Dressage maestro Carl Hester, who is expected to be competing at his seventh Olympics in August, returns to Burghley to present his extremely popular Masterclass during the lunchtime break from the CCI5* action on Friday (6 September); and we are delighted to welcome three fantastic new demonstrations from William and Pippa Funnell, William and Alice Fox-Pitt and Henrietta Knight.

Secure the best seat in the Park! To catch any or all of this year's Masterclasses you will need to purchase a Grandstand seat and these are selling fast. Add your chosen seat to your ticket in the online Box Office now.

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Introducing our new Masterclasses

Triple Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Henrietta Knight will present a Masterclass on Re-educating the Racehorse during the lunchtime break on Thursday, 5 September.

Henrietta will work with four riders who have retrained their ex-racehorses to achieve success in other disciplines: Katie Dashwood (Minella Rebellion), Amanda Brieditis (Kilmarnock Lad), Sarah Pinfield (Kings Bridge) and Lizzie Harris (Glen Forsa). 

After the CCI5* dressage has concluded for the day on Thursday, William and Alice Fox-Pitt will take the stage with their Masterclass titled Preparing for Burghley.

William, who has recently retired from top-level eventing, has a record 14 CCI5* wins to his credit, including an astonishing six at Defender Burghley. ITV Racing presenter Alice Fox-Pitt is the only woman to have completed both Mars Badminton Horse Trials and the Grand National course at Aintree. 

In what is sure to be a highly entertaining climax to Burghley’s host of Masterclasses, the illustrious husband-and-wife team of showjumper William and eventer Pippa Funnell - herself a dual Burghley winner - will present Showjumping - working in harmony! after dressage finishes on Friday afternoon.

Don't miss the chance to see and hear from some of the biggest names in the sport. Book your tickets and Grandstand seats now.

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Catch the must-see Shetland Pony Grand National

To add to the fun, and to provide a little light relief from the tension and excitement surrounding the CCI5* sport, the Shetland Pony Grand National will take place twice in the Main Arena.

The first running will take place before the Cross-Country on Saturday 7 September while the second event will go before the final session of Showjumping on Sunday 8 September.

Experience one of the UK's premier sporting and social events

As well as top-class sport featuring famous and up-and-coming stars and a stellar Masterclass line-up, Defender Burghley offers superb shopping opportunities, delicious food and drink, elegant hospitality and plenty to entertain the whole family, all within the beautiful and historic setting of Burghley Park.

Ready to experience one of the UK's biggest and best sporting, shopping and social events? Purchase Memberships and General Admission tickets before midnight July 21 for Advance Saver prices.

After this date General Admission tickets will be available at Saver pricing and on the gate. Memberships, Season and Flexi-ticket options will not be available to buy on the gate but are available to buy in advance.

Get your tickets for Defender Burghley 2024