Gemma Stevens secured victory at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials, riding her 16-year-old Chilli Knight to a win on their dressage score of 29.6. According to official records from the event, the triumph marks a milestone for the British rider, who has known the horse—affectionately nicknamed “Alfie”—since he was a foal. The pair previously captured the one-off CCI5* at Bicton in 2021 during Covid, but conquering Burghley places their partnership on the all-time eventing leaderboard.
A Masterclass on the Cross-Country Course
Burghley’s famously undulating 6,455-meter cross-country course, designed by Derek di Grazia, tested the endurance of 46 starting pairs across 28 challenging obstacles. Official timing data showed that the optimum time of 11 minutes and 20 seconds was beaten by only two combinations. Stevens and Chilli Knight delivered one of those rare clear rounds within the time limit, maintaining the pressure on their rivals after sitting in second place following the dressage phase. According to event reporting, their round featured a moment at fence 24, the Leaf Pit, where the horse added an extra stride before leaping safely. “We had a wonderful ride until we got to the Leaf Pit and I saw a lovely distance,” Stevens said. “However, he had other ideas and put in an extra stride, but then he turned into Pegasus and I told him that I loved him.”
Podium Standings and Course Casualties
British rider Katie Magee and Treworra, sired by Jaguar Mail, claimed second place with a score of 43.0, while American team member Caroline Pamukcu finished third on 44.0 riding HSH Blake in her debut at the venue. Both podium finishers benefited from heavy jumping penalties suffered by several top-ten contenders during Sunday’s final phase. Out of 48 initial dressage competitors, 28 advanced to the concluding show-jumping round. The Trout Hatchery water complex (fence 19f) and the final fence claimed multiple victims. World number one Tim Price of New Zealand retired his second ride, Falco, following a refusal, and later finished eleventh with Global Quest after incurring three show-jumping knockdowns. British rider Sarah Bullimore suffered an elimination at the very final obstacle when she parted company with Corimiro.
Distinguished Visitors and Event Legacy
HRH The Princess Royal attended the final day of competition at Burghley, where she presented prizes following the conclusion of the show-jumping phase. The Princess Royal maintains a connection to the venue, having won the European Eventing Championships there in 1971. She visited in her capacities as President of World Horse Welfare—Burghley’s supported charity for 2026—and as President of the British Eventing Support Trust. Defender Burghley remains one of only six CCI5* competitions globally, drawing elite athletes and large crowds for a weekend of equestrian sport.
Fans and competitors can review full replays and leaderboards via official broadcast channels on Burghley TV.
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