Austin OConnor cemented his position among the Irish eventing greats with a magnificent runner-up finish at the five-star Defender Burghley Horse Trials this afternoon.Multiple Olympic Games appearances, multiple Badminton podiums and Maryland winner now add a Burghley second to the resume and the Corkman, though he might not admit it himself, is one of the best to ever do it from these shores.Of course, he is ably assisted by Colorado Blue or Salty, the evergreen grey bred in Co. Limerick.Typically, the Corkman credited Salty for the result, before outlining the significance of the result. He said: There was pressure out there, and the biggest problem was he was too fresh. I couldnt hold one side of him, which is just an amazing complaint. Normally Id give him a bit of leg and ride him into the bridle but today he was pulling my arms out. We had one rail but, hey, what a horse! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Defender Burghley Horse Trials (@burghleyhorsetrials)Its been an amazing experience this week. The Badmintons and Burghleys, theyre the biggest and most iconic events in the world. Its what I dreamt of growing up, and to be here on the podium is amazing.OConnor and Colorado Blue trailed eventual winner Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo by 6.2 penalties coming into today and in truth, the rail down for four faults eased pressure on Canter. OConnor finished on a total of 32.6.Canter came home clear with 1.2 time penalties to secure the victory by nine on a total of 23.6.Britains Harry Meade finished third and fourth on a pair of Irish Sport Horses, Cavalier Crystal and Annaghmore Valoner.OConnor also finished in 27th with 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse Sixmilewater, another very satisfying result, with Sam Watson and Ballynwety Rocketman (ISH) finishing an excellent 13th and Lucy Latta and former Badminton runner-up RCA Patron Saint in 22nd position. The post OConnor shows why hes one of the best ever with Burghley second appeared first on .