Highlights Equestrian: Burghley Horse Trials

What competition. My word! This horse has been absolutely brilliant.

Exceptional. What a fabulous combination. Pure class. He is way

over it! Welcome to Lincolnshire. This

glorious estate and Elizabethan house has been the setting of many a

film and drama series, but this weekend it's golden gate and gold

tipped turrets form the backdrop to one of the highlights of the

eventing season, the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. ?300,000 in

the pot in total, 90,000 going to the winner. We have horses here from

all around the globe. But the British riders have never felt more

confident, and that's because they come here on a high from having

taken team gold at the recent European Championships in Poland.

The horse doesn't quite lock on. This may be important for the

British team. Just got to hold together. We know

Great Britain are going to get a team medal today, that is

guaranteed, but it all hangs in the balance, all scores count. She has

done it. Britain takes the gold medal. Massive congratulations to

each and every one of them. They really are tremendous athletes, and

they will remember this day for a long, long time.

Tina Cook and Oliver Townend are with me. Many congratulations.

British eventing needed this, and to come back with the gold was

fantastic. We knew if we could put in our personal best, we would

challenge them, but to get ahead of the Germans was fantastic. And how

much does it help having Chris Bartle on the British side rather

than the Germans? I had my first job with him, he is a good man and

instilled a lot of confidence in the team, and he was brilliant through

the championships. And as you said, it is not just us having him, it is

the Germans not having him which plays a part. You both have two ride

here this weekend, so what are your hopes? You want to come here and be

competitive, I am the first out with Star Witness, he has finished in the

top ten twice before, but he struggles with the dressage. And

Calvino, he has been round Badminton in the spring and is doing well.

Very similar, Samuel Thomas, I followed Tina out, he was seventh

here last year, against rebels with the dressage but hopefully should

jump around, and they have an exciting new young horse, ten years

old, first time at this level, Balmore class, and I think he is

probably one of the best horses I have ever had. We will be keeping

tabs on both of you, and also Gemma Tattersall and Piggy French, they

are here along with a host of stars. New Zealand's five times Burghley

winner Sir Mark Todd, and Andrew Nicholson, who this spring won his

first badminton. A strong American contingent headed by Boyd Martin,

and amongst the British riders, Zara Tindall, 14 years after making her

debut which you finished second here to Pippa Funnell, she will fancy her

chances of winning the title on High Kingdom. We have had fabulous

weather for the first two days of dressage and big crowds, Ian start

here beside me, and leading the way, the oldest man in the field, Mark

Todd. Can you believe it? He will be thrilled, because leonine has always

been the favourite, but this was by far his best, and Mark Todd could

pass for a 20 odd if you don't get too close! He is right at the top of

his game, and is now talking about going to Tokyo, which would be his

eighth Olympic Games? And quite right, too. He is riding like a

young man, and he looks great. He really works on his fitness. So good

luck to him. Let's talk about Lauren Kieffer, over from the USA, she is

not far behind Toddy. Yes, and was second in Kentucky. Karen O'Connor

produced the horse, Veronica, initially. She had fought earlier

this summer, but if they are on form, they could be contenders. And

when Michael Jung is at an event, he did admit to making a slight

mistake, and was marked down for it in the flying changes. It was a

silly mistake, anyone can make it, but the good thing about Michael

Jung is he didn't react to it. He forgot about it and moved on and got

good marks again. But he is never really in the lead on Sam, he is

behind the leaders and comes through and finishes on that score, that is

what he is brilliant at. We have five riders with scores of less than

40, and the best place British rider Tina Cook will be thrilled with

that. She is in flying form. I watched her all year. Younger horses

coming through, she has never put a foot wrong, and the European

Championships just showed, she is such a consistent performer, and she

gets better and better in my opinion, and she will be delighted

with this young horse. Let's confirm the leaderboard for you: After the

dressage, Mark Todd in front, Michael Jung of Germany on 38.9, and

Andrew Nicholson going for the red double of Badminton and Burghley in

the same year. A very good test from Oliver Townend and Don l'amour

class. Gemma Tattersall, a personal best for her. But all of these

riders in contention, it is a very cramped leaderboard, any score in

the 40s is decent as well, so going right down to Tom McEwen who could

move right at the leaderboard with good cross-country.

So that is the leaderboard after one third of the competition, but now

the big test, and it is big. Captain Mark Phillips is once again the

course designer, and here he is making use of trees that came down

in storm Doris, this is a big jumping test that will take the

riders 11 and a half minutes to complete, but this is what it looks

like from the horse's point of view in just 90 seconds.

Well, if that took your breath away, let's have a look in a bit more

detail. 6400 metres, this course, 11 minutes and 14 seconds the optimum

time, and five jumping efforts inside the first minute and the

first major test at six, the lakeside corners. Lakeside corners

is a very serious question, it is about finding your line early in the

water and then go for it, keeping the horse straight and attacking the

corn is the key for me to jump it clear and fast. The more difficult

routes pass to the left of the step and John Podmore extreme corner, so

one jumping effort instead of three, but it is a difficult line. The

other way, you have to step up, over a log and a direct line to the

corner. Then it is left to the formidable but good jump into the

slate mine, and then the new part of the course. Storm Doris is a big

bowl, technical question. It is beautifully inviting, those huge

logs which makes it look a bit smaller until you get closer and you

realise how vast they are. The straight route is less effort in

that it is less jumping, but the actual size of the jumps, the

straight route corner is enormous. And on the left hand side you can go

corner to a log and then to another smaller log. It is just a slower

route. And then a little time up the famous winners Avenue where all past

Burghley heroes are honoured, and onto the leap at 13. A really tricky

brush combination with an alternative at 15, and then... For a

half minutes into the course, we come to fence 16, the Land Rover

dairy farm. Steep approach up this bank to a very upright gait,

although I think this year because we have jumped it already it doesn't

look so bad. We have an alternative over there, which is another upright

gait but on level ground, but it is going to take you quite a bit

longer. But it looks very imposing coming up the bank, let's hope for a

good shot. And we have got to be thinking, jumping a little bit left

to right, because over there we have 16 B and 17, all in one fence, so we

have to get that line right to go down the drop and over the corner.

It is a real test of the horses where they need to understand that

there is a job coming up, but they probably don't understand what that

is until we get to about here. Then they will look at, and they will

store over this fairly big corner no problems. If by chance your horse

runs out here, you then have an option of going around, jumping

another roll-top there, and then moving on around and jumping the

corner there. 17 fences effectively taken, and over 18 and 19. We are

now at the Rolex combination fence, which is numbered 18 and 19. These

are three seriously big fences, but from stood back, there is a line

through them, but it is just going to encourage some really positive,

bold, accurate riding. From the start you can see how wide this

fence is, you have to be really accurate here. Be positive, land

over this, hopefully we will be here, landing about here, and then

forced rides to the middle element, we are walking it here. Sticking

slightly to the right-hand side all the time with our eyes up looking at

19, the last element of this combination which is a corner,

requires accuracy. If you get in well, ride your four strides super

forward, get a big jump over this huge ditch, look up and then forward

on your four strides over there. You are here to be bold and give it a

real go. The alternative is quite fiddly, quite tricky, having a

bounce over this rail to a tight turn to a pretty massive corn on the

turn as well. If we run out of the final part, you do have a get out

just here on the right, but it is just going to waste a lot of time.

