Donckers from Belgium. The

five-time Karin Donckers from Belgium. The

experience. You'd experience but she is fairly squawking at her voice. --

huge experience. Not sure if she is swearing at him in her language or

if it is encouragement but it is working. Looking good. How much does

it mean to you to be back here? There must have been periods when

you thought you never would be. I thought I would not come back this

year. I thought I would get back here to the competition scene, but I

thought I would get to the World Championships and I thought I would

do something great there and not have a horse for Burghley. This is

plan B and I am very happy with it. I love Burghley and I am happy to be

here. Do you feel you have to prove yourself to people? Always. I have

come over to people and I am trying to make a business and a living and

you have to get results to get noticed and I always ride with that

pressure. Obviously there is more pressure now with everything that

has happened. To be honest, I did pressure now with everything that

not think about it out there. I was thinking about the

not think about it out there. I was Donckers on herb horse, contesting

her first 4-star event. In form after the World Equestrian Games.

Yes, and an experienced rider, as you say. She has been such an

effective competitor over the years and it has worked for her. Sometimes

it might look like you want to pull up their stirrups but then they

would be out of balance. She heads to the Rolex Combination. Nice with

him but it seems quite slow to the eye. We will get a gauge any second

now. Yes, well of time. -- off time. I don't think she will be too

concerned. She has had some brilliant horses over the years and

has done a great job with them. Not always the fastest at cross-country

but she has had horses capable of doing the job. She patted the horse

and wiped off the sweat of her breaches. Very ladylike! And Bill

Levett with improvised, the ten-year-old. -- Improvise. A very

respectable fourth position and a punch of the air from him. Now some

of those less fortunate. Sarah Bullimore and Valentino V

approaching the Malting's. Price and Ringwood Sky Boy parting company in

the arena. Just Ironic depositing Craig Nicolai into the lake.

the arena. Just Ironic depositing O'Donoghue and pirates taking a

crunching fall at the Malting's. -- Pirate. A heavy tumble as well for

Algebra and Natalie Blundell al at the Classics Leaf Pit. Magennis

approaching the Rolex Combination for Jim Newsam. Neil Spratt denied

by Malting's. Germany's Kai Ruder and Gryffindor in trouble at the

bounce. The good news is that all of those horses appeared to be fine as

they went for further veterinary checks. Happy Times leading. Clifton

promised in second place. KBIS Briarlands Matilda in third. And

Improvise in fourth place but some big guns to come. The 28-year-old

American, Hannah Sue Burnett with Harbour Pilot through the Trout

Hatchery. Chucked onto the horse's neck, so wasted some time on

landing. Lots of time on the turn and she is clear, which is what

matters. 14th after the dressage. Her first Burghley. Steep learning

curve, isn't it? And a steep drop, too. You could see that her head

dropped. As soon as you allow your head to drop, you are in the wrong

position to make the turn and so she had to add an extra strides, wasting

time and adding distance. But they are still clear. The time that you

have posted is pretty competitive. Top four or five. Yes, he is a quick

course. He is one of those horses that gets adrenaline and he was a

bit hard to manage at the end. Fortunately most of the work is done

in the first two thirds so he wasn't running away with me but if you had

some really technical and difficult lines, it would be much more

difficult. He has stepped up to the plate today and given me a great

ride. Really pleased. They'll is chuffed. Karin Donckers heads

towards the end of her round. Pretty steady. Not spectacular with the

speed. Be surprising if she can hold her ninth position from the

dressage. She seems to have dropped back here. Yes, she has not been

that quick. But she is hailing a cab with her left hand. The horse is

still jumping brilliantly. A of scope and the stamina is there. Once

it has more experience, I should think the next time we see her

happy. Competition, they would more competitive on the clock. -- next

time we see her she will be used to the competition. That was pretty

easy. This is a lovely horse. New combination coming over from

America. You can see how happy Hannah is, smiling as she leaves the

fence. Tremendous buzz for her. They were 15th in Kentucky earlier this

year. By all accounts, only just missed out on selection for the

games in the United States. That gives you an idea of the standards

they are achieving together. And she is going the quick way, which is

brave for a first timer at Burnley and she makes it pretty easily. --

Burghley. Karin Donckers is well outside the time but finishing off

on Lamicell Unique. Not bad for that little horse. She will be thrilled

and you have to be happy with that. A minute and a half overtime but it

is proving almost impossible to get the time. Gemma Tattersall, 27th

after the dressage, and Arctic Soul. A real competitor, Gemma. She has

had a lot of different horses coming up through the ranks of juniors and

young riders. Now a serious competitor at 4-star level. And a

flyer. Just over half a minute and punching the air. Hannah is very

happy and she has every right to be. That was a brilliant round. Yes, she

has been around Kentucky but Burghley is something else on top of

that. She certainly held her own and she has done her country proud

indeed. Piggy French's second ride of the day on Jakata. Second

Badminton together back in 2011. Hannah Sue Burnett has just got

round her first Burghley course. You have found your mum. What did you

tell her? Nothing because she was screaming at the top of her lungs

and saying you did it! How did it feel? It felt fast. He was on it. I

was so happy with him all the way round. Looking for the flags. He did

not back off from anything. Sometimes he wants to run so the

riding is tough with him. As soon as I jumped through the first

combination I knew he would be great because he was turning and being

awesome. Hannah just about the happiest young lady I have seen so

far. This is Gemma Tattersall. How will she be after the round on

Arctic Soul? Short listed for the World Equestrian Games and

eliminated at Badminton after riding the wrong way having gone well

otherwise. Now the Rolex Combination. Looking good. Yes, and

good on the time, too, just 15 seconds over. This thoroughbred

should not find the hills and the stamina too much for him. A great

gallop. She is having quite a job setting him up for the Dairy Farm.

