Olympian Burton best of the Aussies after challenging Burghley cross country
Chris Burton has emerged as the best placed Australian at the end of cross country day at the 2015 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.
Burton and his “two little thoroughbreds” Harazuc and TS Jamaimo were among the standouts of the day, with Jamaimo one of only two horses to achieve time. Jamaimo is now ranked fourth which is a 17 position improvement on his dressage placing while Haruzac, previously 11th after dressage is now in fifth.
“I just had one of those rounds,” said Burton. “From fence one he (Jamaimo) was on the job and ready to go.
“Full credit to TS Jamaimo, he’s very light across the ground, he gallops very quickly.”
Until now the Burghley cross country course had eluded the Olympian - he'd hadn't completed here before. It means tomorrow will be his first time show jumping at Burghley.
“They’re nice horses and good jumpers but I’m just happy today has gone well. Tomorrow we take what comes.” Listen to Chris’ full interview
World Equestrian Games rider Bill Levett and his entry Improvise also had a super round moving from 19th after the dressage to sit in sixth position with show jumping to come.
“He (Improvise) had a lot of big questions and he answered every one,” said Levett.
“When you’re riding a good cross country horse you can be lulled into the fact that it’s not that tough, when the horse is really digging deep. But he gave me a great ride and he was phenomenal.” Listen to Bill’s full interview
Many predicted the relentless cross country course would prove influential and they weren’t wrong with seven of the top 10 combinations after the dressage phase dropping from the reckoning. Sam Griffiths was third on Happy Times but a run-out put added 20 penalties to his overall score and ended his chances of a second podium finish in as many years. Griffiths’ second entry Paulank Brockagh completed the course and is in 15th position with 57.7 penalties. Listen to Sam’s Interview
Andrew Hoy (Rutherglen) who was fourth after the dressage became unstuck putting a premature end to the seven time Olympian’s weekend.
Overall, however, it was a highly successful day, with 42 clears from the 68 Cross Country starters and 55 completions. “This is a good ratio for a course of this size,” commented course designer Captain Mark Phillips. “I’m a relieved and happy man tonight!”
The rest of the Aussie combinations all remain in the competition - Paul Tapner’s Kilronan is 11th and Vanir Kamira is 39th while Murray Lampered riding Under the Clocks moved from 38th postition to 14th after a strong round which added only 7.2 time penalties to his score. Murray's brother Warren riding Siliva is in 50th position.
Full results at http://www.burghley-horse.co.uk/
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