It is a combination that Mark Phillips, the course designer,

thinks is the hardest on the course. The captains log 21, and then the

most famous water complex of all. The trout hatchery is one of the key

fences. Bravery is needed. You have to make sure that you have plenty of

energy, it is late on in the course, you have to make sure the horses

focused and in front of you, because there are lots of questions, you

have to keep to your line, keep your shoulders back and focus on where

you want to go and keep the horse in front of you. It is very much a

4-star question. It is very fair, but it will cause problems. They

will be hoping to stay dry and stay focused as they head on past friends

24, Herbert's hollow, to the discovery Valley. We have a big

brush oxer, and if you over jump it, you will run past the hedge, that

would be getting late on in the course. It will be a quick, long

route, and not too strenuous on them, which you have to think about

at that stage. It is a tough question because it is late in the

course, and it is like Burghley, it is tough all the way. The end of the

course really twist and turns and undulates, and it gets no less

testing. Belief pit requires bravery and balance as you go down the steep

slide and accuracy when you get to the bottom to jump the triple bar

arrowheads on two strides on really dodgy ground. It is going to take

stamina, a lot of grip, I don't think anyone is going to do that

just beautifully and calmly. Panizzon, Concentration required as

they double back on themselves for Discovery Valley again and then the

arena home coming, the picnic table and the final fence is in Land Rover

finale. We have perfect conditions here today, the sun is shining, the

crowds are here taking their positions. The first rider on the

course is Tina Cook on Star Witness. Let's join our commentators. No

better pair to start us than Tina Cook and Star Witness, fresh from

her performance in the gold medal winning team. This horse has scope

and experience. Yes and Tina's involvement with racing as well and

the whole family's steeped in racing and show jumping and eventing, the

horse is so fit. She has them at the best of their condition. She is in

flying form. Everything she rides just is going well. I hope that

doesn't put a jinx on her. Because she is in great form. Three decades

at the top, Tina, but really fired up for this composition. --

competition. Down to the Lion Bridge water that, bit at the top is

technically tough. Looking good. On to fence 5 and 6 the lakeside

corners. One jump over a massive corner. Three jumping efforts, much

slower. Tina looking very determined, very

positive. Grit and determination on her face. And she is going to take

the one jumping effort. I can't see why anyone would want to put three

efforts in here. It is a huge stamina question, this course at

Burghley and Tina pops that big brush corner. This uphill fence

looks massive, because it is uphill, the horses have their hind legs

under them and make it look simple. Tina jumped it to the right where it

is a tiny bit smaller. There is no jump there. But not the perfect spot

for that big brush, but nice and close. She wants to save a bit of

energy as she comes town the hill -- down the hill to this new part of

the course after Storm Doris. A right-hand route. Probably going to

be the favoured route. Two long strides for Tina. The riders were

walking that quite short. Tina had to sit down and ride. The The name

suggests trees brought down in that storm. Now here is Zam. A no

nonsense combination. I have had respect for Harry and this horse,

Xam. They have had some great rides. Just the odd hiccup. Kristina Cook

and the Cottesmore leap. She makes it look easy. You expect that from a

thoroughbred horse. It is the top of the hill and they have the choice of

left hand route over two brush oxers. But she gets a brilliant

ride. There is an alternative to the right. Harry Dzenis and Xam. Lovely

spot to that brush. Wasting no energy. Tina Cook approaching the

Land Rover dairy farm. The white line is the direct route. The yellow

line five seconds longer. She is ahead of the clock. Perfect footing

here. Tina's on a thoroughbred horse. Makes that look like child's

play. What's Mark Phillips thinking now, too easy? I think he will be

sick at this present time. Andrew Nicholson on Qwanza. Just pops that.

It is quite distracting going under the bridge to get to this trailer.

But lovely expression from the mare. Tina Cook approaching the Rolex. The

direct route here, big oxer. Over a chicaner and then a corner. Captain

Phillips thinks this the hardest combination she has set them, do you

agree? I think there is a way through it. For me five strides on

the bends, over the chicaner and move on to the four on that corner.

Perfectly executed. Mark will be sick, that just looked so easy.

Don't want to put the mockers on, but she is doing it ever so easily.

Andrew Nicholson. Oh! Qwanza almost too brave there. Just took one

stride and said, I can do this, dad. Happily Qwanza is up and so is

Andrew, but he looks sore. The mare takes up and just cannot make it.

That is a great pity. Almost too brave from the horse. She had that

lovely expression on her face. She is a little mare, but Andrew said

she has too much heart. Tina Cook at the maltings. There is a direct line

and a bit more distance to the final oxer. A huge base spread on these

jumps. She just pops over them. Harry Dzenis on the dairy farm. He

is four seconds under. It is a big gate at the top of this. The rise

puts the horse in a nice shape and they jump the gate well. Really

positive. Nice flowing round. Tina Cook coming to the trout hatchery.

The direct route that is white line. The yellow route's a long time to

take the alternative. Here she is on Star Witness. That is a big brush on

the approach and they have to run through a puddle here. A little

hesitant, but a drop and a trot in the water. But keeps focussed and

Tina is determined. Brilliantly ridden. Well done both of them and

she is punching the air and clapping the horse. Claire Abbot for Ireland

on Euro Prince. 23rd after the first phase. They're a gutsy pair. This

always has a great expression on its face. They're taking the direct one

option. It is an enduring partnership, they have been together

since the horse was a five-year-old, now 14. The discovery valley here

the quick route over the big brush and turn sharp left. Tricky.

Tina coming down the hill now. The important thing at this brush is at

the top of the rise they have got to get in close so they don't overjump

on the landing side and then make that tough turn with the sloping

away camber. Gets the perfect four strides. It is no wonder she is

patting this horse. Claire Abbot down to Storm Doris. They're quick,

it looked as quick as Andrew Nicholson, but the horse backs off.

Harry Dzenis and Xam. Harry has been giving a great performance out here.

Lovely jumping. Gets the four strides to that brush and then a

steady five. Spot on there. Making this look pretty easy. Beautifully

through the trout hatchery. As Tina Cook and Star Witness, the first on

the course, head down now towards the Rolex grandstand rail. They're

well within the time and it is the leaf pit next. This is tricky. This

is seriously tricky. She is coming the quick route. It is a steep bank

down and two very skinny fences on a bending two. Tina, wow! And this is

great for young riders to look at. She is encouraging the horse the

whole time. 31-year-old Claire Abbot and Euro Prince for Ireland. That

was a bit of a scary one. A big jump over the corner. She doesn't seem to

mind, she just keeps riding forward. That is the name of the game, always

attacking. The last stages for Tina Cook so, far, so brilliant. And so

quickly back into her rhythm after the jumps. She is moving and

motivate rd, wastes not a second. A good indication of how close the

crowd can get. What effect does the arena have on the horses? They have

been doing dressage and the next day they will show jump. They can be

distracted. She made it look easy. She may get inside the time. Here is

Harry Dzenis. It has been a good round so far. And a good tapped on

shoulder, he said, stay straight, mate. And the horse responded. Will

Tina make it inside the time. She has 15 seconds to make it. She has

just got the final fence to negotiate and through the finish and

she should do is and she should do this comfortably and if you want a

path finder, you won't find a better one than that. A punch of the air

and a check of the watch. Fantastic. That is a great performance. Mark

Philips, the course designer will be kind of disappointed, but we are

thrilled. Surely going to get harder than that. Tom McEwan a young rider.

On the Toledo De Kerser. A real potential team member for the

future. Done nothing wrong in the build up to Burghley and started off

in a very positive fashion. Tom's got a lot of ability a lot of

talent. He trained with Mark Todd. Quickly moved his whip through there

from his right hand to his left hand. That tells you he is going

this bounce step way, so he can encourage the horse to stay

straight. I like to see that, the rider swapping the whip, it shows

they're thinking ahead. And easy. Over that huge fence that comes

after the lakeside corners. Claire Abbot on Euro Prince. Look at his

ears, it is just the expression is fantastic. He is still a double

handful. He wants to get on with it. Claire getting organised. Actually

shouting, launch. Never going to make that direct route. He is just

jumping through her hand a bit. Getting a bit wild and woolly, but

they're still clear. They have to indicate to the fence judges they're

going to take the longer route. Here is Harry Dzenis and Xam, they're a

little down on the clock. 57.3 and into second position. A very assured

performance. A brilliant performance actually. We turn to Tom McEwan, one

young man to another. Not the perfect spot at the brush. But

thinking forward. That positive attitude will help. So far the

favoured route seems to be that left-hand side. A long do strides.

