Burghley's first ladies

Tough, stubborn, determined, brave - these are words we associate with the best mares and the qualities needed to do well at Burghley. Becky Murray finds out about the event's premier female runners throughout history

- Becky Murray

WHEN Vanir Kamira was crowned last year’s Burghley winner with Piggy March, not only would it turn out to be Trevor Dickens’ wonderful mare’s final five-star event, it also marked only the third time in the event’s 60 renewals that a mare has taken the honours.

The first was in 1973, when Captain Mark Phillips piloted Maid Marion to victory, and the next didn’t come until 2006, when superstar Headley Britannia showjumped clear with Lucinda Fredericks to clinch the prize from overnight leaders Andrew Hoy and Moonfleet.

Burghley is famed for its tough questions across country, and while there’s no doubt that it takes a horse with serious talent, Piggy has spoken openly in the past that Vanir Kamira “isn’t naturally the best mover or the best jumper” – but that it was her heart and personality that separated her from other horses she has ridden. “Tilly” has since retired from the top level, but leaves a sterling Burghley record; she was second with Piggy in 2017 and 2019, and fifth in 2018.

“Burghley is the number one event in the world, so you always look for a horse that’s a ‘Burghley horse’ to do well there,” says Trevor Dickens. “It just suited Tilly; the more difficult the course, the better she was. She is the Burghley calendar girl.”

Mark Phillips recalls his win with Maid Marion, and says while the mare was very rideable, she didn’t have a lot of scope.

“She was ridden by Tony Hill, but he had an injury, which is why I got the ride,” explains Mark.

“She did a nice test and was careful showjumping, but you had to be careful not to test her scope and bravery in the cross-country.”