Cross-country day at Defender Burghley… what a rollercoaster. Horses were flying, riders were hanging on, and the crowd got the kind of day they came for. We caught up with grooms Adam Short and Jason Wood before the action started (they were way too calm for what was about to happen), and then grabbed reactions as the dust settled — including a chat with Ros Canter, who made Graffalo look every bit the superstar he is. You’ll hear what it really feels like in the stables, where the time slipped away out on course, and how riders dealt with the pressure of one of the toughest tracks around. Plus, the EquiRatings team break down the numbers and what they mean going into the final day. Highlights: Ros Canter on Graffalo’s class round How the time really rode and where it slipped away Groom life and Burghley behind-the-scenes The EquiRatings review: what the stats say after cross-country Guests in this episode: Ros Canter — on Lordships Graffalo’s round and what it took to deliver it Adam Short — top groom, lending a hand and sharing what it’s like behind the scenes Jason Wood — first Burghley, with a ringside view of the chaos Big climbs, tired legs, and plenty of stories — this was Defender Burghley at its best. Want to watch every moment? Subscribe to Burghley TV for exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access throughout the week. And for the latest updates, follow the Defender Burghley Horse Trials on Instagram at @burghleyhorsetrials. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Instagram and Facebook. throughout the week for daily Burghley Diaries, behind-the-scenes access, and all the stories as they unfold at one of eventing’s greatest stages. Â
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52:31
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52:31
Inside Defender Burghley: Celebrating the Defender Burghley Magic with Tim Price & Piggy March
Two former winners. Two Defender Burghley ambassadors. Two of the best in the sport. In this special Inside Burghley show, Nicole is joined by Tim Price and Piggy March to talk all things Defender Burghley - from VHS tapes in New Zealand to Mary King fan letters, from first-time nerves to winning moments. Burghley is back, and these two know exactly what makes it the holy grail. Episode Highlights Burghley first impressions - Tim’s VHS tapes from New Zealand, Piggy’s childhood obsession with Mary King, and the awe of the Collesmore Leap. First rides & first fears - Piggy’s 21-year-old debut in tears, Pippa Funnell’s pep talk, and Tim’s lessons on what makes a real Burghley horse. The Burghley test - Terrain, time, and the unique stamina questions that make it unlike any other 5*. Winning moments - Tim with Ringwood Skyboy, Piggy with Vanir Kamira, and what it really feels like to walk up Winners’ Avenue. Burghley magic - From iconic fences to unforgettable mishaps (a false tooth mid-lap of honour, a bee down the shirt), Tim and Piggy share the stories that only Burghley can create. Looking ahead to 2025 - Vitaly’s consistency, Piggy’s new ride MCS Maverick, and how the reversed track might shake things up this year. Guests Tim Price Piggy March Host Nicole Brown Want more insights, picks, and data-driven takes? Follow @equiratings_eventing on Instagram and Facebook for your ultimate eventing companion. Â
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49:53
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49:53
Inside Defender Burghley: Derek di Grazia & Martyn Johnson on Final Preparations
In this Inside Defender Burghley bonus episode, Nicole Brown visits the venue just three weeks before Defender Burghley Horse Trials kicks off for 2025. Event Director Martyn Johnson and Course Designer Derek di Grazia share exclusive insights on final preparations, from reversing the track direction for the first time since 2017 to reimagining iconic features like the Trout Hatchery. Episode Highlights Three Weeks to Go: Why this is crunch time for the Burghley team. A New Direction: How reversing the course changes the challenges for riders. Design Secrets: The small details — from tree placement to car positioning — that shape the way fences ride. Heritage Meets Innovation: Keeping legendary features like Lionbridge, the Leaf Pit, and Defender Valley fresh while showcasing sponsors. Fence to Watch: The revamped Trout Hatchery at the seven-minute mark. Ground Game: How the team is delivering top-class going despite a dry summer. Guests Martyn Johnson – Event Director, Defender Burghley Horse Trials Derek di Grazia – International Course Designer, Burghley Burghley Horse Trials Host Nicole Brown Check out the Burghley website here. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
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18:12
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18:12
Defender Burghley 2025 Preview Show
Defender Burghley week is here. The fences are huge, the clock is merciless, and even the favourites can unravel. Burghley is where reputations are made. Nicole Brown is joined by a full house of experts to set the stage for one of the most anticipated five-stars of the season. Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo bid to make history. Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent return to settle unfinished business. Harry Meade brings three chances to finally land his first five-star. Add in Tim Price with Vitali, David Doel with Galileo Nieuwmoed, Austin O’Connor with Colorado Blue, and a host of international challengers, and you’ve got a Burghley that could produce fireworks in every phase. Highlights include: Why Graffalo could cement his place among the all-time greats The challenge of the reversed cross-country track and what it means for stamina Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent: redemption or repeat heartbreak? Harry Meade’s triple attack and the horse most likely to deliver his first five-star win Tim Price and Vitali: brilliance in the dressage, questions on the final day The outsiders who could climb their way into history Guests joining Nicole Brown: Catherine Austen — Burghley Press Officer with insider perspective Annie Bishop — journalist and host of the US Equestrian Open podcast Spike Milligan — equine vet with expert analysis Diarm Byrne — EquiRatings co-founder with the numbers behind the predictions Want to watch every moment? Subscribe to Burghley TV for exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access throughout the week. And for the latest updates, follow the Defender Burghley Horse Trials on Instagram at @burghleyhorsetrials. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
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1:39:32
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1:39:32
Inside Defender Burghley: The Entries Reaction Show
Nicole Brown and Sam Watson dive straight into the newly announced Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2025 entry list — and the stories behind the names. With the course running in reverse for the first time since 2017 and an elite field taking shape, they discuss the contenders, the challenges, and the drama that could unfold. Episode Highlights: The reversed Burghley track and how it could make time even tougher. Ros Canter & Lordships Graffalo’s huge Prediction Centre win chance — and the Badminton/Burghley double on the line. Vitali’s brilliance, Tim Price’s resilience, and the quest for a Burghley win. Colorado Blue’s stamina strengths and Ireland’s hopes. Harry Meade’s triple challenge and quest for a first 5* victory. Exciting returning and debuting combinations to watch. Guests: Nicole Brown – Host of the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast. Sam Watson – International event rider, analyst, and EquiRatings co-founder. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
The Eventing Podcast squad bring you on a weekly, data-fuelled journey through the world of eventing. Previews, reviews and analysis - all supported by EquiRatings' data.
South Africa