Most of the horses having to work quite hard as they turn into this

one at the top. She is going the quick way. That is brave. Will it

work? Good girl. Very positive. Arctic Soul's father was a

tremendous racehorse, trained by Clive Brittain. Not that many years

ago. Now Jakata into the Trout Hatchery. I am delighted to CPD

riding at this level. -- to see Piggy. She has had some horses going

off over the years and to have two back at this level is fantastic. Now

we welcome into the arena The Deputy and Jonelle Price. 28 after the

dressage but The Deputy finished fifth here last year so a

fascinating contender. Yes, she turned inside. The horse had a

little luck and she came inside again at the final element. Probably

part of the reason is that the horse looks so incredibly polite. As he is

galloping down there, I envisage a city gent with spectacles on his

galloping down there, I envisage a nose. A charming horse. Jonelle had

a fantastic World Equestrian Games, finishing fourth, and giving her

horse one of the great rounds of modern times. It was wonderful. The

horse was produced by Karen Dixon, one of the great team members of the

past. Jonelle Price is in superb form. Look at the determination on

that face! She is holding her back, saying wait for me, but the horse is

saying, I am going, mum! Gemma's first ride here since 2007, and she

seems to be enjoying the experience. Arctic Soul heading for

home. The combinations are not that tricky towards the end of the course

at Burnley but they are going in and out of the water twice. --

Burghley. That in itself can sap your energy. Slightly hurdling the

boats but going well. Piggy French with Jakata, again well off the

clock. Only really four big names to come and the clock has not been done

yet. I am surprised. Last year was a huge effort. Only a couple inside

the time. They really had to work hard for it. The ground looked

perfect and was beautifully produced but maybe it is taking more out of

the horses than we expected. The hills always do. Gemma is kicking

for the finish and a pretty good time. Into fifth place, 28 seconds

over, and she is very happy with the horse, giving him all the credit and

waving to the crowd. Make the most of it! Back with Jonelle Price and

The Deputy into the Trout Hatchery. What was interesting was the way she

added a stride into the lock, meaning so much control and going

quick through the combination. The more control you jump this, drop in

and turn at the same time. You can see she is pulling the horse round,

gets the step out, and then is quite ready for the turn to the final

brush corner. Again you can see that making up the

time is difficult. Still a good minute and a half if not more from

the finish. Penalties certain for Jakata but a question of how many.

Jakata is 16 now. He has had problems and moments over the years

but lovely to see him back here. So much ability and she will be

delighted to have him back at this level. Gemma, well done. Look at you

grinning. Amazing ride. He is a fantastic horse and so relieved to

have gone round clear and with a fast time. Those are rare. Yes, very

rare. He is a full thoroughbred and he eats up the ground and love that.

He pulled my absolute arms out but he seems fine and I am over the

moon. Piggy French with Westwood Mariner was in eighth place. She

pushes for the line. 75 on Westwood Mariner and exactly the same on

Jakata. Exactly the same. She will be one ahead on Jakata because he

was faster. Her supporters and owners will be delighted. They have

been terrific supporters of Piggy over the years. Sam Griffiths

leading from Jock Paget in second place but the big guns are still to

come. William Fox-Pitt, Oliver Townend, Andrew Nicholson and Aoife

Clark for Ireland shortly as well. This is Jonelle Price again, the

Olympic bronze medallist in the team event for New Zealand. Tremendous. I

love watching her rode. -- ride. I love this horse. Because he doesn't

pull and she keeps riding him all the time, it makes him quicker. This

horse. Because he doesn't pull and she keeps riding him all the time,

it makes him quicker. . The strong ones, you waste time setting them up

for the fences. This one is back in a rhythm. Jonelle Price inside the

time but not by much relatively speaking. A chance of getting into

the mix. I agree with you. I don't think we are going to see anybody in

the time. We have been putting money on people being inside time but they

will be losing their pennies. Aoife Clark on Vaguely North. Based in

Chipping Norton these days. This pairing seventh on the dressage. A

bit hesitant. That was not a perfect start. It was either going to be a

stand-off or an extra one and she went for the extra one. She is a

lovely person and great competitor but it is the first time at

Burghley. She has been round Badminton and on the Irish team.

