Gemma Tattersall admitted she was still pinching herself in disbelief after finishing fifth at this year’s Burghley Horse Trials.
Tattersall had only ever competed at the famous Burghley House event once before, finishing 36th back in 2007, while her best four-star result was tenth at Pau two years ago.
But Tattersall well and truly blew that out of the water over the weekend as she and 11-year-old horse Arctic Soul recorded a double clear in both the cross country and showjumping rounds to finish on a score of 64.2.
She was the second highest placed British rider with four-time Olympian William Fox-Pitt fourth while victory went to Kiwi rider Andrew Nicholson, leaving Tattersall over the moon.
“It’s unbelievable to finish on a clear and I actually can’t believe that’s just happened,” she said.
“He pulled really hard in the cross country and he was feeling a little bit tired in the warm up and he’s affected by the crowd and the atmosphere but he tried his heart out.
“To have finished on a double clear is beyond dreams and Arctic Soul is one of the best horses I’ve ever had in my life.
“It’s amazing and it was my dream to finish in the top ten so to actually do it just blows me away.
“This is my best four star finish and this is the best competition. I’ve had an amazing experience and had the most fantastic cross country ride.
“To go around Burghley and make it feel easy doesn’t come along very often.”
© Sportsbeat 2014