Sensational Saumur for Chris Burton

Chris Burton and Quality Purdey starred in France across the weekend winning the CCI3* class at Saumur.

They were positioned equal third after the Dressage behind Donatien Schauly Adj (FRA) on Ocarina du Chanois and after scorching around the cross-country in 9 min 54 sec, a whopping six seconds under time, they soon put pressure on the other top placeholders.

Gonzalo Blasco Botin (ESP), the rider with whom Burton shared equal third spot with after the Dressage, came in 12 seconds over time and subsequently dropped back to 4th place.  Luc Chateau (FRA) who was second placed after Dressage retired on the course.

Early leader Schauly Adj added 2.4 penalties to his score after cross-country which tied Burton in first place on 29.2 penalties.

The path to victory was then paved for Burton when Schauly Adj had to withdraw after the final horse inspection. Going into the Jumping phase Burton was in the outright lead with one rail in hand.

After a spectacular clear round Burton went on to win the event with the 12YO mare. It was the combination’s second major victory since winning the CICO3* at Le Pin au Haras in France last August.

"A fantastic result this weekend for us. I am delighted for the owners, Clare Poole and Dom Florey, and for my amazing team who work so hard behind the scenes.”

“Quality Purdey is a special horse and was incredible in all three phases. The show jumping was a highlight for me, especially with our trainer Nelson Pessoa on hand. My horses seem to jump better under his watchful eye," said Burton.

Fellow Australian rider Sam Griffiths had two horses finish in the top ten in the same class. Billy Liffy was 8^th and Paulank Kings River 10^th.