Frustration as Louth rider Strawson fails to beat his best at Burghley
Tom Strawson revealed that he was kicking himself after narrowly missing out on bettering his Defender Burghley Horse Trials best finish.
The 38-year-old from Louth was unable to replicate his 21st place finish from last year on 12-year-old gelding Public Address, affectionately known as Brian, this week after a tough showjumping phase.
The duo had jumped cleanly around Derek di Grazia's cross-country puzzle the previous day but knocked down four to pick up 20 jump faults and slide down the standings on the final day of competition.
Despite the setbacks, Strawson noted that Public Address was brilliant throughout and he only had himself to blame for a lapse in judgement in the arena.
“It has been a fantastic week and a fantastic event,” he said.
“I mean, Burghley is the very top of the sport. It's great to be here and even more great to get to completion.
“I will be kicking myself for a while as I was a little bit tired and I wasn't quite on my A game in there.
“I just probably need to sharpen up a bit and ride a few more 5*s, and then it might come a bit easier.
“But it has been delightful. It's delightful to get around and I had a fantastic day to remember yesterday in the cross-country.”
Last year was Strawson and Public Address' 5* debut at Burghley, with the pair finishing in 21st place overall on a score of 82.2.
They were only marginally off that this year, with a final score of 83.7 showcasing their consistency, but after such a strong cross-country round Strawson will be disappointed not to improve.
The three-day event attracts fantastic crowds to witness exhilarating equestrian action as the world's best eventers compete in a comprehensive test of the all-round ability of the horse and rider, comprising Dressage, Cross Country and Jumping.
It is regarded as the world's greatest 5* equestrian event.
This year's Defender Burghley Horse Trials saw a brilliant outing for all involved, with Britain's Gemma Stevens taking the title to make it six British winners in a row at the 5* event.
Defender Burghley Horse Trials has been a major international sporting and social event for over 50 years.
It attracts the world's top equestrians and is attended by vast and enthusiastic crowds. For more information visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk