6 Speed Horses

Burghley first adopted the modern eventing format in 2006. Since then, there have been 1131 Burghley starters. Just 10 finished on their dressage score. No rider between 2006-2023 has FOD’d at Burghley more than once, even though 202 riders have had multiple Burghley starts in that time.

There are a couple of stand-out Irish horses to watch today

Sarah Ennis | Grantstown Jackson

• EquiRatings Speed Rank: 3 (97%)
• Start Time: 13:48
• Score: 34.5
• Position: 39th

At Burghley this year they produced their best international dressage test in 3 and half years. They were the third fastest at Badminton 2024 behind Lucy Latta, who was the fastest with a time penalty - Sarah Ennis had 3.6 (9 seconds over). They were the second fastest combination at the Europeans in 2023 (2.4-time penalties, 6 seconds) the only one to make the time that day was Lordships Graffalo.

Austin O'Connor | Colorado Blue

• EquiRatings Speed Rank: 1 (98%)
• Start Time: 12:13
• Score: 33.9
• Position: 37th

This is the fastest horse in the field - alongside Lorships Graffalo. They were the second fastest around a tough track at Maryland (3 seconds over). Made the time at CCI5* previously (Badminton) They were the fastest of the day at Badminton when Lordships Graffalo won. They did run out at the leaf pit here last year - but it was a rare mistake. Made the time at CCI5* on four previous occasions, and clear around 7 (started at 8).

Ros Canter | Lordships Graffalo

• EquiRatings Speed Rank: 2 (97%)
• Start Time: 15:40
• Score: 22.0
• Position: 2nd

Badminton winner, European Champion. Generational Talent. Only one to make the time at the Europeans in 2023. Their only cross-country jumping penalty on the record was the penalty/non-penalty that happened in Paris. Made the time at CCI5* twice.

Oliver Townend | Cooley Rosalent

• EquiRatings Speed Rank: 4 (96%)
• Start Time: 14:19
• Score: 24.4
• Position: =5th

1 second over the time at Kentucky 2024. 3-time winner of Burghley and 8 five stars
Oliver has made the time here twice before

Mia Farley | Phelps

• EquiRatings Speed Rank: 12 (94%)
• Start Time: 13:12
• Score: 33.7
• Position: 36th

Fastest and only horse to make the time at Maryland. No US riders has made the time at Burghley since Sinead Halpin in 2013 (Manoir de Carbville).

Sophia Hill | Humble Glory

• EquiRatings Speed Rank: 6 (96%)
• Start Time: 14:06
• Score: 36.9
• Position: 50th

Only one 5* start but made the time at that run in Adelaide. They finished on the podium that day and were the only horse inside time. This year made the time at Bramham and Bicton which are both hill and testing XC tracks.