-- a long two strides. It is great if they get it right like that. My

worry is the ones that miss. This just a check on the the time for

Tom. He is going well. Just a ten-year-old. A promising horse and

a promising young rider as well. Through the dairy farm. Lovely. You

couldn't is for a better path find tore show how it is done. That was

magnificent. I'm actually welling up. He has been here before and he

was amazing, he is a thoroughbred horse, but he rides like a pony. He

has the engine and scope and he can go from any stride. It makes me look

good when yourself sat on a horse that can do that for you. It could

be a great day for her. Here is Tom McEwan.

Quite brave, and stay positive throughout. They are flying, this

horses really responding. And here is Clare Abbott coming down to the

finish, this has been an exhilarating round to watch. It has

had me on the edge of my seat, but brilliant performance, into third

position, a bit over the time. She is giving him a pat, I thought she

looked a bit serious there, but she has had a fantastic outing. The

world number one, he needs little introduction, Michael Jung, riding

Sam, as he is known. He would have been higher in the dressage had it

not been for a small error. He is the FBI number one in the world. He

is pretty special, they are a great partnership, and they know each

other so well. Michael having a little look down to the right, and

not quite sure what he was worried about there, but you will remember a

couple of years ago he came into this water bit quick, tipped over

and broke his ankle, but a is sitting up, pops over that and very

quickly back into the rhythm. This is Tom McEwen, it has been a really

good round so far, as Tom comes round to take the Trout Hatchery.

That was a bit of a flyer in, quite brave. Luckily he saw that, to be

ideal that is five strides, but he took one out, that is flying. Sam is

at Storm Doris. Easy! What is there to say? Perfection. In the start box

and off riding Arctic Soul, 32-year-old Gemma Tattersall.

Dressage score of 43, put her in eighth place, she could be a

contender. I would think a serious contender, one of the fastest

courses there is -- one of the fastest horses there is

cross-country. He has come up with probably his best ever dressage test

this weekend. And Gemma has set up the most brilliant partnership with

him. They were fifth in this competition in 2014. Gemma won the

national championship Sergas all this year. She has not been feeling

too well, a bit of a cold, but that won't stop her. Here is Michael Jung

on Sam. And right on the time. We he should be for the minute marker.

And accuracy and perfection yet again. Just so fluid. Sam is 17

years old, but showing no signs of it. He looks like a young horse as

he gallops across, ears pricked. Wanting to get on with the job,

brilliant jumping there. Actually, that is quite interesting, that is a

nice four in there, and actually, they got five. Tom McEwen and Toledo

De Kerser, into the Leaf Pit. He is in a bit of a hurry. Well held, that

was a brilliant bit of riding, but he seems in a hurry. I think he is

trying to get inside that time. Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul.

Into Storm Doris. How do you think that is riding so

far? Apart from Mr Nicholson, it has been great. Michael Jung coming to

the Maltings. Very tight, economic line, wasting not a second. Keeping

the flow, great jumping. And coming down toward the finish now, Tom

McEwen and Toledo De Kerser, you can just see the clock ticking down, and

he will be pretty close. He might get a penalty or a two, but nothing

too significant. That is an outstanding round, and he goes into

the leaders well, Tom McEwen, it just 16 years old, and he has all

the talent. Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul

other Cottesmore Leap. Easy! That is bread and butter for this horse,

that kind of offence. And then already swinging left, socially is

going to the big brush oxers. And you couldn't see quite a long two

strides there, they have got to keep riding them. You don't like them, do

you? I don't, I prefer the right, but I haven't seen anyone jumps yet.

Here is Michael at the try Khacheridi. -- trout hatchery. Oh,

nobody saw that coming. They certainly didn't. Good jump in, just

looked to me a little bit like Michael was holding for an extra

stride, didn't give the horse much of a chance to see the fence, and he

said, what's that about? And Michael has decided to call it a day on Sam.

You'd think such, such a combination wouldn't make mistakes, but anything

can happen. Gemma Tattersall is ten seconds inside the time as she comes

through Rolex. And looking great. This horse as I said is very fast,

he is a thoroughbred horse and just keeps galloping as he comes to the

Maltings gate. A little rattle, but nothing to worry about. He didn't

cut much ice on the racecourse in four appearances, this horse, but he

has certainly made the grade as an event. That is what is so fantastic,

we have so many great horses coming forward to eventing. And here is

Zara Tindall on High Kingdom. A bit of a renaissance from Zara this

year, she burst onto the eventing seen in 2013 on Toytown, and she is

fired up and ready to get her career rolling again. She really got after

him as she came out of the water and said, focus and keep your mind on

the job, boy. Such a brilliant ride across the country, Zara, and this

great little horse bred in Ireland. Third in the 4-star at Lexington

this year. Tenth at Burghley in 2011. Quite a long that corner, but

the horses so reliable and stayed so straight on his line.

And away they go, High Kingdom and Zara Tindall, as we pick up Gemma

Tattersall and Arctic Soul at the Trout Hatchery. Showing that he is a

thoroughbred, and he is not going to run out of speed and stamina, he is

still flying. And quite boldly into the water, just got tipped forward,

decided to go the long route, and still flying. Do you think that was

premeditated, or do you think she had to improvise? I kind of feel she

had to improvise. I think she would have been intending going direct,

but just watch again as she comes round. Focused, it was quite forward

and a bit of a big stride in, and he just fires his back end up in the

air, tips in forward, and she has no choice but to go long.

CLARE BALDING: We have managed to get hold of Michael Jung. Tell us

what happened in the Trout Hatchery with Sam. I was too slow in my

reactions, and I lost the reins, and it was really my fault. So the horse

cannot see the jump really, and the question was what he had to do. You

made a decision very quickly to retire him. He is getting on in age.

Do you still plan to compete him again this year somewhere? , Think

so. Now we have a really long drive home, so we can think about

everything, and then I will ride him at home but he gave me a very good

feeling around the course, so this was just a stupid mistake from me,

not the horse, and I think he galloped seven minutes, so I think

he can do another round this season. It can even happen to the best.

Philosophical Michael Jung. Here is Zara Tindall at Cottesmore Leap.

Along one there, but High Kingdom responding. Now, does she go right

or left here, right of the skinny brushes, left over the oxers? She

has gone right! It makes me feel good, her dad must have told to go

right! Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul. Coming to Discovery Valley.

Nice, quiet jump, a good bit of accuracy, great riding, good

reactions from Gemma there. Zara is right on the time where she should

be she is to make the optimum. She takes a stride out, still gets the

right one to the corner. She knows her horse well and she did the right

thing. Gemma Tattersall at the Leaf Pit. Most of them going the direct

route here. It is quite risky for that drift right at the second

skinny, but no problem for Gemma, and she is still kicking an. And the

Trout Hatchery furs are. Nicely balanced, good jump in, and... Oh,

no! He looked perfect, and he just slightly drifted right. Zara is not

terribly happy about that. She is livid. A little temper tantrum

there. He leaves his right leg down, catches on the brush, and Zara had

no choice but to be a jetted out to the left. Disappointment. And then

you have the ignominy of walking soaking wet pass the crowd, and she

is being very good and letting people take pictures. She has

obviously said something funny to them, she is cheerful. Now, Gemma

Tattersall and Arctic Soul have a minute to get home from here if they

are going to make the time and incur no time penalties, and this horse's

round has been exquisite so far. Brilliant, and a minute from the

main arena, should make the time, all being well. Certainly as we have

said, this thoroughbred can keep galloping right the way to the line,

and she is riding for the finish here. 18, 17 seconds, one job to go,

and she is turning to that already. I would say she is pretty OK on the

time. Brilliant performance from Arctic Soul, and relax before she

even crosses the finish line. Even with a cold, she has done a

brilliant performance, gone into the lead. That propels her to the top of

the leaderboard with 43 penalties, she finishes on her dressage score

ahead of Tom McEwen, Tina Cook, it is one, two, three, four for Great

Britain so far. Boyd Martin, he is Australian-born

but is now based in America, an Steady Eddie. 21st equal after the

dressage, he was 48th on his Burghley debut in 2011. There was an

overreach brute lying in the water before that turn under the bridge. I

don't think we need to worry about that at this particular moment. We

have seen one thoroughbred, Arctic Soul, just finish, this horse also

came off the track. Ran 36 times in Australia. Modest success, he is New

Zealand bred. 36 runs, so he must be quite tough. Extremely tough, and

that was before he was four. CLARE BALDING: This is our new

leader, Gemma Tattersall with a blue Ligtlee around on Arctic Soul. You

had to think quickly a couple of times. I had to think quickly a

couple of times, and I have a horrendous cold and a bit of a chest

infection, so it was quite a challenge, and I started feeling out

of breath, and I kept putting my hands on the reins and saying, boy,

you have to do this for me, because I felt like I couldn't help him, but

he has got such an engine, and we have got such a good relationship, I

just pointed him and he said, there are the flags, here we go. Brilliant

round from Gemma Tattersall, here is Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie as they

come towards the Cottesmore Leap. This is my first year as co-coach

for the cross-country riding of the American team, and I've told him to

go to the right here. Let's hope it works. Brilliant jump in, and I

still believe that's the softest, kindest route for the horses. It's

good to see they are still respecting your authority after a

couple of days in the job! They will soon get rid of me, don't worry.

This is Izzy Taylor and Trevidden. 12th after the dressage, this,

nation. And this is a combination informed, won three big events this

season. They won that CIC three star this year, and certainly they are

informed. Boyd Martin is going well timewise an Steady Eddie. We want

him to go for a stride here, but I told him he must get five, and he

swings back and gets the four there, perfect. He must still like me at

the moment! There is still time. Ymansky, This is a thoroughbred

horse. He thinks the horse will keep galloping right to the line. He is

going to make sure he keeps up on the minute markers. A good turn

there. Nice jump. Continues with that brilliant stride. That

combination at the maltings has posed very few problems so far.

Great to see her with a lovely horse. She has always been a top

rider for me. Hasn't always had the easiest of the horses. But she adds

a stride in there. She doesn't get a great jump over the brushes. But the

horse is quick and sharp. Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie at the trout

hatchery. It maybe steady Boyd in a minute. Quite quick in. But locks on

to that brush. A bit of finger top control from Boyd. But the horse

responded and reacted brilliantly. Boyd's countryman, Lauren Kiefer

also riding for the United States. An excellent dressage stage on

Veronica, a Dutch-bred mare. This pair have twice been second in

Kentucky at the big competition. Has had the odd mishap. Lauren's come

off her a couple of times. Had a bit of a fall earlier this summer. I

would expect to see her kicking on and going for the time. Especially

with such a brilliant dressage test. Coming to the lion's bridge. Nice

jump in. Good, quick reaction from Lauren there. Picked up the reins

quickly. Back in balance. Accelerates away. Here is Izzy

Taylor. Still gets a five in there. You can hear her clicking, saying,

come on. A bit of adjustment. He has a huge stride. It is not surprising

he is well under the clock. Lauren Kieffer at Storm Doris. Looking

good. Back with Izzy Taylor now. One of the busiest riders on the

circuit. A big, scopy horse this. Fighting a bit with the contact at

times. You can hear her saying she is going long. Good call. Watching

I'm wondering whether a martingale wouldn't help with this horse.

Having said that, stumbled on landing. I think it would help the

balance a bit. But she has probably tried it and it might not be the

right answer. Does he look a challenging horse to organise? That

is the thing, when she goes to set him up, he puts his head up and

bites the contact. But Izzy know what is she is doing. Lauren Kieffer

is going quite slowly here. That will be a problem. She needs to pick

up some time or she will incur time penalties. You hear her saying, good

girl, but she was a minute and 20 seconds under the time at badminton.

Boyd Martin close to the time as they come through the jumps in the

arena. He is kicking on. He hasn't got the gallop he had earlier on.

Izzy Taylor and Trevidden to discovery valley. A great bit of

control riding from Izzy. Got a little chipped in extra stride. But

there was no doubt he was going to jump that fence. Another American,

Lynne Symansky, riding Donner. It is her second trip to Burghley. She was

11th after the dressage with a score of.5. Not always found the time

easy. The horse is quite short-striding. He is quite busy in

the way she goes. Lynn has to keep the pressure on and not give him the

chance to add any extra strides. She always favoured going to the bright.

He has a thing about right-hand corners. Here is Boyd Martin and

Steady Eddie. He is certainly riding a finish coming to the last. But he

is going to be over the time. But only just. Into third position. Five

seconds over. He will be happy with that. That is a great round. From

the Australian-born American. In that makes any sense. With a

Scottish coach. The American-born American, also with a Scottish

coach. No where near going to make that turn. So the clock time

ticking. She was already down on the clock. This won't help. Jumping

well, but just lacking that extra bit of speed.

Izzy Taylor, well over a minute to go. If the jumping's OK, I would say

this is another one going to be inside the time. Great to see her

with a top horse. I'm so excited for her.

Lynn Symansky and Donner. She comes down to Storm Doris. She is not

happy with the right-hand corners, but she is going the quick route. So

we will hope for the best that she stays on the line. A bit of a drift

right, but she held on to that left rein and got away with it. Izzy

Taylor coming to the last. She still has 10 seconds in hand. Goes into

second place. Just behind Jemma Tattersall, who is less than a show

jump ahead of Izzy. Here is Lynn Symansky, going well so

far. On the time at the moment. She was always going to go the left-hand

route. She wanted to avoid that big corner at the bottom of the bank. So

wasting a few seconds, but actually does it very quickly and is quickly

back into a rhythm. Another rider changing her whip for the corner.

Good to see. Lauren Kieffer and the mare Veronica. She will be

disappointed, it was an excellent dressage round, but this has been

too slow. Yes, it was great jumping, she did a good job, but wasted too

much time. I'm disappointed for her. Here is Piggy French. Piggy's

another one, great to see her back at the top. Had a good ride in the

European Championships as an individual in Poland. This mare went

so well at Braham earlier this year. She has to be excited about it.

Ninth after the dressage. She is one knocking on the door. A good fast

round would be brilliant. She said this mare can be quite challenging.

She tends to have a low head carriage and can get worked up. But

she looks on best behaviour. It is a big year for Piggy. A come back

year. It is and there is no one better, on the right horse she could

be in front of anyone. Looking fantastic at the moment. Great

stride. Only three horses clear inside the time, one is Trevidden.

You're in second place. Thank you, he was super. He loves to gallop and

finished full of running. He is a horse relative think new to you. Yes

this time last year we kind of met for the fist time. We did click

straightaway. But it takes time to get to know each other and all our

little quirks. But I love him. You can see why. Here is Vanir Kamira

and Piggy French at Storm Doris. Doesn't get much better than that,

does it? Line Symansky and Donner. He is a thoroughbred horse. He can

add strides. He has not got a huge length of stride. But Lynn focussed.

Good turn and brilliant jump over that final element and she is

kicking on. She is going to try for this time. I love the expression.