Tight. This is very brave, to jump that straight having nearly fallen

over. 90% of riders would have just got up from that and if they were

still in it, they would have pulled left and gone them away, but he

obviously thought the horse was OK. She gave it time to recover and then

said, come on, let's go. A little bit wild but they are intact. She

needs to settle down and get things smoother. Jonelle Price heading to

the cuttings. An extra couple of strides preferred. Aoife Clark

coming down to the Trout Hatchery. Give the horse time, don't rush.

That wasn't bad at all. A lot smoother than Discovery Valley.

The Deputy into The Lion bridge. Huge crowds by the water and near

the bridge. About a minute from home here. Aoife Clark looking at the

clock as she comes to the halfway point. What she is doing is what we

are seeing, half a minute over. A little tap on the shoulder to say,

come on, focus. That is a two stride. We saw Matilda

going on through. But Vaguely North was two and a half and said he can't

do it. Disappointing for Aoife Clark but it has slightly been heading

that way as we watched the horse going round here. A bit fractious as

times. She almost aimed the horse at the highest part trying to make the

turn and the horse said no, can't do that. She is out of the competition.

Two penalties. She is but she is clearly very gutsy. She trained with

you for a while. Yes, when she left school, she stayed with us for a

while. She is a super person and true competitor. Vaguely North, he

has been off the radar despite sharing good form three years ago.

Had a bit of a problem with injury, which sometimes happens. He has got

the ability but maybe a bit ring rusty and feeling under pressure.

The Deputy and Jonelle Price were fifth last year and that round puts

them in eighth place with some big guns to come. Satisfactory? Yes, she

is in cracking form at the moment. Aoife Clark and this massive ditch,

which you don't want to stand and look down on for too long. You want

to jump it at speed and get it out of the way. William Fox-Pitt, six

times a winner here, starts his round on Bay My Hero. The pairing

won in Kentucky earlier this year. Went clear in the time there. And

onto show-jumping. The only penalties were picked up in the

dressage. A lovely horse and a real winner. Trained at Tattersall's in

Ireland. He won the one star, the to star and then the three star and now

he is winning at 4-star level. One of the favourites at Burghley.

Currently in second place after the dressage. He just clipped the rail.

Another to turn inside, a bit shy. The horse got a bit close and gave

it a thump but hopefully that will waken up the horse and rider.

Another tremendous World Equestrian Games Fort -- for William. So

competitive. Such a great rider. And so cool. I never see him flustered

and his horses are never flustered. Our own temperaments show up on the

horses as well. Steady! Yikes! That is a painful

one. Just a little bit brave coming down the hill. She had seen her

stride from a long way out and that is not the right kind of fence to do

that. And she hits the ground hard. Fortunately the horse gets up and so

does she. This is a brilliant place for people to watch because they can

sit on the bank and they get two chances to see them go through

Discovery Valley. William coming back through it now.

Discovery Valley. William coming still leading. But a fast, clear

round from William could see him into the lead. Clare Balding is

enjoying all the excitement of William's round. And now another big

contender, Oliver Townend on Armada. 12th place after the

dressage and Armada renowned as a good cross-country course. Yes, a

very good horse. Oliver has had him now for a few years. He is no

stranger to the winners' enclosure. He did not have a great ride last

week in the World Championships. The ground was pretty horrendous and his

horse hated it so he quite rightly pulled up and decided to save the

horse for another day. Armada is a serious cross-country horse and

competitor. Silly run out at the Dairy Mound, so a lot to prove this

time. Fox-Pitt and Bay My Hero coming into the Trout Hatchery.

Good turn. That is as quick as any we have seen. Not flustered, as I

mentioned, just positive and effortless. Good credentials,

Townend. The Dairy Mound caught them out last year. Massive stride, this

horse, and sometimes that can be the undoing of horses when they need to

be neat and nimble. Bay My Hero 24 seconds over. One of the quick ones

that still behind the clock. Quite a lot of climbing up the hill to do.

Another one to chip in a third stride. The honesty of the horse was

brilliant. He never thought anything other than I am going between those

flags. Avebury and Andrew Nicholson. A great ten minutes here will take

them closer to history. Burghley history in the making. No

combination has won three years running. Avebury on his way. A

smashing horse and we will see much more of him shortly. Back to William

Fox-Pitt and the Dairy Farm. Hopefully not giving his wife Alice

too many anxious moments. She is due any moment with their fourth child.

He took the quick route and got away with it. A bit hairy. Alice is

probably sitting at home, waiting for the inevitable. Now Armada and

Oliver Townend. Fox-Pitt did it really well. He is adding that

stride. He left a legates macro quick recovery from Oliver. -- he

left a leg! Despite that mishap, a quick turn back out so has not

wasted a lot of time. That left front leg is completely left behind

and the horse does a brilliant job to recover and Oliver's reactions

are spectacular. Quick and effective. Armada got into the

difficulty by leaving a leg that helps the rider out. Just a puff of

the cheeks from Andrew Nicholson. Into the arena and the slalom

fences. Some have glided round and some have found it a real problem.

He has decided to go longer. He has not altered the rhythm so he has not

wasted any time. Sometimes trying to do the tight line, you waste time by

shortening the horse and setting it up more. You add more strides.

