David Doel is aiming to secure a podium finish at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials next month, after being eliminated last year when his horse Galileo Nieuwmoed fell during the cross-country phase.
The 33-year-old from Chippenham has previously enjoyed success at the prestigious 5* event in Lincolnshire, having finished as runner-up in 2023. He returns to Burghley with two rides between September 3-6, with 15-year-old Galileo Nieuwmoed ready to compete again despite the fall 12 months ago.
Two rides for Burghley return
Doel will also ride the late bloomer Midnight Rollercoaster, aged 16, at the event for the first time, having only taken up the reins with him last year.
Doel, 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.”
Favourite event with strong history
Doel added: “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 produced eight top 10 finishes at 5* events, including third at Kentucky in April and Maryland in 2024, as well as their second place at Burghley three years ago.
Midnight Rollercoaster’s debut at top level
For Midnight Rollercoaster, this is just his second 5* competition. He made his debut at that level at Badminton in May, finishing 25th under Doel with 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, attracting the world's top equestrians and vast, enthusiastic crowds.
