Equestrian Events Dressage & eventing
Rank 13
Defender Burghley Horse Trials
The September five-star, which in 2026 produced its most decisive winning margin since 1998.
Why it is here
Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight won the 2026 Defender Burghley Horse Trials on their dressage score of 29.6, by 13.4 penalties, the biggest winning margin at Burghley since 1998. They were the only combination to finish on their dressage score (Horse and Rider, 2026-09-06; Horse & Hound, 2026-09-06). The 2027 event runs 2–5 September (Burghley Horse Trials). Score drivers: prestige 9.2 from its five-star status; sporting level 9.3 from its five-star level and a historically decisive result. Exclusivity, social and experience are not scored. No welfare incident at the 2026 event was reported in the sources reviewed.
Who it is for
Eventing riders, owners and spectators who want a five-star cross-country test in the grounds of a stately home.
Sources
- Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight win Burghley with record-breaking marginWon on their dressage score by 13.4 penalties, the biggest margin at Burghley since 1998.
- Gemma Stevens tops the Burghley 2026 results on Chilli KnightStevens showjumped clear to win with a 13.4-penalty margin.
- Defender Burghley Horse TrialsNext edition 2–5 September 2027.
