Devon eventer Emily King credited mother Mary’s accomplished advice for her magnificent debut display at the 2023 Defender Burghley Horse Trials.

The Sidmouth-born equestrian star may not have matched her mother Mary King’s 1996 Burghley triumph but a completion on Valmy Biats was a stunning start to her Burghley career.

The future is bright for King, 27, who came 25th with a final score of 75.8, and she attributed her successful week with Valmy Biats, also known as ‘Grandad’, to the guidance and wisdom of her eventing legend mother.

“Over the first stage here when I went over for the finish mum said, “why were you going so slow?”,” she said.

“I learned that was the thing that needed to be said to me, no beating around the bush but she’s amazing and she knows the drills.”

Elsewhere, Beaworthy-based rider Padraig McCarthy managed a prize-winning feat of 17th after three consistent Burghley phases.

For more information visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk