Todd eyes sixth Burghley title

Kiwi equestrian great Mark Todd. Photo / HB Today

Mark Todd's an old hand at lifting the Burghley trophy.

But the five-time winner of the final four star eventing competition of the season admits he would love a sixth crown when the trial starts tomorrow night (NZ time).

Double Olympic champion Todd will ride Leonidas II, on whom he finished fourth at Badminton this year.

The 11-year-old bay gelding, the top-ranked horse in Britain, is making his debut at Burghley, traditionally a tough cross country course.

"I think he has a good chance this year, all going well," Todd said.

"He is very consistent and a very good horse. It will be interesting to see how he copes but he is a great jumper and very scopy and brave."

Todd sung Burghley's praises ahead of the start.

"It is most of the riders favourite event. It comes at the end of the season and everyone is starting to think about winding down a little.

"It is a beautiful event, just stunning (surroundings) with the park and the house. I think is some ways too it is sort of generally regarded as a bit more challenging than Badminton too."

New Zealand will have a solid entry in the field.

In addition to Todd, Jonelle Price, fourth on the FEI Classics leaderboard and still chasing her first four star, will ride Classic Moet, on whom she finished fourth at last year's world games.

Her husband Tim Price rides Ringwood Sky Boy, aiming to build on strong performances this year, including second at Kentucky's three-day event on Wesko, and a win at Luhmuhlen's four star last year.

Jock Paget, second last year, is aboard Shady Grey, having a maiden start at Burghley, and Lizzie Brown will ride Kincooley Ceili.