Andrew just get a lovely, balanced flow and did not waste any time. A

fantastic course and they would not have achieved what they have done

together otherwise. -- fantastic horse. If you have never seen a brew

before, you are probably getting the message about how effective he is.

-- Avebury. All welcome at Burghley. Never seen so many dogs in my life.

It would be great for Andrew to pull off the hat-trick and for me

particularly it would be a great achievement for Wraysbury, the owner

of the horse, who has done so much for British eventing. If anybody

deserves a horse to pull of this historic feat, then she does. I

wonder what sort of a watcher she is? Presumably behind the tent

somewhere. She doesn't smoke, but if she had, she would be at now.

As good as any, quick, effective and wasted not a second getting back

into the rhythm. Oliver Townend then, what is the clock going to say

about him? Competitive, I'd say. Yes, very, very. We know this horse

has the gallop. He has the big stride, so he could be one that, as

long as he is not running out of juice, which I doubt that he will

be, he would be one that could make up a the bit of time back down the

hill. Beautiful Burghley House in the background. A nice turn. Never

in any doubt about where he was going. William Fox Pitt initially

held by I have aia Clark's fall -- Aoife. That was interesting, It is

not easy to be stopped at the course and particularly to come to the wide

oxer for your first jump. William got off the horse and led it around

for a minute or two, so the horse was a little bit, probably, cooled

down and, that, there, jumping into the water was a little bit sticky.

That's probably the effect of having been held on the course. He jumped

the Oxer beautifully but the horse is probably just a little bit

surprised about being stopped and started on the course. He looked a

little bit green going into the water but again, William, ever the

competitor, is back into the rhythm fairly quickly. I just hope he

doesn't lose too much ground. He would have been chuffed with his

position after the dressage. But the clock is going to be very, very

important here. Of it could just be that he just loses ground on a few

here. Yes, sometimes when you are held, the horse gets a bit of a

breather, sometimes it can actually switch off. You never quite know,

until you are in that situation, how it is going to affect them.

That was quick. Spectacular. Mr Nicholson is in form. Being well but

now William Fox-Pitt at the last. Penalties racking up. Slowly sure by

he crosses the line. 16.03. Puts him 11 penalty points off the lead and

in fourth Yeah, a little bit slow for which will yachl. He will be --

for William. He will be happy with the horse. Now Andrew Nicholson

almost has the stage to himself on Avebury. Oliver Townend still out

there with armada. -- Armada. Here Avebury at the Maltings. You are so

right, that discovery valley and the Trout Hatchery, almost textbook.

Yes, a masterclass in riding cross country we are seeing at the moment.

Let's hope I'm not putting the commentator's curse on him but he

looks so impressive. Andrew, kicking away from that fence saying - come

on Avebury, we are not done yet. Avebury on his way, then, what a

fantastic slice of history it would be if he could pull it off. But

still, so much more to be done and now the clock, quick, quick, and is

that a smile? Almost as if Nicholson saw the clock himself? A smile or a

grimace. Certainly licking his lips there. Maybe he is tasting success.

But that's the fastest we have seen on the clock to that point on the

course. If Avebury has the energy, Andrew has the determination. Are

you expecting his stamina to hold out all right? Yes, I do. No-one

will be better at getting a horse fit enough than Andrew and the horse

is known to run on well. He got a bit tired at Kentucky earlier this

year but there was some question mark as to whether he had a bug or

virus on him. That would be the exception rather than the rule. The

horse normally runs on right to the end and, he is a really, honest,

generous horse, and just keeps giving. I knew Andrew was going for

the steps. He said it was a no-brainer, that was the way he was

going. CLARE That looked hard work. Well, I'm delighted with him. That

was hard work. You can make up the time at the end down the Winner's

Avenue, he couldn't because he was going deep. He tried. He did his

best. I'm delighted with him. Oliver Townend, then. Now, this time

looks pretty solid as well as he comes down towards Stamford Station.

Tremendous leap from him. He has a lot of scope when he is on song. We

are seeing some of the best of him here. Yes, he has a phenomenal jump.

It was interesting what William was saying, the horses were being in

Winners' skaep avenue, the ground was thicker than we expected. That's

the point on the course we expect horses to make up time. Once they

have got to the top of the hill, they get a second win and run all

down. If the ground was sticky, thats' possibly -- that's possibly

part of the reason thats' possibly -- that's possibly

getting anyone here the time and that, along with a slow beginning,

butI have certainly doing his utmost here to get to that time. -- but

Oliver certainly doing his utmost here to get to the time. He is not

going to do it but he will be one of the quicker ones. He is going well.

Inside the last minute for Oliver Townend. Here is Avebury again at

the cots more leap. So far -- Cottesmore.

I hope he -- -- the owner keeps hold of that dog. Oliver squeezes him

into the line. He is not slow by much and goes into second place

there, behind Sam Griffiths and ahead of Jock Paget. Big smile on

Oliver's face. And that would be great for Oliver, he'll love that.

