Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo have etched their names into eventing folklore with a spectacular second consecutive victory at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2025, creating multiple records in the process.
The British Olympic champion delivered a masterclass performance on Sunday, 7th September 2025, securing victory in the most emphatic fashion possible with a flawless clear showjumping round that epitomised the harmonious partnership that has captivated the eventing world.
Historic Achievement Rewrites Record Books
Archie and Michelle Saul’s 13-year-old gelding Lordships Graffalo – affectionately known as “Walter” – has become the first horse in eventing history to win both the Badminton Horse Trials and Burghley Horse Trials twice each. This unprecedented achievement places the Grafenstolz gelding amongst the sport’s greatest legends.
Walter joins an exclusive club as only the third horse to secure back-to-back Burghley victories, following Priceless (with Ginny Holgate, 1983-84) and Avebury (with Andrew Nicholson, 2012-2013-2014).
“I really hope he will go down as a legend of our time and a legend of the sport, not only for the performances he gives, but his character as well. He is an unbelievable horse to have at home,” said Ros, who confirmed plans to return to Badminton with Walter next year.
Championship-Winning Performance
The winning combination delivered their trademark foot-perfect style throughout the weekend, with Walter demonstrating the exceptional temperament that sets him apart from his contemporaries.
“He absolutely thrives on these occasions. I could have dropped the reins and waved at the crowd for 15 minutes and he would just have thoroughly enjoyed himself. I don’t think there are many horses in the world that would do that,” Canter reflected on her partner’s remarkable composure.
International Competition Delivers Thrilling Results
Ireland’s Austin O’Connor secured second place aboard the Salty Syndicate’s Colorado Blue, achieving Ireland’s best Burghley result since Harry Freeman-Jackson’s victory in 1963. The generous sportsman was quick to acknowledge the winners’ exceptional quality.
“Being second to this lady [Ros] is as good as winning because this combination, as history will show, is the best there is,” said O’Connor, who had previously finished third behind the same combination at Badminton in May.
“I am over the moon. To finish the year like this is unreal. My horse has been incredible. He is 16, but I think he’s six. He was mad fresh today and pulling my arms out, which is why we had a rail down, but it didn’t make any difference in the end.”
Consistent Excellence Defines Top Placings
World number one Harry Meade demonstrated remarkable consistency with third place aboard Charlotte and Peter Opperman’s 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare Cavalier Crystal – their third consecutive podium finish at Burghley.
“Cavalier Crystal’s record represents what five-star eventing is – in other words, it’s quite hard to do. She is a classic example, overlooked at the lower levels, but a gutsy little mare,” said Meade, who also secured fourth place with Annaghmore Valoner and ninth with Et Hop Du Matz.
The international flavour continued with New Zealander Tim Price finishing sixth on Vitali, behind Alice Casburn and Topspin in fifth – the pair celebrating their third consecutive double clear at Burghley and their best placing to date.
Rising Stars and International Representation
The top ten was completed by Frenchman Gaspard Maksud (Zaratoga, seventh), New Zealander Caroline Powell (High Time, eighth), and Laura Collett (Bling, tenth), showcasing the global appeal and competitive depth of five-star eventing.
American rider Cassie Sanger, who trains with Ros Canter, demonstrated the benefits of working alongside the Olympic gold medallist and reigning European champion, finishing 17th with a double clear as the best Burghley debutant.
Event Director Praises Classic Competition
Martyn Johnson, director of Defender Burghley, summarised what many considered a perfect weekend of sport.
“We had a fantastic field, some great five-star horses and great sport. It was a classic Burghley and I think where most people think five-star eventing should be.”
Looking Ahead
With this historic victory secured, attention now turns to Ros Canter’s confirmed plans to return to Badminton Horse Trials in 2026, where the partnership will aim to add to their already remarkable record at the Gloucestershire venue.
The victory also comes just weeks after Canter announced she is expecting her second child, making this achievement even more remarkable and demonstrating the exceptional partnership she has forged with the legendary Walter.
As the eventing world celebrates this historic achievement, one thing remains certain – the combination of Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo has secured their place amongst the greatest partnerships in the sport’s illustrious history
