William Fox-Pitt was delighted to blood Fernhill Pimms at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials - even if he felt that it was the more experienced half of the pairing that let them down.

Hampstead-born Fox-Pitt shared the lead with Michael Jung after the dressage phase, but was caught out when he missed a fence on Captain Mark Phillips’ cross-country course.

He realised his error and corrected himself, but the time lost was enough to destroy any hopes of a record seventh Burghley title.

“It’s his first four-star, and I’m delighted with him,” said Fox-Pitt.

“Overall he’s been really encouraging. I couldn’t have asked for more from him and I hope that next time I get to a four-star with him I don’t let him down.

“I just said to his owners that we would come through here and see what happens, but there’s no reason why he shouldn’t do a four-star next spring, if he’s fit and well coming out of Burghley.”

Michael Jung also relinquished the lead when he fell from Fischerrocana, but retook it later in the day with a brilliant ride on Sam.

It gave him a 1.5 point lead over New Zealand’s Tim Price going into Sunday’s showjumping.

Price went clear, but the world number one Jung secured a first Burghley title with a majestic clear round in front of a packed house.

Fox-Pitt, meanwhile, dropped a fence to finish tenth, two places behind fellow Olympian and best-placed Brit Tina Cook, and will now head to Scotland for the European Championships.

“I’m riding Bay My Hero in Blair next week, and he’s really well,” added Fox-Pitt. “He’s on good form and I don’t feel like I’ve used up all my luck here at Burghley so let’s hope it’s there next week.

“I have so much confidence in him and he’s a superb horse. I hope that he performs to his best, gives me a good ride, and if I give him a good ride, we should be right up there.

“In terms of Rio, I think we’ll know a lot more after Blair as far as where we are as a British team, but I’d say we’re coming into a really strong period.

“Horses and riders are coming through at the right time and we’re spoilt for choice with some great combinations at Blair.

“Next year, the heat will be on and there will be a lot of competition for those four places in Rio.”

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