Kiwis Eye up Burghley 5*

Seven New Zealand combinations will line up this week at one of the world’s greatest CCI5*-L competitions, the Defender Burghley Horse Trials in the United Kingdom. World no.1 Tim Price has both Falco and Global Quest on the card, with Jonelle Price in aboard Chilli’s Midnight Star, Caroline Powell has entered aboard High Time, Jesse Campbell is in with Cooley Lafitte, Clarke Johnstone has Domasco in, and Tayla Mason has entered Centennial.

Tim and Jonelle are considered to be among the top contenders for the much coveted CCI5* crown. Also tipped to be closely watched in the 52-strong field are European champ Laura Collet, Harry Meade, Sarah Bullimore and David Doel.

Falco was Tim’s mount for the recent 2026 FEI World Championships and with a sixth individual placing at Paris Olympic Games, was New Zealand’s best there. He was second at Badminton earlier this year and in 2024 was second at the Maryland 5*. A previous Burghley winner (2018), Tim has twice been second at Burghley (2024 and 2025).

Tim Price (NZL) and Falco. FEI Eventing World Championship – Cross-Country Team & Individual | DHL-Prize. Aachen, Germany. Saturday 15 August 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

While it was a quick turnaround for Falco from the World Champs, the horse was feeling great. “He couldn’t have come through the Champs better and I am hoping he continues to build into it and we can have some fun at Burghley,” said Tim. The goal was always coming home safe and healthy with a “good solid outing”. “Anything on top of that is a bonus.” Tim has completed 5* competitions at Kentucky and Pau aboard the 13-year-old stallion Global Quest who was previously ridden by the late Georgie Campbell. “He is in good form, and I am looking forward to a good spin around there with him,” he says.

Jonelle’s 12-year-old Irish sport horse Chilli’s Midnight Star has a ninth at Maryland 5* and 12th at Badminton to his credit, and this will be his first Burghley start, and his Olympic rider who is currently ranked world no.6 is confident he is well on track for the big event.

Clarke’s 13-year-old thoroughbred Domesco is on debut at 5* level but won his last start, a CCI4*-L at Millstreet in July.

Caroline Powell, a former Burghley winner, and High Time were eighth at Burghley last year and have also completed Badminton and Pau. The horse had a good run at Hartpury and Caroline said she was very happy with him. “He’s in great form,” she said.nIt will be a busy event for the Olympian who also had three in the young horse classes.

Homebred Centennial and Tayla Mason were sixth in his last 5* start at Badminton with an eighth at Maryland 5* as well, with five 5* completions to their credit.

Caroline Powell (NZL) rides High Time V during the Cross Country. 2025 Defender Burghley Horse Trials. Stamford, England. Saturday 6 September 2025. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Cooley Lafitte is no stranger to 5* competitions, and Jesse heads to the event in good spirits. “Our Burghley prep has been good and Cooley Lafitte has had some good runs since Badminton with two top 10 finishes,” said Jesse. “I think we have a good understanding of where he is at. He is feeling on good form for this year. I can’t wait to get started. We know what Burghley is and I am looking forward to doing our best work out there.”

New Zealand has a rich history at Burghley. Andrew Nicholson (2014, 2013, 2012, 2000, 1995) and Sir Mark Todd (1999, 1997, 1991, 1990, 1987) have both won it five times apiece. Andrew’s three victories with Avebury claimed their own slice of history for the iconic event. Blyth Tait has won Burghley twice (1998 and 2001), with Caroline Powell winning in 2024 and Tim in 2018.

The first horse inspection is on Wednesday afternoon (UK time), followed by two days of dressage, the Derek di Grazia cross country on Saturday and the showjumping on Sunday.

Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, who won the European Championships at Burghley in 1971, will present the prizes to the winners of Burghley 2026 on ‘Super Sunday’.
The day includes a salute to Britain’s gold medal-winning squad from the 2026 FEI World Eventing Championships in Aachen. The four team members – double Burghley winner Ros Canter, Laura Collett, Tom McEwen and Gemma Stevens, along with individual rider Caroline Harris, will parade in vehicles before the CCI5* prizes are awarded.

Dual Burghley champ Ballaghmor Class will be honoured as he canters around the main arena for a final time with Oliver Townend. The combo won Burghley twice (2017 and 2023) and also helped win Olympic team gold for Great Britain in Tokyo. The 19-year-old gelding is being officially retired from eventing at Burghley.

CCI5*-L is the highest ranked eventing competition in the world, and Burghley is one of just six and considered ‘the world’s greatest’ by many.

THE HORSE DETAILS

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