CHORLEY’S Jeanette Brakewell admits it was disappointing to not get the chance to complete this year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, especially after being impressed with the efforts of her horse Lets Dance.

The pair had a solid start to proceedings at Burghley as they scored 46.2 in the dressage which left them in 25th heading into Saturday’s notorious cross-country.

And they more-than held their own on Captain Mark Phillips’ reversed course to finish the day in 17th heading into Sunday’s finale.

However, they were forced to withdraw after failing at the trot up but Brakewell believes her horse gave everything and was delighted with her efforts on a tough cross-country track.

“You are trying to concentrate hard but not too hard that you ride badly so you just have to try and let it flow and she did everything I asked her,” said Brakewell.

“She tried hard and got her legs out and was mega the whole way around so I am really pleased with her.

“We had her fitter this year and did the old fashioned interval training which has helped massively because she didn’t want to slow down.

“It rode big and the ground was a bit soft but you just had to focus the whole way and there are so many options the whole way around.

“She’s a good showjumper so it’s a shame she didn’t get the chance but we have Blenheim coming up and a few one days but it’s nearly the end.”

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is one of only six four-star events around the world and sees the best riders from across the globe descend on Lincolnshire to strut their stuff.

And Brakewell believes that the event is the best the world has to offer and intends to come back stronger than ever next year.

“Burghley is probably my favourite event. It’s very friendly and it’s a very relaxed atmosphere down at the stables,” she added.

“Everything is done as much as possible to make sure the competitors have a good time, and we’re not under any strain from the organisers, which is perfect.

“My dressage went well here as well as the cross-country so I am really pleased with that because she is quite a feisty mare. It’s a shame we couldn’t finish but I’m proud of her efforts.”

n The multi-award winning Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (3rd-6th September) has been established as a major international equestrian and social event in the Autumn Sporting Calendar for over 50 years. For more information visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk