Walter the Wonderful! Ros and Lordships Graffalo have retained their Burghley title. This makes the pair the first combination in history to win both Badminton and Burghley twice.
Ros got her competition off to a great start, posting a dressage score of 22.4, just 0.4 behind Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent.
On Saturday, with Oliver out of the running, the pair flew round Derek di Grazia’s challenging cross-country track, eight seconds inside the time – the only ones to beat the clock home. This gave Ros a little over one fence in hand going in to the final phase.
By the close of play Ros had a nine penalty advantage, a clear winner.
“I really hope Walter will go down as a legend of our time and a legend of the sport, not only for the performances he gives, but his character as well. He is an unbelievable horse to have at home,” said Ros.
“He absolutely thrives on these occasions. I could have dropped the rein, waved at the crowd for 15 minutes and he would just have thoroughly enjoyed himself. I don’t think there are many horses in the world that would do that.”
Ros’ season is now over as she prepares for the arrival of her new baby in the new year.
Ros & Walter © Hannah Cole