Andrew Heffernan might have completed his first ever cross country test at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials but he wouldn’t mind trying his hand at some course designing once he hangs up his reins. 

The Somerford Park local, 49, has never made it safely round the infamous Stamford course - four miles of undulating ground and 30 fences of hair-raising proportions - but he finally put his ‘demons to rest’.

“That was strong, I have to admit I’m really pleased to have finished it,” said Heffernan, visibly relieved to have finally conquered the event he has failed to complete during his last two outings in Lincolnshire.

“Did I enjoy it? Erm, I’d say I’m pleased to have done it. It’s not an event I’ve done very often and I’ve not completed it before so that’s why I carried on today despite the penalties, I wanted to put that demon to rest.”

Burghley’s cross-country course is eagerly anticipated - and feared - by riders worldwide who deem the four-mile course, with it’s undulating terrain and fierce fences, one of the toughest in existence, and while Heffernan was relieved not to fall foul to its traps, he wouldn’t mind playing a closer role in the design process.

“I think the course is really cool,” he said. “There was a bit of criticism about the Leaf Pit and the front being so high, but I thought the whole course was genius. 

“I think they created a better jump and the horses landed in a better balance. I’d love to at some stage, when I’ve grown up and stopped throwing myself around the course, come and assist the designer Derek di Grazia. Maybe somewhere like Kentucky, it would be great to learn from him.”

Heffernan and his 14-year-old gelding Harthill Phantom lost their bearings during the dressage phase of the opening day of the competition, but the jockey believes the endurance course more accurately reflected his horse’s quality. 

“I really do think he’s a strong 5* horse,” Heffernan added. “I just need to find the key, I’m scratching my head a bit to be honest.

“He’s strong, nearly unmanageably so. I had a 20 [time penalty] at the Rolex Fence which was my fault if I’m honest. I had that last year and I pulled up so I decided I was not going to do that again this year. 

“He was absolutely awesome today, he almost needs a 6* to back himself. The only problem I have with him is the control - with the fences, he’s no problem.”

Defender Burghley Horse Trials (5-8 September 2024) 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