WHEN Vanir Kamira was crowned last year's Burghley winner with Piggy March, not only would it turn out to be Trevor Dickens' wonderful mare's final five-star event, it also marked only the third time in the event's 60 renewals that a mare has taken the honours.
The first was in 1973, when Captain Mark Phillips piloted Maid Marion to victory, and the next didn't come until 2006, when superstar Headley Britannia showjumped clear with Lucinda Fredericks to clinch the prize from overnight leaders Andrew Hoy and Moonfleet.
Burghley is famed for its tough questions across country, and while there's no doubt that it takes a horse with serious talent, Piggy has spoken openly in the past that Vanir Kamira “isn't naturally the best mover or the best jumper” - but that it was her heart and personality that separated her