Jessica Burke and Good Star Du Bary, from steady progress to World Cup Finals confirmation

At the FEI World Cup Finals in Fort Worth, Jessica Burke and Good Star Du Bary confirmed what their season had been building toward, they are ready for the top level.

Burke arrived in Texas with momentum and honesty about the journey behind her. “It’s been an amazing winter,” she said. “We’ve always known how good the horse was, but this season really proved it.”

That belief came from steady progression. At eight years old, Good Star Du Bary delivered consistent clear rounds in two-star Grand Prix classes. At nine, he stepped into Nations Cup and three-star level without hesitation. Burke used those results to plan her next move. “I said, right, I need to get to the five-star level,” she explained.

The World Cup circuit became her testing ground. Results showed a pattern, strong rounds with small faults. “He was jumping unbelievable at all the shows,” Burke said. “Most of the time it was one rail, a small mistake, sometimes mine. You just have to stay doing what you’re doing.”

That patience paid off in Bordeaux, where she secured her first five-star Grand Prix win and her ticket to Fort Worth. The moment carried weight. “To get my first five-star win gave me great confidence,” she said. “It made me feel like I could come here and actually be competitive.”

In Fort Worth, Burke rode with that mindset. Her early rounds reflected control and intent, not caution. “I had to sit myself down and say, you’ve got a very good horse here,” she said. “Even though it’s my first championship, I can be competitive.”

The experience extended beyond the arena. Burke’s entire support system made the trip, including trainer Roger McRaeand Irish team leader Jessica Kürten. “I’ve had so much support,” she said. “Everyone has been through the whole circuit with me, all the ups and downs. It’s special to have them here.”

Kürten’s guidance played a key role throughout the qualifiers. “She always said to me, you can qualify and you can be competitive when you get there,” Burke noted.

Now, Burke is looking ahead. After months competing across Europe, she has returned to Ireland to establish a new base and develop her team of horses. “It really starts now with the new team,” she said. “That’s very exciting.”

Alongside Good Star Du Bary, she is bringing along a group of younger horses. “I have some very nice horses, they’re just a bit young,” she explained. “We need to build the team step by step.”

At the center remains the horse that brought her here. At ten years old, Good Star Du Bary is entering his prime, and Burke is clear about what he means to her career. “I’m in a very fortunate position to be riding a very good horse,” she said. “Whatever happens, I’m very proud of him for the whole circuit.” Fort Worth may be her first World Cup Final, but it does not read like a one-off appearance. With a proven horse, a growing team, and a clear plan, Burke is setting a foundation.

Valentina Sozzi

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