The stage is set for a thrilling showdown at Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2025, with Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent holding a wafer-thin 0.4 penalty lead over defending champion Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo after Friday’s dressage phase.
Three-time Burghley winner Townend delivered a masterful performance with Paul and Diana Ridgeon’s grey mare to score 22.0 penalties, whilst Canter and her dual Badminton winner sit in second place on 22.4 – setting up what promises to be an epic battle across Saturday’s cross-country course.
Championship Horses Lock Horns
The dressage leaderboard reads like a who’s who of eventing excellence, with both combinations bringing serious championship credentials to Lincolnshire:
Cooley Rosalent arrives at Burghley as the reigning Defender Kentucky CCI5* champion and was runner-up to Lordships Graffalo at Badminton this spring, proving her mettle at the sport’s highest level.
Lordships Graffalo comes in as the defending Burghley champion and dual Badminton winner, with Canter seeking to become the first rider since Pippa Funnell in 2003 to win consecutive Burghley titles.
Townend Praises ‘Racehorse’ Rosalent
Despite leading the field, Townend acknowledged his mare’s spirited nature in the main arena atmosphere.
“Rosie was a good girl, but sometimes she is more like a racehorse than an event horse,” said the Yorkshire-based rider. “I was a bit caught out by the atmosphere, and she wasn’t as quiet as I would have liked her to be, but we have ended up in the right place.”
The 11-year-old grey mare’s Kentucky victory earlier this year demonstrated her ability to handle pressure at the highest level, and Townend will be hoping that experience serves them well in Saturday’s cross-country test.
Canter Thrilled with Flying Changes
Defending champion Canter expressed delight with her charismatic partner’s performance, particularly highlighting improvements in their flying changes – an area that had caused issues at Badminton.
“I am over the moon – there is always pressure riding Lordships Graffalo,” said Canter. “I am particularly thrilled with the flying changes, which I missed at Badminton – he now feels very secure in those.”
The combination’s confidence was evident as they performed before a capacity crowd enjoying sunny conditions at the Lincolnshire venue.
“I’ve chosen to be here with ‘Walter’ because I am competitive,” added Canter. “We take every day as it comes and at the moment it’s all good to go.”
Price Lurks in Third
New Zealand’s Tim Price, the 2018 Burghley winner, sits in third place on 23.1 with Vitali, last year’s runner-up at the event. Price was full of praise for his mount’s dressage capabilities.
“We know Vitali is a class dressage horse and that he has all the ingredients for a hot test,” said Price. “From my point of view, rideability was superb, his relaxation lovely and it was just a great partnership on display.”
Competitive Field Within Striking Distance
The quality of the field is underlined by the fact that just 20 penalties – the cost of a single cross-country refusal – covers the entire starting field. Other notable positions include:
- 4th: Sam Lissington (NZL) and Lord Seekonig
- 5th: Piggy March (GBR) and MCS Maverick (first-day leaders)
- 6th: Emily King (GBR) and Valmy Biats
- 7th: Christoph Wahler (GER) and D’Accord (Burghley first-timer)
- 8th: Austin O’Connor (IRL) and Colorado Blue (best-ever dressage score of 27.8)
Course Designer’s Reverse Challenge
Riders have been studying Derek di Grazia’s cross-country course, which runs in the opposite direction to 2024, featuring the iconic Defender Lion Bridge early at fence 4 and the Holland Cooper Leaf Pit at fence 26.
“Going the ‘other way’ has been lucky for me before, in 2017 on an inexperienced horse [Ballaghmor Class, the eventual winner],” noted Townend. “It will be interesting, but I don’t think it will be easy.”
World Number One Meade’s Challenge
World number one Harry Meade has three rides in the competition, with Cavalier Crystal best placed in 15th on 30.1. Meade will be first out on course Saturday morning at 11.30am with Et Hop Du Matz.
Championship Implications
Both Townend and Canter have made their intentions crystal clear – they’re “in it to win it” as Price put it. The minimal gap between them means Saturday’s cross-country phase will likely prove decisive in determining who takes the upper hand heading into Sunday’s showjumping finale.
With Cooley Rosalent’s proven big-occasion temperament and Lordships Graffalo’s defending champion status, the stage is perfectly set for one of the most compelling Burghley battles in recent memory.
The cross-country action begins Saturday morning, with the world watching to see whether Townend can extend his advantage or if Canter can turn the tables on her way to back-to-back Burghley victories
