Burghley week is underway, the rain has fallen, and the stage is set. In the very first Defender Burghley Diary of 2025, Nicole Brown and Annie Bishop soak up the atmosphere on site, from an empty scoreboard waiting to be filled with history to the buzz of the trade stands as the park comes alive.

They talk hopes, nerves, and early headlines, including Felix Vogg’s withdrawal, perfect footing predictions, and the pressure on Lordships Graffalo and Ros Canter as defending champions. Plus, Annie reveals her Eventing Manager 2.0 picks, and Nicole checks in with Baileys Horse Feeds, owners, and new Burghley TV team member Tom Stanley.

It’s your all-access pass to day one at Defender Burghley.

Highlights include:

• Annie Bishop on her first impressions of Burghley vs. Kentucky
• The buzz around Graffalo, Rosalent, and Colorado Blue
• Eventing Manager 2.0: who’s on Annie’s fantasy team
• Behind the scenes with Baileys Horse Feeds and their long history at Burghley
• Owner insight from Karen Brooks on J’adore Salsa with Michael Owen
• Broadcaster Tom Stanley joins the Burghley TV lineup

Guests:

• Annie Bishop — journalist & US Equestrian Open podcast host
• Jane Buchan — Marketing Manager, Baileys Horse Feeds
• Karen Brooks — owner of J’adore Salsa
• Tom Stanley — Racing TV presenter & new Burghley TV team member

 

Want to watch every moment? Subscribe to Burghley TV for exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access throughout the week. And for the latest updates, follow the Defender Burghley Horse Trials on Instagram at @burghleyhorsetrials.

EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Instagram and Facebook. throughout the week for daily Burghley Diaries, behind-the-scenes access, and all the stories as they unfold at one of eventing’s greatest stages.