Christopher Burton Takes Second British Open Championships Title at Gatcombe Park

Gatcombe’s Festival of British Eventing 2018, report by Amy Powel

In the sweltering heat more befitting his team nation than the British countryside, Australia’s Christopher Burton won his second Open Championships title at the Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing on board Trisha Richards’ Polystar I.

After a testing morning of show jumping where the demanding track conquered all but 8 combinations who jumped clear, overnight leader, Oliver Townend riding Cillnabradden Evo, had two fences down to add eight penalties to his phenomenal dressage score of 19. Slipping down to third before cross country, the 12-year-old gelding sadly ran out at the corner element of fence 6 and Oliver then chose to retire.

This left the door open for Burton, who gave a masterclass of a show jumping clear with the 13-year-old Westphalian, followed by the fastest cross country round of the day – adding just 3.2 time penalties to their dressage mark for an overall score of 24.6 penalties.

I have to be honest he makes me look good, that horse is truly amazing – he’s a pleasure to ride cross country but he’s an absolute delight to ride in the show jumping, it’s unbelievable,” Chris said of the striking black gelding.

The course generated mixed reviews from riders, with some criticising the twisting track. Having been the fastest rider of the day, Burton didn’t seem too troubled with the course that accompanied Gatcombe’s infamous undulations.

It’s tough course here, the hills are really taxing, they make the horses very tired but he’s fit and galloped really well” Chris said of his round, “I wanted to get in a good round but not let those time penalties be the thing that got in the way of a victory.

The title of British Open Champion this year went to Izzy Taylor, riding the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood Be Touchable. The combination delivered a faultless clear show jumping round to sit a fraction more than 2 penalty points behind Burton going into the cross country, keeping the pressure on the Australian the entire way.

The horse was very good, his record speaks for himself and I’m lucky to have him. He’s a horse I love to ride, he’s very consistent, you really can’t fault him.”

Izzy said of the dark bay gelding.

In the future when I look back, he will be one of my horses of a lifetime, he really is phenomenal his record is impeccable, he’s fantastic to ride, he’s one of those horses that you dream to ride, and I am riding him.”

The pair added 7.6 time penalties to the score for a final mark of 31.1 penalties to lie in second overall and be crowned the British Champions – her best result here to date – which hasn’t quite sunk in yet for Izzy,

Honestly, haven’t even got there yet, it’s just been a manic weekend – as I came off my second horse I got pulled for dope testing, I did the testing but I was too dilute so this nice lady is here [her chaperone] until I do as I’m told, and at some point this evening I may get to go home!

In third place, climbing from 15th after dressage, was Sweden’s Ludwig Svennerstal riding his own Stinger.

It was a typical test for him, it was ok, there is still a little bit more to come but for him it was a good test for this stage.”

Ludwig said of the 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood. The combination posted the second fastest cross country round of the day and Ludwig was full of praise for the course,

it’s a very tough track and it’s very difficult to ride fast round which is why barely anyone makes the time, but it is what it is, the terrain is very tough and the ground was ok considering the summer we’ve had – you can always wish for better ground but they’ve done a good job, you need to be realistic.”

The British Eventing Advance class was won by Ireland’s Elizabeth Power, riding Soladoun as a prep-run for their appearance at Burghley later this month.The Smith & Williamson Intermediate Championship was won by Tom McEwen riding CHF Cooliser and the Dodson & Horrell Novice championship was taken by Francis Whittington riding DHI Purple Rain.

Image for illustration purposes. Christopher Burton winner of Burghley 2016. Credit Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Peter Nixon

Written by Amy Powell, Equestrian Journalist