EVENT rider Max Warburton says he could not have asked any more of his steadfast stallion as the pair celebrate a top-20 finish at their debut Defender Burghley Horse Trials.
The 26-year-old from Southam is amongst the youngest riders at this year’s 5* in Stamford, also judged to have one of the most competitive line-ups in the event’s 43-year history.
After dazzling in the opening dressage phase of the competition, the Southam-based rider admitted just stepping foot onto the world-class course saw him realise a childhood dream.
Warburton said: “It has been a real buzz to be here.
“10-years old and he’s [Deerpairc] jumped double clear on his first 5* – and at Burghley – I couldn’t have asked for any more. He stepped out there, had a look at the people and was just phenomenal.”
Warburton’s debutant horse romped home to the finish in the four-mile cross-country course known to be the toughest in the world. While some of the field’s biggest names including Britain’s Oliver Townend failed to complete.
Taking a moment to consider his performance alongside a high-calibre field, Warburton also admitted the ‘big bad Burghley’ experience had surpassed expectations.
Warburton added: “I think the whole thing has gone really well. The dressage trip went better than expected, we had a lovely cross-country trip and we finished off with a clear round. I couldn’t have asked for any more.
“We’ll prep for Badminton and next year should be pretty exciting.”
Warburton’s maiden outing parallelled a spectacular all-round performance by Olympic champion Ros Canter, who added a first Burghley title and third 5* crown to the team eventing gold she captured in Paris.
Defender Burghley Horse Trials (5-8 September 2024) has been a major international sporting and social event for over 50 years. It attracts the world’s top equestrians and is attended by vast and enthusiastic crowds. For more information visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk
