Harry Meade enjoyed yet another five-star to remember when finishing third, fourth and ninth aboard Cavalier Crystal, Annaghmore Valoner and Et Hop Du Matz respectively after their Defender Burghley Horse Trials showjumping performances.
This result mirrors that of 2024 for Harry with the horses he finished third and fourth on.
Cavalier Crystal, a 15-year-old mare, owned by Charlotte and Peter Opperman, was 16th after the first phase and rose from fifth after picking up 2.8 cross-country time-faults into third today after a polished clear inside the time in the Burghley showjumping.
Harry had the penultimate fence on the showjumping track, an upright at 11, down aboard Annaghmore Valoner, which ultimately cost this 13-year-old mare, owned by Juliet Carter and Dinah and Stephen Posford, third place.
Harry also dropped from sixth to ninth with Et Hop Du Matz, an 11-year-old Harry co-owns with Mandy Gray, after two fences down in the showjumping today.
“Horses aren’t machines and that’s why it’s so important to believe in them,” explained Harry. “I’m disappointed for the performance I had with Et Hop Du Matz today, but I still have three superstars and I want to thank my whole team for their support.”
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Speaking of Cavalier Crystal’s performance this week at Burghley Horse Trials, Harry Meade said: “She’s amazing. She’s the most lovely jumper and the kind of horse everyone ignores until she gets to a five-star week, and she’s just in her absolute element.
“She’s as good a jumper I’ve seen in the sport, and she’s delivered again and again.”
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Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor
Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
