Burton’s lucky break
A broken leg to another equestrian rider suddenly changed Chris Burton’s plans for a lazy long weekend at the Australian International Three Day Event.
The London Olympian expected his holidays to continue in the hospitality tents in Adelaide at the nation’s premier equestrian event, which starts on Friday.
But when fellow rider Will Enzinger broke a leg in a fall from a novice horse last week, Burton took an unexpected call: would he ride Enzinger’s mount, Jamaimo, in Adelaide?
“The owners had booked their ticket to watch the horse in Adelaide, and the horse was fit and ready, so they asked if I would ride him,” Burton told AAP.
“I know Will and, like all riders from the eventing scene, we’re all good mates.
“And now I’m suddenly thrust into a four-star event.”
The Adelaide International is the only four-star eventing competition held in the southern hemisphere – one of six in the four-star class held worldwide each year.
Burton won the Adelaide event in 2008 and was runner-up in 2010, but being a competitor again this weekend wasn’t on his agenda.
“It has actually been an interesting exercise,” he said.
“You’re always nervous or anxious about a big four-star competition. But when you don’t know the horse, you have got other things to think about.”
Burton only had his first ride on Jamaimo on Wednesday.
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“He’s a fairly uncomplicated chap so it will just be a case of me getting to know him as quickly as possible,” the 31-year-old said.
“I’m sure the owners are hoping for a good performance, he has some quite good performances on his record.
“I will just be aiming to do my best. I can’t expect much because I don’t know the horse.”