And now, it is all about Avebury. Of Capability's Cuttings. So far

Avebury has been terrific. And brilliant through that Capability's

Cutting there. He took the quick route. The footwork of the horse at

the top of the bank, almost a half stride a trot step to put himself

right and flies that big wide oxer. He is still full of rung. He has his

ears pricked, still going forward. Big jump into the water. A lovely

picture. When the horse has its ears pricked

picture. When the horse has its ears it is great to behold. It is a

brilliant watch. I hope you are enjoying t the Lincolnshire Goose

brilliant watch. I hope you are hasn't caused many problems at all.

I know a few of the riders don't like it. Over the years it has put a

few on the deck but I don't think it has been a problem this year. This

horse is still full of running. Yes, it is good. And Andrew has seen his

spot from quite a long way out there. He is accelerating, gritting

his teeth. Getting at everything and Avebury is coming up with the

answers. Second last. He is going to pick up penalties but not very many.

He has, of course, the score of Sam Griffiths in his mind, 49.8 is

Griffiths' lead marker. Final fence for Nicholson, a tap with the whip,

Avebury responds gallantly. He is across the line. He goes into first

place, a tremendous round. Avebury, a step closer to history. Fantastic.

Could not be better. Classic ride from Mr Nicholson. CLARE BALDING: We

talked earlier about how Avebury could be the perfect Burghley

course. He saw it. He had to keep going. He has come up with the

fastest cross country clear round of the day. Last to go out there.

Brilliant riding from Andrew Nicholson. The horse just loved it.

It suits him so well. They go into the lead ahead of the show jumping.

Of the 63 horse who is started, 42 completed the cross country but

sadly Auto, who didn't was fatally injured. Our condolences to his

rider and the owners. Andrew Nicholson out in front. Two good

rides from Piggy French in 12 and 13 but let's get the reaction from our

leader. How much would it mean to you to be the first combination,

ever to win Burghley three times? It would be immense, wouldn't it? Just

for the horse, as well. For a horse to do that, is quite something. You

know He has been a favourite in the yard and, I think we would be very,

very proud of him. I'm proud of him anyway. But to win three four stars

in the same place. So we come to the final day of competition, the sun

has come out for the show-jumping we have a tight, twisty, turny course,

we could see lots of mistakes. It is four penalty points for a knockdown.

The leaderboard could change but Andrew Nicholson is on to make

history. Let's find out whether he does it or whether somebody from

lower down the leaderboard to overtake him. Your commentary same

is Ian Stark and John hunt. Jonelle price, first, on board The

Deputy, a top ten finisher, a couple of years ago. It is worth reminding

you, as the drama builds, that Jakata has been withdrawn, Piggy

French's horse who was laying in that position and also,

significantly withdrawn, Harbour Pilot who was in 7th. So now we are

looking at the current 10th place horse, the Deputy, carrying

penalties of 71. 1 into this show jumping round.

Jonelle, as we said had a brilliant week last week at the World

Championships. Classic Moet had one show jump down which actually cost

her the bronze medal individually. This course of Richard Jeffrey's

here, technically difficult. The first three are ascending, not too

bad and suddenly to the line, four, five and six, four strides and then

five strides. Quite a formidable line. The first and third element of

that line are both square. It is all the way downhill in this arena which

tends to look flat but is actually quite a lot of ups and downs and

bumps in the course. And this crucial line here - do they go for

stride left or do they add? She is down the hill. She has hit a few but

still standing and fine for time by my calculations. It is interesting.

Some horses can hit every fence and get away and others tap one and it

comes down. It is all about how they hit them and how hard they hit them.

The right turn now into the second last. She arrives here with ten

seconds on the clock. She should be fine. She's done exactly that. Now

the final fence. A double combination. You can hear the cheer

for yourself there, Jonelle Price is clear. So, that's a tremendous

result. She will carry forward her final score, 71.1. There are plenty

in front of her, including William Fox Pitt who could yet fall behind

here. -- behind her. In 9th place, Under The Clocks, and is the

Australian, Murray Lamperd is the rider here. The arena here at

Burghley under lovely blue skies, and it falls silent once again.

These riders, presumably Ian, will be full of confidence that the time

shouldn't be a factor. Going clear is the issue. Worth reminding people

that last year, not one of the top ten went clear. Not one. No, there

were some tired horses at the end of the cross country last year. I have

to say, the horses look quite fresh today, which is a good testament to

the ground conditions out there on the cross country course.

That's a shame. One down, the first one down.

Very few clear rounds on the three day event in the show jumping. That

is because it has been a long, strenuous day in the cross country

before. Four miles of galloping up and down hill and over these solid

fences. They do feel a bit different, the horses when they come

into this phase. So horse that is would normally show jump clear day

after day, are not always quite so careful at this three-day event.

Young Harry Zennies had a few down -- Harry Dzenis had a few down.

Emotionally and mentally it can be quite tiring and also there are

Emotionally and mentally it can be crowds and that can have an effect

on horse that is are not used to it. The conclusion of Murray Lamperd's

round. Might get a time penal ti. He does. A couple of them. He should be

pleased with his two jumps down, to 79:.

