Townend dominant at Brightling

Oliver Townend clears a fence at the Reverdy Brightling Park International Horse Trials. Picture courtesy Spidge Photography

Not only did Shropshire-based Townend win the CIC2* class, he was also placed third and fourth. American eventer Lis Halliday-Sharp came second and New Zealander Andrew Nicholson was fifth.

Now in its 28th year, the hugely popular two-day event is highly revered throughout the eventing world and attracts top riders from across the globe.

Townend, who competes every other day from March until October, achieved a respectable dressage score of 39 before going double clear on showjumping and cross-country.

He explained that ODT Ghareeb, his 10-year old bay Irish gelding who is owned by Kathleen Wilkinson and Rachel Wood, is currently between levels.

“Despite the cross-country course being the toughest I have ridden all season, ODT Ghareeb seemed to find it quite easy,” Townend said.

Thanks to new sponsorship from Amlin Plus, he went home with £4,500 and 500kg of Reverdy Horsefeed.

“I sincerely hope other events follow suit,” he added. “That money will make a big difference to my season. It was a huge incentive for me to travel from Shropshire.”

Zoe Wilkinson won the CIC* class on board Parkfield Quintessential and Andrew Nicholson came second on Cillnabradden Evo.

For more information, visit www.brightlinghorsetrials.co.uk