Laura Birley grew up on Bramham ’s doorstep, hoping one day to watch the four-star unfold not from the ground, but between a pair of ears.

Now, having completed that event three times, the 28-year-old rider is gearing up for arguably her biggest challenge yet – Defender Burghley Horse Trials – and one that sounds as if she were born to do.

“My friends won’t stop pointing out the similarity,” she says of her name. “Birley at Burghley – I’ve not heard the end of it!”

Laura will be heading to Wednesday’s trot-up with 17-year-old Bob Cotton Bandit, her top – and only – horse. As an elite amateur rider, Laura balances training with contract work four days a week for the NHS and, more recently, marathon running.

“It’s fantastic for fitness,” comments Laura, who completed her first marath

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