Look at the crowd's expression, never mind the rider. They're all

focussed as well. Grim determination. She sees her spot. A

bit far off. But Donner responds. That is Andrew Nicholson passed fit

to ride after his fall earlier. Here his on the legendary horse. He has

won here three consecutive types here -- times here. A brilliant

career. He has had a brilliant owner. It was

great that the horse won at badminton. You feel relaxed watching

them. Lynn Symansky and Donner. Quick, tight turn and held the line

beautifully there. Look at her, straightaway she is in that forward

position, back galloping. A lot of the riders saying that final element

is coming out at this from nowhere. Let's check Piggy French's time as

she heads to the dairy farm. She is very good. A bit of a wobble in

front of that corner. But a lot of height over it. Andrew Nicholson,

this is where he had his fall earlier. Piggy French at the

maltings. A good turn. Can those uprights be sometimes more

difficult? Yes, because you're galloping and the riders find it

easy to kick on to an oxer. An upright gate you can get

dephenomenontive. -- Defensive. They entered the arena with 55 seconds to

go. They should be close to the time. It has been a good round so

far. There is no question about the most experienced ride here, its Sir

Mark Todd. He has won the title five times, but not since 1999. But his

dressage test has put him in pole position. He is our leader after

dress Ang and that means if all goes well he still will be tonight. There

he is. Living legend, Sir Mark Todd. 61 years young! Off he goes. On

Leonidas II. How brilliant to be leading after the dressage. Puts the

pressure on though. Lynn Symansky and Donner. They will incur some

time Pennell tips, but not many -- penalties, but not many. She goes

into third place and the American coach, cross country coach is

absolutely elated. But we will keep him in the commentary box! I can't

do this on my own. Here is Piggy French. Kicking on boldly into the

trout hatchery. Really determined. Holds the horse left. It was

drifting right. You could see it hanging to the right. She opened her

left rein to stay straight. Took the flag out, but was OK. A good jump

in. Some of the expressions on the riders it would frighten you off.

They're so focussed. The horse drifts right, she says stay

straight, the horse says, OK, I will try. Sir Mark Todd and Leonida.

That was a fence that I thought was flat and wide going in there, and

Leonidas didn't go up much in the air, went very flat, but a good job

over the corner, and nobody has a better Ivan Toney. Here is Andrew

Nicholson. Just a little over the time at the moment. He is still

jumping well. Just maybe not galloping as freely and easily as he

has the past, but he is getting on in years, all of us. Piggy French

coming to Discovery Valley. I thought she was rather brave, the

horse fortunately didn't get too high, and she made a brilliant job

of the turn. There were gasps from the crowd, but she lucks to have

matters under control. And that is what counts, you have to know your

horse. Andrew and Nari know each other very well. Effortless jumping.

Mark Todd on Leonidas. I think that was a

miss, but he got away with it! The horses catch the brush with their

hindlegs, and it tips them onto the forehand. Into the Trout Hatchery,

Nereo and Andrew Richardson. And he took a stride out, I don't think you

meant to, but Nereo said, I've got it! Piggy French and veneer Kammerer

down into the Leaf Pit. She did a brilliant job of steering, but horse

said, I can see the flags, relax! Mark Todd and Leonidas coming to the

Rolex. Pretty brave for an old man! And here is Piggy French now. Coming

up to the finish. And they will get a time fault or two, but she is

pretty near the time, and she will be thrilled with that, this mayor

has produced a brilliant round. She goes into third. Gemma Tattersall is

still in the lead with 43 penalties, Izzy Taylor just behind, and now

Mark Todd and Leonidas coming to the Trout Hatchery. He didn't get very

high there, he went right through the top of the brush. Good jump in.

Looked as though he planned to do that, but didn't really line-up that

skinny brush at all. He is not getting very high now, I have to

say, looking a little weary on his legs, he kind of slithers over that

fence. I suppose there is a fine line between economy and effort and

not making enough effort. Hope you get over the top of the fence is at

least. Andrew Nicholson and Nereo, on their way home, perhaps just a

little slower than we had anticipated. I think so. He hasn't

been galloping in the way we are used to this horse galloping, but he

is still pretty close to the time. He has only got 45 seconds from now,

I don't think he will quite make it. CLARE BALDING: Piggy French is back,

and back in style! She is fabulous. I feel a bit emotional, actually,

because I just, she never feels like that scope E, and she got out there

and was incredible, it is great to be here and great to have a horse of

that calibre to make it feel quite easy, she is one of those little

mares that you feel will dive you to get through the flags, and she says,

it is all right, mum, I've got you! You don't get many like that, she is

a real trier. Back now with Andrew Nicholson, and he is going to pick

up a few time penalties here on Nereo, but still a good round with a

good dressage score means that he shouldn't be too far off the

leaders. He will be a little frustrated he hasn't made the time,

but they worked so hard, and then we have had a few nights of rain. It is

probably more tiring and softer than we think it is after the rain. It

looks perfect but perhaps the horses are going in a little bit further

than we think. One of the riders saying that the track rides a lot

softer than it walks. I think that is probably very true. Into

Discovery Valley for Mark Todd, and oh! What a day full of surprises,

first Michael Jung and now some Mark Todd. The horse has removed his

bridle. He gets a little inverted, get his head up in the air, doesn't

look at the landing side, so he guesses, crumbles and a spectacular

role from Mark Todd. Who would have thought it? And their ends Burghley

2017 for Mark Todd. He is Tim Price, another Kiwi, and a prolifically

successful one as well. This is a particularly good cross-country

course, Ringwood Sky Boy, a quality horse with a good gallop. He will be

trying to get inside the time if possible. There is a long way to go

yet. Tim was enjoying a lovely round earlier until an annoying error late

on the course. Kind of tired horse error as much as anything on his

first horse. But he is locking onto these fences, and not wasting any

time, keeping a really good with at the start of this course.

CLARE BALDING: We saw at Badminton that you can move up in the

showjumping phase, you did it there. You have a few to overtake again

here. I would like to have gone on, but Nereo is like me, getting older,

he doesn't have the Facey used to have -- the pace he used to have. He

jumped the last two fences in Matt Oakley, which gives you a good

feeling for tomorrow, and all I have to do is what I can do, and

hopefully we jumped a clear round, and it is up to the others to do the

same. Well, the day ending on a significantly happier note than it

started for Andrew Nicholson after the fall earlier, Nereo putting the

respectable round in the cross-country. Here is Tim Price

again. Coming to those two brush fences. And another one to favour my

route. It is much more pleasant to watch, the right-hand route. It has

a ramp on the landing of the take-off platform for the second

element, so the horses are jumping a better. Al Pathfinder is back after

that brilliant round on Star Witness, Tina Cook is riding the

horse that gave her a better dressage score but is less

experienced at this level, Calvino. They are both 12-year-olds, but he

is the less experienced horse, and as we have said, Tina is in flying

form. And the horse maybe a little green in places, but he couldn't

have a better rider on top to help him build his confidence, and look

at that. A great job there lovely attitude. Tim Price, Ringwood Sky

Boy. They are right where they should be on the clock as they come

to Rolex. Nice five strides and moves forward quietly for the four,

a little twist over the corner, but good jumping.

Moving on now to the Maltings. This is really a slow me down fence, it

is Mark Phillips idea of not breaking the rhythm but making the

riders ride slower and do some turns so that they don't just keep

galloping everywhere. It has ridden incredibly well all day, I don't

know that we have seen a problem. Now Tina Cook to the new Storm Doris

fence. It may not be that experienced, but

that was pretty near-perfect at Doris. Tim Price at the Trout

Hatchery. Another one who gets very high over that brush, it is huge and

it sits in a bit of a hole, and it is a big fence.

And again, didn't get very high over that, but a brilliant bit of riding,

and the horse went to argue and Tim said, no, turn, and then he left him

alone to get on with the job. Beautifully rhythmic flow to this

round. It is good. It is always fascinating watching the horses,

because look at that. He met that perfectly, and you can see a little

bit of arguing with the horses head, and then he turns and says right,

there you go, help yourself. And he kind of dives over it, but he jumps

it well enough. Now, our final competitor is Oliver Townend on the

10-year old grey Ballaghmor Class, hugely promising young horse. And a

rider who made a real splash here at Burghley, no pun intended. Made his

first Burghley and Badminton to boot. A little green, possibly, this

horse, but he has all the gallop at all the jumpy needs to get around

here, it is whether the accumulative effect of the course of this

standard is going to tell on the horse or not, but Oliver certainly

set-off meaning to try to get the time, look at that determination.

