Thousands of visitors packed the grounds of Burghley Park for the prestigious three-day event, which featured top riders from around the world.

William Fox-Pitt, fresh from the Beijing Olympics, was crowned winner of the trials. It was the fifth time he had collected the title. Zara Phillips was also among the competitiors at the event and took a tumble at the 25th fence on Saturday.

Paramedics rushed to her side but she got up after a few minutes and was not seriously hurt.

Many of the visitors were there to sample the shopping, with more than 600 trade stands offering a variety of goods for sale.

As well as keen spectators, the event also attracted former glamour model Katie Price who launched her new range of equestrian leisurewear.

Spokesman Bridget Jennings said the event was a huge success.

She said: "It was excellent. The weather was obviously very difficult, but despite that everything went very well. All of the vehicles were able to get in and out of the grounds, which was a concern with the weather.

"Everything was managed excellently and we do have things in place to cope with wet weather.

"I think everyone enjoyed the shopping and watching the riding, but I also think they were enjoying the mud, because it is a novelty to have mud at Burghley. We are lucky that we normally enjoy glorious sunshine.

"We don't have numbers finalised yet, but the crowds looked as good as ever. Everyone took it all in their stride."


William Fox-Pitt said: "This is a very emotional result for me. Tam has been a fantastic horse for me – to win Badminton four-years ago and at the age of 16 win here is very special."

The Anglo-Arab bred by his owner Finn and Mary Guiness has also come back from injury most notably a chipped stifle sustained at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

Fifth Burghley win for Fox-Pitt
"Incredibly he made yesterday's cross-country feel easy and I don't think I will have any more rides like that in my career," said William who was also sad to be having his last ride on second placed 14-year-old Ballincoola. "He has also been a tremendous horse to have – to come here six years running just shows what sort of a horse he is physically and mentally – but if I had a grandson I couldn't want for a better horse for him to ride," said William making reference to the move to Fergus Payne, grandson of owner Michael Payne. "It was my idea last year and perhaps I'm slightly regretting it now."

Mary King was also on the up after gaining third place on Imperial Cavalier, especially after falling off the 11-year-old – another by the Irish sire Cavalier – at Badminton in the spring. "He is a very special horse and after my mistake – especially when I could have won there – to come here and gain a good result is just so thrilling. I am also so pleased with Apache Sauce who just continues to improve – he used to take a lot of time at an event but I am so impressed with the change in him."

Trials director Elizabeth Inman was also a relieved person having had to mastermind the running of the event during the difficult conditions caused by the weekend's heavy rain. "The Burghley team is just the best," said Miss Inman "Everyone has been working round the clock all weekend and I think they probably will for a few weeks to come and I would really like to thank them all for their huge and important contribution and all their hard work – and we couldn't have a better sponsor," said Miss Inman.

The event was sponsored by Land Rover.