The record six-time winner produced a brilliant performance on Fernhill Pimms, an 11-year-old by Ard VDL Douglas, who is making his debut at a Concours Complet International (CCI) four-star event.

Their only mistake in an attractive test was a fluffed first flying change which scored fours as they matched the mark set by Germany's Jung on his first ride, FischerRocana FST, yesterday.

"I’m delighted with Pimms; that’s the first time he’s done that test in an arena - there’s four flying changes and that’s a big step up," said Fox-Pitt, the world number two.

"He’s a lovely horse to ride on the flat; he loves showing off."

Fernhill Pimms was produced in Ireland by Portuguese rider Duarte Seabra for Carol Gee, who owns him with Catherine Witt.

Fox-Pitt won the prestigious young horse Concourse International Combine (CIC) three-star at Blenheim, England in 2013 on the bay gelding, and finished fifth on home soil at the CCI three-star in Bramham this year.

Riders are viewing Mark Phillips’ cross-country course, which runs in a reverse direction to usual, with plenty of respect and a bit of trepidation.

"Mark has been very brave," added Fox-Pitt, who plans to take all the straight routes.

"Everyone will have their work cut out because we’re all starting from a blank sheet with the different direction.

"The first three fences are the only nice ones - I think Pimms is ready for it.

"I just want him to rise to the challenge and go well."

Australia’s Sam Griffiths, who is lying third on Happy Times with a score of 36.8, has the security of knowing he is on one of the most experienced horses in the sport.

The 16-year-old by Heraldik, also the damsire of Jung’s second horse La Biosthetique Sam, has been placed five times at Burghley.

Griffiths’ compatriot Andrew Hoy has now slipped a couple of places to fourth on Rutherglen, just a 0.9 penalty ahead of another hugely experienced combination, Britain’s Oliver Townend and the 16-year-old Armada, who brought the afternoon to an exciting conclusion when scoring 38.7.

New Zealand’s Tim Price, riding the Irish Sport Horse gelding Ringwood Sky Boy, is in sixth place and will be aiming for a first placing on his fourth attempt at Burghley.

Jung is sharing seventh place on La Biosthetique Sam with another Burghley first-timer, compatriot Niklas Bschorer on Tom Tom Go 3, scoring a healthy 38.7.

Frenchman Cedric Lyard is ninth, one place ahead of British debutant Rosalind Canter, who is hanging on to her spot ahead of a cluster of experienced antipodeans including five-time Burghley winner Sir Mark Todd of New Zealand. 

Townend will be first out onto the course tomorrow on Dromgurrihy Blue.



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