Doel returns to Burghley with two rides between September 3-6, with 15-year-old Galileo Nieuwmoed good to go again despite his tumble 12 months ago
Having hit the deck at last year’s Defender Burghley Horse Trials, eventer David Doel is looking to bounce back with a place on the podium next month.
The 33-year-old from Chippenham has enjoyed success at the prestigious 5* event in Lincolnshire in the past as he was runner-up in 2023, but he was eliminated last year after his ride, Galileo Nieuwmoed, fell during the cross-country.
Doel returns to Burghley with two rides between September 3-6, with 15-year-old Galileo Nieuwmoed good to go again despite his tumble 12 months ago.
He will also be on board the late bloomer Midnight Rollecoaster, 16, at the event for the first time, having only taken up the reins with him last year.
Doel, who is ranked 24th in the world, said: “Obviously, the aim is to win it. Galileo Nieuwmoed will be aiming for that sub-30 dressage and that should put us there or there abouts.
“Then with Midnight Rollercoaster we’re looking at another 5* completion, which would be absolutely fantastic for him.
“Burghley is one of our favourite places to go to and in the last couple of years we’ve had some good rides and some not-so-good rides.
“It’s always one that we really look forward to going to, the atmosphere is always fantastic, they put on a great show and they always look after you there.”
The long-term combination of Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed has been a very fruitful one down the years, produced eight top 10 finishes at 5* events including third at Kentucky in April and Maryland in 2024 on top of their second place at Burghley three years ago.
For Midnight Rollercoaster, this is just his second 5* competition, having made his debut at that level at that level at Badminton in May when he finished 25th under Doel and produced a clear cross-country run.
On his new Burghley ride, Doel said: “He was actually a bit of a catch ride last year because his own, Alison Lidstone, had a knee replacement, so I was very lucky to get the ride on him last year.
“Then we got him 5* qualified and Alison, true to her word, said that she’d love him to jump round with us.
“He’s a little bit older, he’s come to the top level a little bit later in life, but he enjoys the jumping side of it – a little bit like Galileo Nieuwmoed.
“He can be a bit cheeky, but he tries really hard.”
Defender Burghley Horse Trials (3-6 September 2025) has been a major international sporting and social event for over 50 years. It attracts the world’s top equestrians and is attended by vast and enthusiastic crowds. For more information visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk