Chris Burton has won the British Eventing Open Championship at Gatcombe, rising from ninth place when the cross-country course saw leaders fall by the wayside.
‘Shock win’
The Australian eventer produced the second fastest time on the cross-country with TS Jamaimo, incurring just 2.8 time faults to win the title.
Chris admitted it was a ‘shock win’ afterthe 16-year-old Thoroughbred hada pole down in the showjumping.
“I was quite cross at having a rail as he’s a careful horse,” said Chris who is based in Surrey. “But this is a very exciting win for me. The Festival is an event that gets us riders fired up.”
Took a tumble
Sam Griffiths was in the lead going into the final phase with Paulank Brockagh, but they had a fall at fence 21.
The 2014 Badminton winners weren’t the only ones to take a tumble while tacklingMark Phillips’ cross-country course. Fellow Australian Andrew Hoydeparted from Rutherglen, while defending champion Andrew Nicholson was taken to hospital for observation after falling at the last fence with Cillnabradden Evo. A statement released today confirmed that he has a neck injury.
Another top rider whose weekend didn’t go to plan was William Fox-Pitt, who had run-outs with both Luxury FH and Fernhill Pimms.
‘Phenomenal’
Taking the runner-up sport was Marlborough-based New Zealander Jonelle Price. She was competing in the British Eventing Open for the first time, on board Classic Moet. Nicola Wilson was third riding Beltane Queen and as the best-placed Brit shewas named the National Champion.
“She was phenomenal,” said Nicola of the 10-year old coloured mare. “She’s just getting better and better. I can’t believe it!”
Oliver Townend came fourth riding Armada. The pair was third after the dressage but then dropped to 23rd place after having four down in the showjumping. They moved back up the leaderboard after producing the only clear inside the time on the cross-country.
Oliver was the joint leader with Sam after the showjumping with Mr Hiho, but withdrew before the final phase as the horse was returning to competition after having time off.
The Cheshire-based rider did have a superb weekend, however, winning both the Novice and Intermediate titles.
New records
Chris is only the third Australian rider to win the Open Championship at theFestival of British Eventing. Previous winners areAndrew Hoy in 1997 and Clayton Fredericks in 2006.
The 33-year-old’s win follows his recent success atCamphire International Horse Trials where he set the record for the lowest overall finishing score overall and lowest dressage score in a CCI2*.