What a competiton we have witnessed over the last few days of the Landrover Burghley Horse Trials.

After a tough XC phase, the final show jumping phase had the nation on the edge of their seats as all of the top three riders had a pole down. Pippa Funnell walked away with the highly coveted trophy with her horse MGH Grafton Street, a massive 16 years after her last win at Burghley.

Both she, Piggy French (who came second with Vanir Kamira) and Oliver Townend (third with Ballaghmor Class) all had a pole in the final phase as the competition went down to the wire!  

Pippa’s initial response to her win was both self-depreciating and analytical: “I’m really embarrassed by that round and in shock – big shock,” she commented, struggling to gather her composure.

“He’s not the best show jumper but I’ve always been convinced he had a big win in him – what an incredible two weeks with this and the Europeans.”

Pippa is known for being superstitious and was heard telling the stories in the press conferences and celebritiy rider area post XC day at her excitment for being drawn 77th in the starting order.  77 is the number the character Tilly in her series of childrens’ books always rides in.  Pippa also told the crowds gathered in the celeberbity talk area that she see's the number 7 as being lucky after wearing it when Primmore’s Pride won here in 2003 as part of her Rolex Grand Slam.

Here at Equetech we think Pippa deserved her win, a long 14 years since her last major win, going to show her love of the sport, hard work and dedication isn't all about the winning.

We were also delighted to hear that Pippa's lucky skull cap cover has been found, after loosing it out on the XC course, PIppa pleaded with the public if found to return it as she has owned the skull cap over 20 years!  

Well done Pippa what a great result!