It’s only his first time contesting this level, but Ballyneety Silver Service has undoubtedly earned a gold star.

The 10-year-old son of Butler’s Cravat, known as “Butler” and piloted by North Yorkshire rider Holly Richardson, is lying in 10th place ahead of showjumping day at Defender Burghley Horse Trials .

The Fiona and Issy Saxby-owned gelding has a solid 2025 season behind him with a quartet of four-star completions on his CV – including 20th at Bramham four-star long. And, while he likely came to the Lincolnshire fixture to earn some miles, Butler stands a real chance of finishing in the top 10.

He and Holly posted 32.4 on the board after the dressage phase, a score that represents the lower end of what this partnership is capable of and a super achievement for their first five-

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