Townend dominant at Brightling

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

British eventer Oliver Townend dominated the podium at the Reverdy Brightling Park International Horse Trials last weekend.

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