So clearly, Jonelle Price for New Zealand jumps ahead of him in the

order. Starting in eighth place. Bill

Levett for Australia on Improvise. 69. Had is the score they carry into

Levett for Australia on Improvise. their show jumping round. Improvise

was, let's just say, unusual to watch - unconventional, around his

cross country yesterday. Certainly enthusiastic. He was 9th in the four

snar Germany earlier this year. I have to say, he was keen yesterday

but his jumping never deteriorated. He is one of the quickest so far to

this point as well. The clock shouldn't be a factor for him. What

we were saying about horses being a little more tired on the final day

of a three-day event. I don't think the time should be too demanding but

this horse doesn't look the time should be too demanding but

done anything yesterday. It is full of running. Jumping well. Bill

Levett's round reaching its conclusion here. Again, very, very

neat. Three to jump. He loved that, didn't he? A lovely

clear round, comfortably within the time. And Bill Levett 69.59. He

carries his score forward and he, currently, with seven to go, in

first place. It will be a minor miracle if he were to win it, not

going to happen, is it, Ian? Probably not but it could well see

him moving up the order quite a bit. The pressure gets greater and

greater as we move up the order to the ones in the lead. A clear round

is always a big positive. For Great Britain, Gemma Tattersall.

Arctic Soul. 7th place at the start of the show jumping element. 64.2 is

her penalty score, carried forward. This is the one from cross country,

you will probably remember, thoroughbred, bred. Her sire was

fabulous. A flat racehorse, not a jumper, I should point out. It is

quite interesting because most of the horses that get to the top of

eventing have come off the flat, not off the jumping breeding.

Once they have jumped over brush fences in steeple chase, the

technique changes and they are not always quite as careful in this

phase but the flat bred horses are so much more physically stronger and

more power envelope their back hand they seem to cope. Gemma seemed to

clout the fourth, but it was secure. Her time is fine as well.

. She is looking, dare I say t quite confident, at the moment. -- dare I

say it. Going nicely, then for Gemma

Tattersall. Three to jump. Time is not an issue, she is fine there.

Absolutely fine. She gave that last one a kick but

she gives the punch in the air. Happy she can be, with her week's

work. With six to g she's the leader in the clubhouse.

-- with six to go. And now, the great William Fox-Pitt,

six times a winner at Burghley. An eventing legend, just about

everybody here in this arena will be willing him on here. The mathematics

suggests he requires a massive amount here to go his way. He is on

60.3 penalties. Remember, the leader Avebury on 46.1. So he is a fair way

off. This horse jumped well, when winning in Kentucky. Yes, he is a

pretty good jumper, normally. But these hills at Burghley can take the

stuffing out of horses sometimes, especially if they are not used

If William goes clear, he would -- -- if they are not used to it. If

William goes clear, it would need Avebury to have four. It is a tough

order. It is. And much as I would wish William to go well I wouldn't

want to see anybody have four down. Still a young horse. I think because

he has won so much in his career already, expectations are very high

but we expect he is still relatively young. But the nice thing is, he

bounced out of yesterday in good form. He looks fresh. Terrific.

He picked up the gasps from the crowd there. They sensed he was

wrong approaching the ninth. Yes, one or two horses going down that

hill are looking at the fence a little bit. Their eyes are drawn

down to the base of the fence, to the little wall on the signage. The

final line. Fantastic round for him. So

confident inside the time as well. He will finish Burghley on 60.3 with

five to go. He is the clubhouse leader.

Well, this is a different picture to last year where no-one was jumping

clear. Getting quite a few clear rounds. It goes to show the horses

are well after yesterday. CLARE BALDING: Gemma Tattersall. You

are clearly delighted? Just a little bit. I was expecting to go in and

have two down. So to jump a clear round, that was amazing. When you

say expecting it? The atmosphere and the crowd. He has not jumped at a

three-day for a long time. I thought he would get tense and worried. How

do you control yourself inyour own emotions in that situation? Take a

deep breath. Believe in myself. This is the bit I'm really good at. You

are going to finish 7th or better? Amazing. Can't believe T really

pleased. Over the money. -- can't believe it. Great stuff. Well ridden

today and yesterday. In 5th place for Great Britain on KBIS Briarlands

Matilda. She was thrilled with her, cross country-wise yesterday.

Any sort of penalty here and she will fall behind William Fox-Pitt

but she will be hoping to keep her nose ahead of him. We have already

said how brilliant Izzy is and how well she rode yesterday. And this

mare, Matilda, is very, very well she rode yesterday. And this

in this phase. Anything can happen, but for me, the highlight was

yesterday when there was such a good performance, cross country. And just

like the cross country, there is nothing, not a bomb going off would

disturb her. But the horse there, the fifth one down, four faults for

her. The riders have to be so incredibly

focussed in this ring because there are so many distractions of the

cameras and the crowds and again, down the hill to that vertical.

Another one away. Eight faults for her so far.

