Behind-the-scenes access at the Burghley Horse Trials 2022

It's been 3 years since the 5-star equestrian event took place in Stamford

Author: Ellis MaddisonPublished 15th Aug 2022
Last updated 15th Aug 2022

Now less than three weeks until 180,000 people are expected through the gates at Burghley House, we were invited to take a look behind the curtain of the Burghley Horse Trials 2022.

It's the first event for three years, and organisers have definitely been making up for lost time, having already re-vamped the iconic Lion Bridge, which will take centre stage for the weekend.

But it's the talent behind the track design which will make the return of the 5-star equestrian competition so special this time around.

Tokyo Olympics track designer Derek Di Grazia (left) stood at one at one of his jumps

Burghley have roped in Derek Di Grazia, an American cross-country course-designer responsible for the five-star course at the Kentucky Three-Day Event and for the track at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

'Burghley's always been known, it's such an iconic venue and I think everybody just knows that the terrain here at Burghley is very unique.'

'It allows for different kinds of jumps, a very different course to what you'd find in most other places in the world', he told Greatest Hits Radio

Event Director Martyn Johnson (left) and Derek Di Grazia (right) stood on the refurbished Lion Bridge

The three-day event is comprised of Dressage, Cross Country and Jumping; a comprehensive test of the ability of horse and rider.

Fans, celebrities, sporting icons and anyone that just fancies making the most of the occasion will be out in their numbers from 1st-4th of September.

Past winners include: 2019 Mrs Pippa Funnell (Great Britain) on MGH GRAFTON STREET

2018 Mr Tim Price (New Zealand) on RINGWOOD SKY BOY

2017 Mr Oliver Townend (Great Britain) on BALLAGHMOR CLASS

2016 Mr Christopher Burton (Australia) on NOBILIS 18

2015 Mr Michael Jung (Germany) on LA BIOSTHETIQUE SAM

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