Cork's Austin O'Connor 'over the moon' with second spot at Burghley Horse Trials

The Olympian was aiming to end Irish eventing's 62-year wait for a winner at the prestigious competition.

Austin O'Connor had to be content with the runners-up spot behind British star Ros Canter, collecting £63,000. Pic: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Austin O'Connor paid a glowing tribute to his Olympic horse Colorado Blue after finishing second in the Defender Burghley Horse Trials.

O'Connor had given himself a fighting chance of ending Irish eventing's 62-year wait for a winner at the prestigious five-star competition.

But he ultimately had to be content with the runners-up spot behind British star Ros Canter, collecting £63,000.

O'Connor, from Cork, won the Maryland five-star event in 2023, while two third-place finishes in the last three years at Badminton further underlined the combination's consistency and class.

"I am over the moon," he said. "To finish the year like this is unreal.

"He has been incredible. He is 16, but I think he thinks he's six with the way he performed!

"It is just a dream that is continuing. Horses like him don't come into your life very often. No matter how good you are as a rider, if you don't have a special horse with a special heart and the ability, you are not going to be at the races."

Three Irish challengers finished in the top 25, with O'Connor being joined by Sam Watson (Ballyneety Rocketman), who was 13th, while Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint were 22nd.

The day though, belonged to Olympic gold medallist Canter, who produced an eventing masterclass and equalled her own record Burghley winning score of 23.6 penalties.

Canter, who is pregnant with her second child, will now take a break from competition, and she signed off in style aboard the brilliant Lordships Graffalo.

They led by 6.2 penalties after an immaculate cross-country display, and a strong showjumping finale saw them emphatically secure Burghley's £115,000 top prize.

Canter confirmed her intention to be among the Badminton entries in May next year, and she added: "I've had huge support. It has been amazing.

"It is a big deal announcing a pregnancy when in the back of your mind you know you might be coming to an event like this.

"I haven't had a single person who has said 'what are you doing'?