Defender Burghley cross-country day is a September Saturday like no other – drama, jubilation and heart-stopping moments abound on the hallowed turf at the Stamford fixture. This year was no different. Of the 50 competitors who started, in the final analysis of the Burghley Horse Trials cross-country results, 30 completed, but only Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo (Walter) could fly through the flags clear of jumping and time-faults.
The day had everything – super performances, leaderboard leapers and devastating disappointment. Read on to catch up on all the action.
Here are all the essential takeaways from cross-country day…
There was a last-minute heart-in-the-mouth moment in an otherwise awesome round for Harry Meade and first ride of the day Et Hop Du Matz, and disappointment for David Doel
Alice Casburn, Frenchman Gaspard Maksud and New Zealand’s Caroline Powell sailed through on just a few time-faults, but it was disappointment for well-placed contenders Alex Bragg and Ardeo Premier
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Favourites Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent dropped out of contention with a shock run-out. Meanwhile, Laura Collett and Burghley first-timer Bling put in a superb clear with 8.8 time-faults
To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Burghley and other major shows this year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website, from £1 a week. Horse & Hound’s 20-page magazine report on Burghley is published in 11 September issue, including full analysis and exclusive comment from six-time Burghley winner William Fox-Pitt.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
A horse owner and rider with more than 20 years experience, Bethany has been writing for equestrian publications since 2017. Over the course of her career, she has reported from major British Riding Clubs and British Dressage championships, covered Badminton Horse Trials and interviewed equestrian sport’s best athletes. Her work can also be found in Country Life, The Field and Breathe magazine.
