Wow only 58 XC starters including some entrants who have the absolute minimum MERS qualifications. Why oh why would anyone subject their horse to Burghley with the minimum qualifications ???
An experienced top class pro will know what it takes and what they have in their horse. They have been to burghley and so will know if their horse ticks the box. Lots had been to Bramham or Blair for instance.
The first timers will have to get more MERs so actually even though they will be on minimal if you are not a cat A FEI rider you will need more.
I actually don’t have an issue. The pictures looked good and just some riders clearly need to go to harder 4* rather than Aston Le Walls….