2026 Inside Burghley Diaries: Thursday - Setting the Standard

Thursday at Burghley and the competition is officially underway. 🎙️

The first day of dressage has given us plenty to talk about. The judging is tough, the good scores are being seriously earned and Nadja Minder has thrown down the early marker with her five-star PB. But at Burghley, we all know Thursday is only the beginning of the story.

Sam Watson joins us to talk Saturday, why this year's track could flow better and just how many combinations might actually beat that famous Burghley clock. Plus, with Eventing Manager officially locked in, we find out who everyone is backing.

We head around the showground too, catching up with Marcus Fairfax Fountaine at Fairfax & Favor before finding Tom McEwen at Equine America, fresh from World Championship gold and with 19-year-old Toledo de Kerser back at Burghley.

And we finish with Lucy Jackson, a glass of rosé and a proper Thursday debrief. Who impressed, who could shake things up on Friday and who does Lucy think will be leading heading into Saturday?

Highlights

• Nadja Minder sets the early Burghley standard
• Sam Watson makes his Saturday time prediction
• The biggest Eventing Manager picks
• A trip to Fairfax & Favor
• Tom McEwen and the return of Toledo de Kerser
• Lucy Jackson's Thursday dressage debrief
• Who leads heading into cross country?

Guests

Sam Watson
EquiRatings co-founder, stats man and Burghley competitor.

Marcus Fairfax Fountaine
Co-founder of Fairfax & Favor.

Tom McEwen
World Champion and Olympic medallist.

Lucy Jackson
Five-star rider, commentator and Burghley Insights Stage host.

🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV: exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week.

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