Burgie reputation soars with Olympic praise
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BURGIE International Horse Trials’ reputation soared, with praise coming from two Olympic riders taking part in the event.
Irish riders Austin O’Connor and Joseph Murphy were lavish in their praise for the course and set-up at the Moray venue.
Organised by the Lochore family and their competition committee, Burgie has been attracting riders from far afield since its origins as a small local event in 1977.
The main two star international three day event was won this year by Fife-based professional rider Wills Oakden.
Hamish Lochore said all the riders were complimentary of the course set-up, designed by his son Hugh, who is based in America, and built by Mark Watler, both of whom will be involved in organisation of the 2012 London Olympics three day eventing competition.
"Austin and Joseph both said the course was fantastic and beautifully built, and probably one of the best they have ever ridden," said Mr Lochore.
With 32 entries in the one star international event and 16 in the main two star, competition was keen over the weekend.
There were a range of competitions over the four days of the event in cross country, showjumping and ridden classes.
The family day was hit by bad weather on the Saturday, but despite that people still turned out in good numbers.
However, the weather was kinder on the Sunday when the final showjumping in the two star international decided the final placings.