And Izzy Taylor finishes with a flourish A couple down -- with a

flourish. A couple down, 67.5. William Fox-Pitt goes ahead of her

with four riders left. I'm sure there will be an element of

frustration but again, a pretty decent week. I think she will be

pleased with the mare and herself. She has performed well. Clare

Balding. Our leader in the club house, William Fox-Pitt. Rattled a

couple but they stayed up. He tried hard. Spooky and a bit over-aware of

the spooky jumps. A couple of lucky moments but he has been fantastic

all week. I'm really pleased with him and very excited for next season

and his owner Katherine wit who owns Park Lane, who is not here what a

great substitute. It maybe there is too much ground to make up but you

uted president pressure on the leaders I didn't expect to make up

any ground. The scores were spread out. I got the time faults

yesterday. Thrilled to get home and thrilled with how he coped. It is

always great to jump a clear round on the last day. I wished I had done

it last week. And entering the arena Clifton Promise, last year's winner

before his disqualification, of course, Jock Paget, on board.

Acknowledges the crowd. In fourth place. 55.2. Avebury has two fences

in hand over him. So in order to put any pressure at all, he has to go

clear here. Well, he is very capable of it. He had one down last year but

as we have said, very few clears - well, no clears last year in the

final group of horses. But very, very capable. I think he has done a

good job. A good job in coping with this competition. He had a fairly

ghastly year after last year and it has only recently just been started

out. -- sorted out. That's a lot of added pressure for any rider to cope

with. A rattle behind there. Just getting low enough with his

back legs. The time is very solid. Not looking like it will be an issue

at all. This will be the one that he needs

to keep the horse off it a little bit. Not flatten down the hill.

Rattles t but it is fine. -- rattles it. You could hear a pin drop here.

The final line. A clear frowned Jock and he will put the pressure on the

rest of them. -- a clear round. The last coming up. Jock Paget.

APPLAUSE Superb. He has done exactly what he

had to do, comfortably clear, well within the time, 55.2, his carry

forward score. He can be no worse than fourth. That now puts some

pressure on Oliver Townend who will be next and Sam Griffiths and Andrew

Nicholson to come, of course. Just moving a little bit more uneasy in

their riding boots, as Jock Paget leaves the arena. Ask A bit

frustrated? Yes, normally a good jumper. I think she is tired from

yesterday. Have you watched it back yet? No, I will do it later. She

thinks quickly, doesn't she? Yes, she is very sharp, so you have to be

quick to react to what she does which can be great and not so great.

You are going to be at the front of You be's mind for the selections. --

Yogi's mind. Yes, hopefully, for the selections. Oliver Townend on Armada

was great in the cross-country yesterday. A purposeful salute to

the crowd. This situation here, with one-time penalty, he will be ahead

of Jock Paget and anything worse than and Jock Paget moves ahead. He

will still need mistakes to come from Sam Griffiths and Andrew

Nicholson. It is interesting that Oliver and William Fox-Pitt have

taken their horses across to look at number five, which has been causing

problems throughout number five, which has been causing

coming down quite a lot. The horses have been spooked. They both took

their horses to have a look. It is allowed under the rules to show your

horse a fence. It is the middle one of the three down the side of the

arena. Oliver Townend getting under way.

That fence is down. His head was just a bit too high over the first

of the two fences. As soon as their head is up, the back legs drop. His

chance of winning has gone. Jock Paget in pole position with two to

jump. Another one away. It is getting expensive.

The winner here five years ago. Oliver Townend on Armada takes the

final two fences. Another one down. Yes, not the finish you wanted by

any means. 71.1, showing us how quickly things can turn. He drops

right out of the playthings. Jock Paget in front with two to go. Sam

Griffiths and Andrew Nicholson. Sam Griffiths next. Griffiths can afford

one down and will still be ahead of Jock Paget. You will be on the

podium. You have moved up to third place and waiting, I guess. Yes. I

don't really like being in this position but it is the position we

are in. He jumped really well and I cannot do any more so I have to wait

and see what happens. You have to really look after him in the

cross-country. He said that yesterday. I just mean I didn't want

him to slip over because he was going too fast round the corners. He

wanted to do the job, jump the jumps and be fast. The course at the

beginning did not suit him as much as I would have liked. A bit rusty.

But he gives me everything and that is all I can ask for. You are in

third and it could get better. We will wait and see. Such a popular

rider. Sam Griffiths on Happy Times. Happy Times has been on the fringe

of this event as a horse three times. Great horse and great

combination. I have seen some brilliant clear rounds but I have

also seen him having two or three down. What sort of frame of mind is

in today? -- is he. Two down and Jock Paget would go ahead of him.

Clear here would stack the pressure on Avebury. They would then need to

go clear to make history. Great stuff.

Swinging to the second last. The time penalty will not be an issue

but that fence down could be so costly. Last fence. The very last!

Down as well. A final score of 57.8. Jock Paget is still in front.

Avebury now has a massive, massive chance to make history. That was a

serious disappointment and in the last one down at the very end. So

frustrating. The pressure is now on. Andrew Nicholson and Avebury then,

attempting to make history. No horse and rider combination has ever won

Burghley three years running. On 46.1. Jock Paget and 55.2 is his

target. Two fences down and he would still be fine. He can afford two so

what is his mentality? To go clear! Who would know what is going through

someone's mind under this sort of pressure? It is the position we all

want to be in, to be in the lead on that final day, but the pressure is

enormous. Thousands of people and that arena is such a lonely place.

