AT first glance, three Irish Sport Horses in this year’s Defender Burghley CCI5*-L top-five is a pretty formidable result. One of just seven five-star events around the world, Burghley’s cross-country track is considered to be the toughest of this elite group and Irish-breds, including the thoroughbred Moonfleet, have won there 10 times in this millennium.

Last year’s Burghley was a stellar one for Irish Sport Horses with five, including the winner Ballaghmor Class (Courage II – Kilderry Place), in the top-10.