Inside Defender Burghley: Derek di Grazia & Martyn Johnson on Final Preparations

In this Inside Defender Burghley bonus episode, Nicole Brown visits the venue just three weeks before Defender Burghley Horse Trials kicks off for 2025. Event Director Martyn Johnson and Course Designer Derek di Grazia share exclusive insights on final preparations, from reversing the track direction for the first time since 2017 to reimagining iconic features like the Trout Hatchery.

Episode Highlights

• Three Weeks to Go: Why this is crunch time for the Burghley team.
• A New Direction: How reversing the course changes the challenges for riders.
• Design Secrets: The small details — from tree placement to car positioning — that shape the way fences ride.
• Heritage Meets Innovation: Keeping legendary features like Lionbridge, the Leaf Pit, and Defender Valley fresh while showcasing sponsors.
• Fence to Watch: The revamped Trout Hatchery at the seven-minute mark.
• Ground Game: How the team is delivering top-class going despite a dry summer.

Guests

• Martyn Johnson – Event Director, Defender Burghley Horse Trials
• Derek di Grazia – International Course Designer, Burghley Burghley Horse Trials

Host

• Nicole Brown

Check out the Burghley website here.

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