Warburton toasts clear cross-country round at Defender Burghley Horse Trials

By Ben Hart, Sportsbeat

Event rider Max Warburton toasted to a clear cross-country round at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials with an immediate gin and tonic.

Warburton, 26, is among the youngest riders at this year’s 5* event in Lincolnshire but showed a maturity beyond his years to master the fiendish four-mile cross-country track.

Warburton and 10-year-old stallion Deerpairc Revelry came through unscathed at their first Burghley in what was a standout career achievement for the young Southam rider.

“I’m over the moon, young horse, first Burghley for me and first 5* for him,” said Warburton.

“We added a few strides here and there but I think that’s what cross country is all about, you deal with what’s in front of you. If you’ve got a horse with quick feet like that it’s easy.

“The course was big and bold and I just had to get stuck in and attack and trust your eye and keep kicking.”

Competitors described the four-mile course as one of the toughest and biggest they have faced, with Olympic medallists Ros Canter and Pippa Funnell among the riders who failed to guide a horse home.

But Warburton had absolute confidence in his horse’s ability and can look forward to rounding off an auspicious weekend in Sunday’s show-jumping.

“We’ve always thought a lot of him, he’s a lovely horse to ride. I was confident coming here but of course you watch a few who don’t come back, you think oh god,” added Warburton.

“My partner Susie Berry got home and that does fill you with a bit of confidence.”

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