Oliver Townend’s joy and Tom McEwen’s misfortune – what the horse world is talking about

1. Oliver Townend winning Burghley for the third time

Oliver Townend won the 2023 Defender Burghley Horse Trials this weekend for the third time – the second with this incredible horse, Ballaghmor Class. Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan’s gelding, who won here with Oliver as a 10-year-old in 2017, was second going into the final phase. They jumped clear until the final fence fell, but when overnight leaders Tim Price and Vitali picked up 12 faults, the victory was handed to Oliver and “Thomas”.

More on Oliver’s incredible Burghley success

2. Tom McEwen’s difficult weekend at Burghley

Oliver’s Olympic teammate Tom McEwen experienced a challenging day on Saturday when a horse he counts as family, double Olympic medallist Toledo De Kerser, pulled up on course with an injury. Earlier in the day Tom finished clear with 18.8 time-faults on Luna Mist, who lay 19th overnight but was withdrawn before Sunday’s trot-up. Tom shared an update on Instagram saying: “Toledo is family, my best friend whom I owe everything to and to all of us he is so, so special. But sadly he picked up an injury after the Trout Hatchery after flying around the course and feeling great. Thank you so much to the Burghley team for their quick reaction and help with Toledo. With some rest and some time in the field, hopefully we will all be able to enjoy Toledo doing what he loves again.”

How other horses who withdrew are doing

Burghley Horse Trials cross-country: tom McEwen and Toledo De Kerser

Tom McEwen and Toledo De Kerser pictured at Badminton.

3. Ros Canter’s unlucky fall

Badminton winner and European double gold medallist Ros Canter dropped out of contention at Burghley on cross-country day when she suffered a fall from Pencos Crown Jewel at fence 20abc, the Dairy Mound. The mare, who is owned by Kate James and Annie Makin, had been fifth after the dressage. The pair had jumped clear up until the mare left a leg at part b, a triple bar arrowhead, which tipped Ros out of the saddle. Both horse and rider walked away.

Read more about Ros’s weekend

Burghley Horse Trials cross-country: Ros Canter and Pencos Crown Jewel

Ros Canter riding Pencos Crown Jewel during the cross-country at Burghley

4. Celebrating Britain’s top amateur riders

Horse & Hound is delighted to welcome Spillers as a sponsor for the Horse & Hound Awards 2023, which are once again being held in partnership with NAF. Nominations for this year’s awards celebrating the stars of equestrianism – both household names and unsung heros – are now open.

Claire Dyett, marketing manager for the SPILLERS brand, said: “We are proud to sponsor the Amateur Rider of the Year award as a part of our long-term partnership with Horse & Hound. Here at team SPILLERS we are passionate about equestrianism. Many of us have horses of our own and know how hard amateur riders work, day in day out, giving their all to their precious horses and the sport they love. Being able to recognise the commitment and achievements of the amateur rider with this sponsorship is a true reflection of our brand ethos as partners in care and we hope you will all be inspired to nominate and vote for a deserving winner.”

Nominate the amateur rider who most deserves this award

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Burghley Horse Trials cross-country: Tim Price and Vitali

Tim Price and Vitali remain at the top of the leaderboard after the cross-country phase at Burghley Horse Trials 2023. Credit: Peter Nixon

Incredible rounds, smart debuts and heartbreak: 11 must-reads about Burghley cross-country day

Steve Guerdat and Dynamix De Belheme are the new champions after winning gold at the European Showjumping Championships in Milan, Italy. Credit: FEI

‘She’s my horse of a lifetime’: newly crowned European champion pays tribute to gold medal-winning mare

Ben Maher and Faltic HB finish fourth at the European Showjumping Championships in Milan, Italy. Credit: FEI

‘That was an expensive fence’: Ben Maher narrowly misses individual medal for second year in a row

Jens Fredricson and Markan Cosmopolit, who finished fifth at the European Showjumping Championships in Milan, Italy

Jens Fredricson, who rides Markan Cosmopolit with the rein coming out of the top of his hand, finished fifth at the European Showjumping Championships in Milan, Italy. Credit: FEI

‘It’s not about luck, I should have ridden better’: European Championship leader reflects on agony of missing out on a medal

Harry Meade riding Cavalier Crystal. Credit: Peter Nixon

Harry Meade celebrates best Burghley placing yet with five-star first-timer

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed at the 2023 Defender Burghley Horse Trials.

David Doel riding Galileo Nieuwmoed. Credit: Peter Nixon

‘Hopefully I’ll be able to afford a holiday now’: career highlight for Burghley runner-up

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Sarah Jenkins

H&H editor-in-chief

Sarah has more than 20 years experience as an equestrian journalist and editor. She has reported from major championships including the Europeans and the World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on equestrianism including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. Sarah has ridden since childhood, owned horses and ponies for over 25 years, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university.