Doel, Rawlin, March—this one’s on top, then that one’s on top. Thursday afternoon at Defender Burghley delivered all the tension and drama of a Game of Thrones episode, with the leaderboard shifting almost as quickly as the crowd could cheer.
Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy raised the stakes with an impressive score of 28.8, greeted by thunderous applause and a jubilant fist pump from Rawlin, clearly thrilled with their performance.
But the excitement didn’t stop there. Just moments later, Piggy March entered the arena with MCS Maverick, producing a sublime test that earned 25.7 — good enough to snatch the lead and send the crowd buzzing.
Adding to the afternoon’s drama, Alex Bragg Team Bragg Eventing and Ardeo Premier — now in their eighth season as a partnership but making their Burghley debut together — delivered a personal best at five-star level. The 12-year-old gelding showed all his class in a polished and confident performance and they sit in second place overnight.
It was a case of come rain or come shine, but the skies have cleared, and the day has closed under a golden sunset, perfectly framing the end of an exhilarating first day. With many of the sport’s biggest names still to come, anticipation is high for what promises to be an unforgettable continuation of the competition.
