Tim Price remains at the top of the CCI5* leaderboard after a tumultuous day of cross country at the Burghley Horse Trials in the United Kingdom but there is less than a rail going into the final test, the showjumping tomorrow morning.

Tim and the 13-year-old Vitali came home clear over the Derek di Grazia-designed course but picked up eight time penalties. They weren’t alone – of the 58 combinations who started, just two came home clear and inside time, 11 jumped clear but picked up time, eight were eliminated, and 13 retired.

One of those to go clear but pick up time was the only other Kiwi in the field, Burghley debutant Lauren Innes and Global Fision M who raced up the leaderboard to 27th thanks to their solid efforts, adding 24.8 to their tally. “He gave me an incredible ride,” said the full time financial analyst. “I am so proud of him. It was just amazing.”

But the day really belonged to world no.1 Tim and Vitali, who is owned by Joe and Alex Giannamore.

“It was a tough day and there were lots of mistakes and problems out there,” said Tim. “But it is Burghley, so that is what you expect. Vitali was good – he tried very hard and kept pushing all the way home. We had a few time faults which was not the plan . . . I wanted to be one of the quicker ones but that is just how it was today for me and my horse. It was a try depiction of a tough day at the office around a 5* at Burghley. I am really happy with him.”

Tim says he is looking forward to the “challenge” of a good showjumping round tomorrow.
Tim and Vitali are on 26.7 penalty points, with Oliver Townend (GBR) aboard Ballaghmor Class in second on 29, David Doel (GBR) with Galileo Nieuwmoed in third on 33.7, and Wills Oakden (GBR) on Oughterard Cooley in fourth on 34.9. Wills and David were the only two to come home clear and inside time in the cross country.

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HORSE DETAILS:
Vitali (Holsteiner By Contender out of Noble lady I) – Owned by Alex and Joe Giannamore & Tim Price
Global Fision M (by Flipper D’elle HN, out of Kantussa who is by Cantus) – owned by the Innes Family Syndicate

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Libby Law/ESNZ