Most people that I spoke to in the press room were convinced he would

get at least one down and possibly more. Can he prove them wrong?

He is trying to prove everybody wrong. Now the tricky

He is trying to prove everybody and he sails over it. Bang on the

time. From our vantage point I can see

Rosemary, the owner of the horse, watching this round, jumping every

fence with the horse. He got away with that. People are watching

through their hands in front of us. Is this history in the making? Only

three left to jump. He can afford to get two down. He is clear. Two to

jump. And Avebury, with the clock ticking down... Is safe over that

second last! Surely but surely? It is a slice of Burghley history for

the great Andrew Nicholson and the equally great Avebury! He has won

Burghley again for the third time! The first combination to ever do

that consecutively. A wonderful moment in eventing history. That is

fantastic. Even Andrew is saluting the crowd. We see Avebury jump that

final combination again. Rose Mary is on the left -- Rosemary. And his

wife. A tremendous moment for Andrew Nicholson. Yesterday he delighted

with a cross-country round to take him into pole position that he

accomplished the task with such class. She is getting picked up and

is a bit surprised! Getting a kiss. Huge celebrations because this is

history. The fifth time that he has won Burghley but the third in a row

and Avebury becomes the first horse ever to do that. Congratulations all

round. Fabulous stuff. They are celebrating. Well done. I am going

to cry in a minute. It is unbelievable. For the horse it is

amazing and for the sport. It has a big following now. To win here three

years in a row is unbelievable. He rattled nearly every fence but left

them up. I learned a long time ago they can touch them as much as they

want so long as they don't fall down. You contain your emotions very

well, but looking at this around you and how much it means to people,

this matters. It is key. Kevin, Annabel, the vet, the grooms,

everyone. To have a horse 14 years old that has been here as many times

times, it is a big team. I have got to have won three times, it is a big

team. I have got the a word with Rosemary because she has been so

strong in British eventing but today she is supporting New Zealand. This

is your horse. Well done. Absolutely amazing and Andrew did it in true

style from beginning to end. He came here when he was very young. Only

about eight or nine? No, he was ten. And he has been back every year

since and look what he has done in the last three. I really can't

believe it! It is too emotional. Andrew Nicholson wins again,

comfortably clear in the end from Jock Paget and Clifton promised in

second, and Sam Griffiths who had such high hopes in third place, and

William Fox-Pitt and Gemma Tattersall for Great Britain in

fourth and fifth. The Australian Bill Levett in sixth, Izzy Taylor

seventh. The day ends in disappointment for Oliver Townend

who must have had hopes for winning himself, finishing eighth after a

disappointing cross-country round with Armada. Jonelle Price and

Murray Lamperd ninth and 10th. Andrew Nicholson the clear-cut

winner of Burghley 2014. Andrew Nicholson is 53 years old now. He

came here 31 years ago and he has completed barely more times than any

other writer, but this is the highlight of everything he has

achieved. -- he has completed Burghley than any other rider. He

becomes the first in history to win the title three years in a row.

They're wonderful moment for Andrew Nicholson and as he took his lap of

honour, the crowd stood as one to support their wonderful horse and

rider and a supreme partnership because they have to do it

together. We asked if he is the supreme eventer and he is at

Burghley. This completes the Classics and there is a prize for

the most consistent rider across six of the highest class events and

William Fox-Pitt takes home a cheque for $40,000 having won in Kentucky

and finishing fourth here, sealing the title ahead of Sam Griffiths and

Oliver Townend with Andrew Nicholson in fourth. We are still enjoying the

evening sunshine at Burghley. Ben is alongside me. We promised that we

would be heading to Normandy for the conclusion of the individual

show-jumping and it is such an interesting format. Explain what

happens with the final four riders. Probably the only competition in

show-jumping where the final four start on a clean sheet on the last

day and get to ride each other's horses. The warm up is done in front

of the huge stadium there so the crowd get to see the changeover, the

competition. A great final finish. Four very worthy finalists and all

previous individual medal winners. Yes, finalists from America and

France. And Patrice Delaveau will get a huge home cheer. It is an

incredible stadium, isn't it? Yes, I went to watch my team-mates earlier

in the week and I stayed for the rest of the week and came back last

night and the stadium was packed. Totally full. You felt like you were

in a football match. The horses rose to the occasion and it has been

great jumping this week, just proving that show-jumping is a great

sport to be involved in. Normally equestrian sport is about the

partnership but this is a test of horsemanship because you are

switching to everybody else's. Is it an advantage to have a difficult

horse that nobody can ride? Absolutely. Some difficult horses in

the bunch. They are great writers use to different horses but there

will be tactics. -- great riders used to different horses. They will

be watching clips on YouTube. A tactical finish and a dramatic end

to a great week. With all the details and the action, let's get

commentary on the conclusion to the individual medals being decided at

the World Equestrian Games in show-jumping.

Jarrow and double damn, first to go, 42 and from the Netherlands. --

Jarrow in double damn -- Jeroen 42 and from the Netherlands. --

Dubbeldam. By the standards of the last couple of days, this is an

easier course. Normally they travel at 400 metres per minute, but