Always quickly back into his rhythm. Locks on the line, sees a good one,

and lovely jumping. And after the dressage, Oliver and Ted Mack one

were placed in sixth with a score of 40.2, one place ahead of them,

Kristina Cook and Calvino on 39.6, so good rounds from either and they

should be players. And what a great strike from Tina at Cottesmore Leap.

That was beautifully done as she turns again, favours the left-hand

side that gets a bit close, and oh! You can't say that was a third

strike, it was a bit of nothing, but Tina kept her balance, kept her

patience, and the horse did his job. Tim Price, Ringwood Sky Boy. All

very smooth so far. Smooth is good as long as it's fast enough. He is

certainly galloping on well. Here he is now coming to the Leaf Pit. Add a

little bit of trouble earlier today, so oh gosh makes that turn. That was

a good bit of riding, but a brilliant horse to help him out. And

as the day has gone on, the Leaf Pit looks totally different depending on

how many sun is coming through the trees, the shadows are totally

different. That is something you have to think about, and the riders

should walk the course at the time of day they plan to ride to give an

idea of where the sun is going to be. Tina Cook Rolex. That didn't

look like a young, green horse to me, that was a bit of class riding

and great jumping. Now, Tim Price is just starting to pick up a few time

penalties as he comes to the final obstacle, but this is a good round,

and we will see where it puts him. He has just had a check on the

watch, he has a few time penalties, but it puts him in third, excellent

round. Brilliant round, he will be very happy with that. Oliver Townend

and Ballaghmor Class. Another one with a brilliant strikes. It is so

good if you get a good striker that big brush, because it is a massive

ditch and fence, and it just saves energy, every time a horse touches

offence, it saps that energy out of them. He has spoken so highly of

this horse and the ability he believes the horse has. Tina Cook

and Calvino, just a little bit of a fight to get his head up, down that

hill running to the Trout Hatchery, got a little low. She has done a

good job to set him up. Low to that final element, but need jumping for

this stage in the course. The determination. Positivity. The

balance. And get the job done. Oliver Townend, Ballaghmor Class,

how is he doing for time, this horse? Very well. We wondered if he

might be green, but it doesn't look like it so far, does he? Fantastic.

Tim can have price, a few time faults and you must have known that

would happen. Yes it is about managing him at the fences. He

throws his heart over first you have to manage you can stand up on the

other side. But I loov him. When it comes to the clock it makes it

difficult. I started to press and I was happy that he was able to answer

and keep trying for me. Still a huge crowd here. And there has been a

hold on the course, because, well, our American competitors, Lillian

Heard, had a fall. But luckily Lillian was up. And her mount,

Barnaby, up as well. But after a fairly long hold, a lengthy hold.

Tina Cook has been restarted on Calvino. A horrible place to be

held. Coming down to discovery valley and the horse will be

thinking he is finished and has to start again. A good jump. Nice turn

and just a stride wasn't there. And that is so criminal. Because if she

hadn't been held that would not have been an issue. It is like cold

starting an engine after a hold that long? Yes, very much so. Your horse

has switched off. 15, 20 minutes she was held. The horse is switched off

and he was in such cracking form. How frustrating that is for Tina?

She can't let it get to her. But very annoying. You can see her head

go down, another good dressage score for this man, Oliver Townend, this

horse it living up to it name Ballaghmor Class. It is still

galloping and wanting to get on with the job. Here is Tina. She is going

the brave route. Locks on. Oh, and gets a perfect two strides. Even

more frustrating. I think she believes this horse has a big event

in him somewhere down the line somewhere in the future. Who knows

what will happen with Ballaghmor Class, the last competitor on the

course. A big jump. Just changes his mind and goes through the gap. That

is going to eat away at his time. He wants to make it inside the time he

will have to keep the pressure on this horse. Looking ahead. Big jump

in. And it doesn't look as if he intended going direct. Very

disappointing, finally we got a good dressage score and it was there for

the taking. But not today. He started to get a bit low with you.

Is that something he does? He can sometimes take chances at brush

fences like that. Sometimes when you have soft brush and you have a stiff

brush, it is hard for them to judge which is which. He gave the one

before a got whack. Are you all right? I had a soft fall. I rolled

off. Disappointing for all the connections and disappointing for

me. I probably won't have too many more chances. But that's the way it

goes. That's the way it went for Mark Todd and the way it went for

Tina Cook with that unfortunate run out. But she has regrouped and it

has been a good round other than that and through the arena she goes.

Oliver Townend down to discovery valley. One of the final main

questions on this course for this young horse. A big jump. Turns,

Oliver makes it happen. He had a slap, slap on the right shoulder.

Kept hold of the left rein and the horse responding brilliantly. Now,

Tina, Calvino coming to the final fence. She is disappointed. The

horse has a huge future. After the run out, she took the foot off the

accelerator. So she got time faults. So she is thrilled. She still has

two horses in the top 20. Here is Oliver Townend. The final major

question for this young horse. Got it done brilliant. Now, can the

horse keep galloping to the finishing line? He is normally

honest and I got to that angle and he drifted left on a nothing stride.

Just so frustrating. I just got him back so he didn't over-jump. Just...

It looked silly, but I felt I was a long way off it and he switched off.

It is unfortunate, because I was having a lovely man. Now this man

has the stage all to himself, Oliver Townend. He has a minute to get

home. If he goes clear, it will put him into the lead. The horse is

still adjustable. It is three short strides to each element and he

managed to shorten it and stay sharp and accelerate away. The horse

looked less fatigued than those who went over. He is 10 years old, so he

has an advantage youth-wise. Some young horses give you that much more

as they get older they get crafty, like old guys like us. But look at

that time. Is he going to be one second over? He is still in the

lead. Fantastic performance from Oliver and this brilliant young

horse. He has had so much faith in this horse, he told everyone how

good he was. A punch in the air, a man high in confidence. And he has

laughed last and he may yet be laughing longest. Oliver Townend

into the lead after the cross country. It took until the very last

rider to find out who will be our leaderer going into show jumping.

That was sensation Hall. Particularly given how long you had

the wait. Y. He is class. He does baby things, but he is very good.

You said you thought this could be the most talented horse you have

ever ridden. Did he feel like it out there? Yes he was babyish, he looked

at the crowd and there is a lot of things to improve on.

Confirmation that Oliver Townend lead the field as they head into the

show jumping phase on Sunday afternoon. Gemma Tattersall in

second. A strong British representation throughout.

Before the final phase the riders are trying to get the best out of

their partnership with their horse and some are turning to technology.

Russell is a sports scientist and he specialises in biomechanics and the

movement of the horse. What do you have on this horse? We have 2D

motion captures and we have a inert ya measuring unit. They along the

horse's back. They will look at how the horse's back is moving and how

globally is the horse moving and is there anything we can do to help him

and from a research point of view is there any equipment that could help

us. Let's see this in action. This camera is capturing 400 frames her

second and the human eye catches around 50 frames a second. So we are

seeing thousand joints are moving and is the left side different to

the right. We need to find out what is the horse's norm. And then we can

make changes. We are looking at Imogen's position and we have got a

visualised training jacket that has lines positioned that highlight

straightness. There has been many studies looking at rider position

and how riders are not aware of their position. So you can see you

have the vertical line, the horizontal line and on the saddle we

have a marker in the middle at the back and on the horse. We are trying

to work out how the rider is in relation to the saddle and the

horse's back. Your trying to achieve a better position from the rider and

better freer movement from the horse? Yes, the simplest way to

think about it, if you were on my shoulders and was sitting crooked,

how would I move in a straight line. If I was on your shoulders you

wouldn't be able to move! If you walked in a straight line, you would

be wobbly and the horses are the same. The idea is to really fine

tune what the, how the rider is sitting and working with others to

optimise the rider. Having captured the shots, you feed it into the

computer and it comes out with data you understand. What we are looking

for is how does the rider and the horse line up. You can see that the

rider is a little to the left. As a result we have a side bend of the

rider's trunk to the right. This is something we would work with the

rider. With a physio intervention, strength and conditioning

intervention, we could look to improve the rider to optimise the

whole system. This was capturing the high speed footage and you see the

horse has the markers on and this is what is called digitisation and this

will track the markers and this is capturing the horse's right side and

we will compare the left-side data. What we are trying to determine is

what are the asymmetries and can be done to improve them. It is the

first time I thought equestrian sport is getting closer to Formula

One and these are valuable horses competing for valuable prizes and

gold at the Olympics and you need this level of technology. Look at

the gold medal in Poland for the European team. Those are riders you

have worked with? Yes my role is doing the performance analysis and

at the start of the season we looked at riders working with the physios,

the strength and conditioning, the saddler and it is amazing for the

small part I played to see the athletes do so well. Now to the

final phase, the showjumping. And I'm walking the course with Oliver

Townend and Piggy French. We are going to walk what we have agreed is

the most challenging part of the track is that right? Yes I think so.

