Oliver Townend has won the first leg of the new Shearwater Insurance Tri-Star Grand Slam eventing series – the CIC3* at the Barefoot Estates Burnham Market International Horse Trials.
On form
Oliver has got an extremely good record at the North Norfolk event, having won the feature three-star class there a total of nine times.
Last year he achieved a one-two in the class, and he repeated the same feat this year – coming top of the CIC3* leaderboard with Angela Hislop’s Cooley Master Class as well as being the runner up with Andrew Cawthray’s Note Worthy.
“Cooley Master Class didn’t event last year but he could have. I was riding him at home but we just kept putting it back and I think the break has done him the world of good. He felt better than ever, I’ve always believed that he is a very, very good horse,” said Oliver.
Bonus
The Shearwater Insurance Tri-Star Grand Slam is a £50,000 bonus awarded to any rider who can win three of the CIC3* events at Burnham Market, Belton, Houghton, Hopetoun and Burgham.
“The Tri-Star Grand Slam is fantastic to aim for, and I’m lucky to have several horses at the right level, but I will still aim the horses at the best events for them and to suit their major goals for the year,” said Oliver.
Good weekend
Townend enjoyed a very successful weekend, also coming top of the Open Intermediate section L with Lanfranco. He also came second in section M with Cillnabradden Evo – a horse formerly ridden by Andrew Nicholson – behind Tim Price and Obos Cooley.
Australia’s Sammi Birch and The Court Jester claimed the CIC2*, with Sweden’s Ludwig Svennerstal and Master Ping in second.
In the Advanced, Bettina Hoy won on board Designer 10 ahead of Tim Price and Wesko in second.
Return
William Fox-Pitt made his return to eventing at the event, following his serious fall last autumn.
He rode his experienced partners Cool Mountain and Parklane Hawk in the intermediate, producing two clear but steady cross-country rounds.
“They are both old pros and literally carried me round – I only had to hold on,” said William. “It’s a great relief to finish in one piece and feeling good.”