Tom Jackson 'over the moon' after Burghley cross-country

By Ben Hart

Tom Jackson asserted his status as one to watch in the eventing world with a clear run round the devilish cross-country course at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials.

Maidstone-born Jackson saddled Capels Hollow Drift through the hardest phase of the 5* event, securing progression to the Sunday’s show-jumping spectacular.

The 31-year-old finished second on debut two years ago and stands an outside chance of going one better this year, with leader and Olympic champion Ros Canter 12.2 penalty marks ahead.

“I’m over the moon with him, he's just such a consistent performer,” said Jackson.

“I think this is just 5th 5*, 5th clear at the level, I think he’s only ever had one 20 (penalty) in his time with us so just every time no matter the course, no matter the conditions, he gives everything.”

Competitors walked the four-mile course several times before tackling it on a gloomy Saturday in Stamford, with the majority of riders observing it as one of the toughest and biggest they have faced.

But Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift have finished fifth at each of the last two Badminton Horse Trials and it feels like only a matter of time before Jackson breaks his 5* duck.

“To be fair this is only my second time at Burghley, we’ve done loads more of Badminton but the terrain here just adds a whole new element,” he said.

“It’s no secret that you peak when you’re a little bit older than every other sport and I think that’s down to experience, riding horses around here and thinking ‘Ok they feel a bit tired now but that’s normal and they’ll pick up again, you give them a breather.

“The lucky thing with him is as soon as we got to the top of the hill it’s pretty much all downhill so after that he just flew all the way down.”

Attention now turns to the show-jumping, with the winner crowned on Sunday afternoon but regardless of the result, Jackson is determined to enjoy the occasion.

“I think you always enjoy it when you’ve had a good round and you get back and finish like that,” he added.

“I always get nervous, I don’t get ridiculously nervous like I know some people do, but I’d say in terms of enjoyment it’s when you’ve had a good round and come through the finish.”

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