Burghley (2-5 September) is all set to take centre stage in the eventing field in the post-Olympic season, with a huge increase to its prize fund.
The premier Autumn eventing fixture’s prize money is set to increase by up to 50%, with this year’s winner benefiting from a 20% increase to the first prize, bringing it to £30,000.
The overall prize fund has risen to nearly £120,000, and increases will take place across the board, although those completing 13th or below (assuming 80 starters) will make the most of the increases, receiving £1,000 – more than double the amount in previous years.
Andrew Tulloch, event director, said: “Burghley is the premier event in the world in the second half of the season and it is important that owners and riders receive rewards that reflect the stature of the event.
“But this increase is just a part of our ongoing aim of ensuring that Burghley as a whole is the best event in the world at which to be an owner, a rider or a spectator,” he added.
Burghley has a way to go yet to match Badminton’s record prize money of £165,000 including a first prize of £40,000, but the September horse trials are increasing in stature with events such as the culmination of the Winergy Burghley Young Event Horse Series, the Ponies (UK) Burghley Event Pony, and numerous high-class dressage and driving features.