Remember we are trying to showjump poles after we raced them around a

race track yesterday. It is trying to ride a horse after you have

ridden the Grand National. You will have a lot of pace and this is where

the problem starts. It is on a five-stride distance here. And you

don't want to be too flat to the vertical. As soon as you have

landed, you have to sit up sharp, because it is a short six strides to

a square oxer. This is where you will see problems. Relative to most

four stars you have ridden in, how difficult is this course? I think

this is as tricky as you can get after you have gone around Burghley.

The terrain takes it out of them and they might be tired. I think it is

plenty tough enough. Is your mare a good showjumping on the final day.

Well I wouldn't like to say, she is a trier and I will have to see how

she is. Your horse produced a very exciting round for a young horse.

How does he feel this morning? He feels if fresh, he is naive that

will hopefully play into his part. He peoples as good as you could

expect. How do you wear the pressure of an overnight leader? Well? I

wouldn't go that far. I have been there before and it's gone my way

and not gone my way. We will see. Best of luck. I hope they both come

back safely and you're rights up there in the money. This is how

tight it is at the top. Our top ten will go in reverse

order. So we will start with Tina Cook on Star Witness. It is a chill

area day than yesterday and a threat of rain and a feeling of tension in

the showjumping, because the horses have been really extended over the

cross country. You suspect clear round will be few and far between.

Here is our commentary team. Into the top ten and the familiar face of

Tina Cook on Star Witness. This horse produced a superb

cross-country round, she has had to do it the hard way that he has had

two top ten finishes at Burghley before. Going at number one is never

easy, but what a pathfinder Tina and this lovely horse, Star Witness,

where yesterday on the cross-country. As we talked about,

she has got a lot of racing connections at the family, but her

mother was also a top international showjumper, socially is bred for

this game in her own right. And all four of the owners of Star Witness

used to own racehorses. That is a really good point. The

support from the owners is what we all rely on, and it is great that

they have spread it from racing into eventing. Having a little look

there, Tina put the leg on and he responded well, really jumped out

over that oxer. A quick turn, giving him time to see the fence. Nice job.

He is quite a look horse, he quietly looks at the fences, and she just

has to keep her leg on and say, come on, keep going forward. Brilliant.

That is a wonderful way to finish off the competition the Tina Cook of

Star Witness, she had wretched luck on car vino yesterday -- Calvino

yesterday, but this has laid down the gauntlet for some of those to

come, that is a lovely way to begin the top ten. It is absolutely

brilliant, and the pressure she is putting on the next handful of

riders is phenomenal. Look at that smile. And look at her mum and other

supporters! Christopher Bartle, the new coach for the British team,

already stamping his authority on the British team.

In ninth place after the cross-country, Boyd Martin for the

United States on Steady Eddie. Australian-born Boyd now riding for

America, very popular figure, and Steady Eddie thoroughbred who raced

in Australia no fewer than 36 times before changing his discipline to

eventing, and he has been very successful, too.

Well, Boyd did a great job yesterday in the cross-country run, rode some

really good lines. A tiny bit over the time, but he had to be happy

with that. But as they say, show is another day. Certainly got some

height over that oxer fence, too, good to see.

And the good thing is, Star Witness, Steady Eddie... Oh, a rattle, and

another, very quick to that double. The first two horses we have seen,

both thoroughbreds, he just got a little flat going down the hill into

that double, and just didn't get back onto his hocks. That put him

behind Tina Cook. That is the trouble with thoroughbreds, they can

get a bit fast and flat in their cantor stride, got to keep them

back. A huge Amat scope, but you have got to leave these fences up.

He did such a big jump going into that combination, he had to push him

out, always dangerous. One to go. Two down, finishes on 58, so Tina

Cook is in the lead, with eight competitors to come.

So here is Lynn Symansky, also from the United States, an Donner, known

affectionately as the deer. Another thoroughbred, comes here with a

score of 49.1. And this pair did probably their

best ever performance at 4-star cross-country ever yesterday. A few

time faults, but really positive, attacking bit of riding from Lynn.

She is quietly coming to the first fence, I kind of hope she gets a bit

quicker than that or she is going to get some time faults, but she hasn't

started yet. It was a good, slick cross-country round yesterday. Those

first two fences just a bit smaller than the others on the course. Yes,

but what I like, she is not rushing him, but what I liked was he gave

them plenty of height. Made good shapes over them. And look at the

height over that oxer coming out of that double. The vertical, maybe not

quite so good, and that was sadly just not a very good stride. I think

Lynn was almost sitting too quiet, and he added astride that wasn't

there. It is a good skill in that he has just rattled his legs and he

won't want to touch another poll, and he is going way up in the air,

but I was a bit concerned the way she started, almost two quietly, and

then that paid the penalty, because the horse wasn't quite switched on,

wasn't quite in front of the leg, and buying in front of the leg, I

mean he wasn't really taking the rider's aids properly.

He looks a little bit more awake now. And actually watching him jump,

he shouldn't have had that gate down. That was just a mistake.

Time is going to be tight, as well. APPLAUSE

So, a final score for Lynn Symansky and Donner of 53.1.

So by a ten double point she ages into the lead here, Lynn Symansky,

with seven combinations to come. You could just see her coming to this

gate, and absolutely buried on no stride. I think you put that down to

experience, that was a total disagreement between horse and

rider. She is still smiling, though. I don't want to put the mockers on

him, but this horse, Toledo De Kerser, is considered one of the

best showjumpers in this field. Currently lying in seventh place on

a score of 49.1, ridden by the hugely promising Tom McEwen, and the

horse has only ever had one Paul Downton in all international

competitions. -- only ever one pole down in all international

competitions. I will blame you write down the line if he has a pole down!

That you are quite right, great young horse and rider.

If he jumps like that, you are going to be absolutely right, Nick. Tom

obviously has a lot of faith, confidence and trust in the horse's

ability showjumping. Because he is just sitting so beautifully quietly.

The horse is just getting on with his job. He is not rushing him,

giving him time to play with his scope and get up the air. Tom based

at Gatcombe with Zara Phillips. It is what we all want, a showjumper

that can gallop and do dressage. Even a silly old man like me would

quite enjoy jumping this one! Don't ask me. One day, one day.

That is an quite a sharp decline, that combination, as well, which you

can't see on the picture. It is surprisingly how Darren Hill it is.

One to go. There you are. Poetry. Phenomenal round. To have the final

day of a three-day event on a horse like that, it is what dreams are

made of. He can relax as he has applied a little pressure to those

in behind. They finish on 49.1, just exquisite.

