Stacey L Shimmons riding ORIONS PROMISE during the 1st Vet Check at The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials near Stamford in Lincolnshire UK on 31st August 2016
The first horse to be held by the ground jury (Sue Baxter, David Lee and Anne-Mette Binder) was Roo Fox with Fleet Street.
The Selle Francais, 12-year-old, chestnut gelding, owned by Alexandra Fox and Dennis Sampson trotted up very well upon re-inspection and so was passed.
Roo Fox and Fleet Street
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The second combination to be held was Stacey Shimmons and Orions Promise (pictured top).
Stacey had to shake up the 13-year-old gelding when they were re-inspected as he looked a little uninspired by the whole occasion, but they were accepted.
The final combination to be held was the last to present, America’s Holly Payne-Carvella with the Fox Syndicate’s, Never Outfoxed.
Holly Payne-Caravella and Never Outfoxed
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The 10-year-old gelding looked in great shape and was passed upon re-inspection. Holly, however, managed to lose one of her heeled shoes as she neared the end of the trot-up strip, much to the amusement of spectators.
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The final piece of drama at the first trot-up occurred when Frenchman Denis Mesples was bashed in the head by his horse Oregon De La Vigne. He was spotted with blood coming from his head so employed the help of a steward to trot up his horse for him.
Oregon De La Vigne being trotted up by an official
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The best dressed award was judged by Miss Rutland and Arthur Duffort of France took the men’s title, clad in a beautiful suit. Burghley first-timer, Becky Woolven took the women’s best dressed award in a lovely cream coat and long brown boots.
Day one of dressage kicks off tomorrow (Thursday 1 September), with the first rider, Tom Crisp, riding Coolys Luxury, entering the arena at 9.30am. Be sure to join Horse & Hound for our live commentary service, which will bring you all of the action as it happens.
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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.
