Title contender withdrawn from Burghley Horse Trials before trot-up

Philip Dutton has withdrawn Woodburn, second after cross-country at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.

The non-appearance of the American pair at the final horse inspection leaves William Fox-Pitt in first and second places with Tamarillo and Ballincoola going into today’s show jumping.

Two horses were eliminated at the final horse inspection, both after being sent to the holding box and re-presented. They were Just Appeal, 18th overnight with Sian Wynne Morris, and Ashdale Cruise Master, lying 27th with Emily Gilruth.

H&H online diarist Sara Squires’ horse Star Prospect was sent to the holding box, but passed on re-inspection.

Four horses other than Woodburn were withdrawn before the trot-up: Mr Pracatan (13th with Dan Jocelyn), I’ve Been Dun (24th with Sacha Pemble), Holly Blue Curtis (36th with Rachael Lupton) and Ease On Fire (33rd), whose rider Joe Meyer had a nasty fall with his other horse, Black Andy.

The first session of show jumping — six horses only — is at 11.25am, with the top 24 jumping at 2.25pm.

Log back onto www.horseandhound.co.uk/burghley08 later for a final update, blog and competitor diaries from Burghley.

Don’t forget to buy Horse & Hound next Thursday (11 September) for 12-page special report, colour photographs and William Fox-Pitt’s comment.

Pippa Roome

H&H magazine editor and eventing editor

Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.