Here is a man who experienced mixed fortunes yesterday, the huge hero

here at Burghley. Andrew Nicholson on Nereo. Andrew had a fall on

Qwanza earlier in the cross-country, but he is too tough to give up, he

went back in with Nereo and had a couple of time faults but went

clear, so he lies in second. We are all still raving about the round

they did at Badminton. I have a feeling he might be feeling a

little... That was a rattle, but it stayed up. He might be feeling a

little tender after his fall on Qwanza, but he certainly wouldn't

let that stop him. He thought the horse wasn't quite as zestful as he

can be in the cross-country yesterday. Andrew said himself, in

his interview, that the horse was getting a little bit older, didn't

have the gallop that he did. But I think Andrew did a brilliant job,

because he didn't over Rush the horse, he kept a good gear up, and

it is when this horse -- not a good one, yikes! I kind of think Andrew

just added another one, almost too many. So he goes behind Tom McEwen.

A couple down so far, but Andrew has to be happy with that, because the

horse really, really tried his socks off. Finishes on 57.1, moving behind

Tom McEwen, Tina Cook and Lynn Symansky.

Now, you heard from her earlier, here she is, Piggy French on Vanir

Kamira, who gave everything yesterday. And this combination 50%

clear rounds this season, and this the highest placed me in the field,

Vanir Kamira, it has been a great, comeback season for her so far. It

certainly has, a fantastic news for the British team that she has

another top horse, in fact two top horses in the string already. But it

is the biggest challenge the horses face so far, and with a 50% average

going clear, it's a big ask to expect it to go clear, but it is

certainly a very, very talented mare. Brought forward a score of

46.9 to the showjumping, leaving her in fifth place. And she just looks,

jumping well but just looks a little green in between the fences,

distracted a little by the atmosphere and the crowds. It's a

huge ask for young horses when they are not used to this. Sometimes it

works to your benefit, and sometimes you really suffer. But what I'm

liking is although she was a little bit wobbly on the turns, she is

actually putting lots of effort into her jumps.

And piggy did say in her interview, a few rattles, that the horse is

never given her a huge feel, but she just thrives, the bigger the fences,

so perhaps the same as the cross-country, the showjumping, the

height is going to help. APPLAUSE

Brilliant. Good Piggy French, clear round, 46.9, puts her into the lead.

And she will be fifth at worst, with four competitors to come. Superb

performance on this mare, who will be the highest placed mare at

Burghley this year. And the mare really tries down the hill, and

Piggy just keeps her position, keeps her balance, stay straight. And a

good punch of the air. So into the top four now. On 46.5,

Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy have nothing in hand over Piggy French.

So he can't afford to have one down. He had three down last year at

Burghley and two down at Lexington. I think he would concede that

showjumping is not his strongest suite. If you're true to form, he

helped Tom McEwen jump a clear round, you're not too confident

here. Stop it, I hope he is defying history. So will he be!

A very good eye in the showjumping. It is interesting when they come

into the ring, you watch them jump the first two fences, it gives you a

fair indication of what they're capable of.

This horse has jumped very well over the first third of the course. As

they get tired and a little more strung out after the cross country,

it all counts. I like that Timis incredibly soft

with his hands in front of every fence. Helps it and just, he picked

it up a bit there. He got a bit panicked. A lovely soft rein

contact. If you can keep... Goes behind Piggy

French. So 50.5 Tim Price finished on. He

will be pleased with that given Ringwood Sky Boy's record in the

show jumping. Tom McEwen is with Claire. Guaranteed a British winner

and it could be you, Piggy French. What a good clear round? She was

fabulous, I don't think I will be winning, but you know I came here

hoping for a top ten, because I haven't managed it. Often eat the

Burghley dirt when I try it here. So a top tennis fantastic. So to finish

at worst fourth is great. Where were you last time and what were you

thinking? I had my little boy Max and had a full season off. It is

great to get back and to get back to this level. I'm so grateful for the

support. Well done. The last British woman to win Burghley was Pippa

Funnel in 2003. But they're all snapping at the heels of Oliver

Townend. Izzy Taylor on Trevidden. They have had a wonderful season,

winning events at the three star level. But here at four star level

yesterday they were brilliant at cross country. Oh. Not a great

start. Piggy French is now guaranteed

third. This lovely horse of Izzy's Trevidden. The vet's inspection this

morning... He was just held... The vet had another look at him and then

they decided he was OK to jump. But watching him cross country he has a

high head carriage and a bit rangy. We talked about his big stride.

Occasionally he flicks his front legs at the jumps.

Just again not... Not convincing. He doesn't look that confident at

times. Prior to this, this horse had only had one rail down in seven

showjumping events. Maybe yesterday is making him more legged.

Yes that can be it. Especially the first time they have jumped this

sort of track. This is a learning curve. An

expensive round, but what a star for the future. A brilliant cross

country round yesterday. Caught people's eye. 57.6 and Izzy Taylor

moves down a few places. To 9th. Gemma Tattersall in second with a

score of 43. Arctic Soul is her ride. This ex-race horse that

developed a real following. Gemma said she was feeling unwell and had

been suffering with a chest infection. Said Arctic Soul had

helped her yesterday. In fairness to her she has got the best out of this

horse since she has had him. Yes, it is a great partnership now.

Provided he doesn't get too revved up, he can be very consistent in

this phase 2. A big jump coming out of the double.

Gemma was unseated and pitched up his neck.

Ooh, a good rattle there. Got close to that oxer. Rattled it in front.

Getting a little keen there. He was a little over the top of his legs

there. Gemma is saying, listen to me boy,

wait for me. Is he deep again? Living dangerously.

How the first element of that combination staid up, I don't know.

Oh! I was about to say she trusts him. Well, he just had a moment of

distraction. What a shame for Gemma Tattersall. That moves her behind

Piggy French. She will be third at worst, Gemma. Terrific Burghley and

she is still thrilled. She has had a real purple patch. Watch how high

the horse gets. Gemma's leg, lower leg shot back and she was way up in

the air. He just had a look down at that. Didn't quite go high enough.

Here he is then, Oliver Townend. He has one fence in hand. He can afford

to have one fence down. But not two. If he has more than one fence down,

victory will go not to him but ironically to his former partner of

seven years, Piggy French. They're still great friends. Oliver, who won

Burghley in 2009. This his golden chance to shine on the biggest

stage, which you sense that he and everybody else feels he belongs on.

Oliver and this lovely young horse did a brilliant job yesterday and he

is jumping over the first couple offences. I had a chat with him, his

view was whatever happens today, it is probably the best horse he has

ever had. Over! He guessed at that one. He has

actually got a jump in hand. But he can't have another mistake.

This is keeping us right on the edge of our seats right to the very last!

Will that help him concentrate? It was a big mistake.

Oliver is particularly brilliant in this phase. That won't have rattled

him. The tension is hanging in his humid

air here at Burghley. He's done it! He has done it. Oliver

Townend back at Burghley in the big time. One down early in his round,

but nerves of steel. This super cool rider and you can see what it means

to him. He has won on Ballaghmor Class, all class, a hugely exciting

young horse, a horse he dubbed the most talented he has ever ridden.

And that is why. Oliver Townend's victory, the first for a British

rider since 2011 at Burghley and a one, two, three, four for Britain.

He has the winner's sash. We could see how much this means to you. It

is a good feel being, it has felt a long time since my last one. I'm

still relatively young. Good to get another one out of the way. What

were you thinking going into the arena and when you had the gate

down? Not much. He's good jumper, he is young and the first time he has

been on this level and gone that distance. I couldn't be happier. I

looked in the collecting ring and thought I wouldn't swap my horse for

anyone here. So that is a good feeling. For you being on top of a

class field? It is good for the future, I have two ten-year-olds

that are top class and an eleven-year-old that are top class.

We have had a rough time. Everyone thinks, I have never seen it as a

rough time. But it is about building for the future and it takes a long

time to produce them to this level and we have go through a lot of

numbers to get the class ones. But hopefully I'm going to start and cut

down. I have said it for years and to concentrate on the top level

ones. Hopefully people will send more after that. Well done, Oliver

Townend has won this year. Thank you for watching. Victory has gone to

Britain and in fact a British one, two, three. Goodbye.