Nicky Hill announced her return to equestrian’s top table with a terrific effort at the 2023 Defender Burghley Horse Trials.

Droitwich-based rider Hill, 31, finished 20th at the famed 5* event in Lincolnshire after a four-year hiatus from the sport’s top level.

Mount MGH Bingo Boy particularly impressed during the cross-country, as the pair climbed from 41st to 22nd place.

And Hill reckons the 14-year-old has more than earned a break from competition.

“I’m absolutely chuffed with the horse, he’s tried his hardest,” she said.

“It’s a while since he’s been at this level so it’s really good to get out and be back in the game.

“There’s a lot of atmosphere and Emma (Thomas) had just jumped clear before in the show jumping, so of course there was a big cheer as we went in which was a bit ‘oh gosh’ but he was a good boy.

“He’ll have his holiday now and hopefully get ready for Badminton next year.

“Completing here, it’s the biggest event and the one we all dream of, so it’s amazing.”

Hill heralds from a non-horsey background but was determined to ride and began lessons at the age of four.

Bingo Boy was a 2016 addition to Hill's yard after she had completed her studies at the University of Worcester, and they achieved their best 5* finish to date at Badminton three years later, finishing 18th.

The Irish-bred gelding, who is known as a bit of troublemaker, could be one to watch at next year's Burghley but Hill reckons she has plenty of future stars waiting to be rolled out.

“We’ve got some really nice youngsters at the moment, six- and seven-year-olds,” she added.

“We’ve got some exciting ones coming through and I’ve got one I show jump with quite a bit so it’s exciting.”

Defender Burghley Horse Trials (31st August - 3 September 2023) has been a major international sporting and social event for over 50 years. It attracts the world’s top equestrians and over 170,000 visitors. For more information visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk