Oliver Townend is confident fatigue will not be a factor when he launches his quest for eventing’s Rolex Grand Slam tomorrow.

He has arrived in Lexington, USA, after a 51-hour journey from his Shropshire home to Kentucky.

The epic trip featured three flights, two train journeys and three car rides, including a £1,600 taxi fare from Paris to Madrid, where he boarded a Miami-bound flight.

The Icelandic volcanic ash cloud – and subsequent air travel chaos – left Duddleston Heath based Townend with little choice in his attempt to reach Kentucky and contest one of equestrian sport’s most coveted prizes.

Having won Badminton and Burghley last year, the £230,000 Grand Slam will be Townend’s if he adds Kentucky to his title portfolio on Sunday evening.

“I was glad to see and ride my horses after my torturous trip. They are in great nick – I was very impressed by how well they are,” said the 27-year-old.

“It’s been a difficult journey, but I am putting that behind me now and concentrating on the job I have to do.”I don’t think I have suffered from the long hike to Kentucky.

“People who work with horses are used to long hours, early mornings and late nights.

“A lot of families with young children have been going through worse than me.

“Having ridden the horses and talked to my assistant Kath here, we are now feeling very positive about the competition ahead.

“This is an event to relish, and I am determined to do the very best I can for the team back at the yard, my owners and all the people who support British eventing.”

Townend will enter the dressage arena with ODT Master Rose tomorrow afternoon, UK time, while his test aboard Ashdale Cruise Master is Friday evening,with cross-country on Saturday followed by Sunday’s showjumping finale.