Burghley Horse Trials loses one horse at the first vet inspection

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials got underway today with all but one of the 72 horses forward passing the first veterinary inspection in the main arena.

The trot-up got off to a less than auspicious start when the first horse in front of the ground jury, Louise Skelton’s ride Bit of a Barny, who was trotted up by Matt Ryan, was sent to the holding box. His connections breathed a sigh of relief when he passed on second inspection.

Unfortunately there wasn’t such good news for America’s Stephen Bradley and Brandenburg’s Joshua was found to be unlevel when trotted up on the first occasion. He appeared no better when represented for inspection after spending a period in the holding box and was not passed as fit to compete.

Watch Brandenburg’s Joshua trot-up

The only other horses to be represented was Shiver St George, the ride of Sara Burdess, who was accepted on the second attempt.

Horses that caught the eye during the trot-up included the crowd’s favourite Tamarillo, who showed how fit and well he was feeling with some extravagant bucks along the way.

Meanwhile Dee Kennedy got the photographer’s attention with her short ra-ra skirt and high heel boots, but the prize for the best turned out rider went to Heidi Woodhead.

Watch video highlights of the trot-up

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