| Celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary the centre piece of this year’s Autumn Classic of Eventing was undoubtedly the retro styled Cross Country track designed by Captain Mark Phillips with the spectacular new lake crossing at it’s heart .Day one started with William Fox-Pitt and his four star newcomer Parklane Hawk setting the standard with a promising 39.7 points which was only narrowly bettered on the following day by Germany’s Simone Deitermann and Free Easy NSW.With 33 fences and 45 jumping efforts on the 6650 metre journey across Burghley’s undulating terrain, Saturdays Cross Country was certain to test both stamina and concentration.The scene was set for a truly nail biting finish with William Fox-Pitt bidding to re-write the record books after his five previous successes on Chaka in 1994, Highland Lad in 2002, Ballincoola in 2005, Parkmore Ed in 2007 and Tamarillo in 2008. Presented by Clare Balding and Commentary by David Goldstrom and Matt Ryan. Approx 102 mins duration. |
