The British will be looking to wrestle back the top honours at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials this week, after Australians took the top three places last year.
Leading British contenders for the £50,000 first prize include William Fox-Pitt, who rides the 2005 winner Ballincoola and Parkmore Ed, third at Blenheim last year.
In-form British team member Mary King also has two rides, Cashel Bay, who was 10th here last year, and Apache Sauce. The white-faced chestnut makes his UK four-star debut, after putting up an impressive performance to finish ninth at Kentucky in the spring.
But the British certainly won’t have it all their own way. New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson will be looking to score his first win here since 2000, and has a strong chance with experienced campaigner Lord Killinghurst.
For Australia, Matt Ryan brings Bonza Katoomba, fourth at Badminton, while Clayton Fredericks (pictured) will have high hopes of last year’s British Open winner Nullabor. And Andrew Hoy will be looking for his third Burghley victory with the cross-country machine Master Monarch.
Eight American riders are over for the event, including rising star Sara Mittleider, who at 21 has already completed Kentucky three times with El Primero.
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Click on any British-based horse’s name to see it’s full record.
