Tim Price lauded Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials as the very best eventing has to offer as he finished third on the iconic 5* event’s return. 

The Marlborough-based Kiwi produced a strong weekend onboard Burghley rookie Vitali to take the final podium spot behind champion Piggy March and runner-up Tom Jackson. 

Price and Vitali produced a stunning dressage test before a clear cross-country round left them in second ahead of the final day. 

And despite the pair knocking down a few poles at Sunday’s show jumping finale, Price was thrilled with his week’s work. 

“I was very happy with his performance,” said Price. “The rails today are something that I knew could happen, it’s a work in progress. 

“It’s very rare for a horse to come here and be victorious on its first visit.  

“I’m looking forward to having him come here time and time again. I think he’ll be very successful as he goes on. 

“It’s just great to be back here. The whole thing is just like the jewel in the crown of eventing.” 

Price started the competition with three horses, retiring Polystar I before the cross-country phase and finishing 17th on Bango. 

And while established 5* Bango may not have performed as hoped, Price was left excited about the potential of Vitali. 

“It was disappointing, Bango he actually jumped really well but was going through a couple of different rails so that’s something to go back to the drawing board,” added Price. 

“This horse [Vitali], he’s not the best jumper but I think he’ll get there.  

“It’s not too bad to finish third. I’ve just got to keep working to get him there for all three phases and it’s very exciting for the future. 

“I’ve got to keep it all in perspective. It’s easy to get distracted by the fact that we were in a very good position.  

“It was a must jump clear day to win but this horse, it’s his weak phase but overall, being here at Burghley he’s been excellent.  

“He put out a really good performance in the dressage to be right up there and he just excelled yesterday. 

“He's class and what he showed me yesterday has definitely got me excited about the future.” 

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (1-4 September 2022) returns after a two-year hiatus, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  A major international sporting and social event for over 50 years it attracts 80 of the world’s top equestrians and over 170,000 visitors.  For more information visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk