Townend steps up Slam bid

Shropshire equestrian star Oliver Townend is ready to step up his bid for the Rolex Grand Slam in Lexington today.

Townend and his two horses - Ashdale Cruise Master and ODT Master Rose - will tackle a 30-fence cross-country test that could make or break chances of landing the £230,000 Grand Slam.

The 27-year-old lies sixth with Ashdale and ninth on Master Rose following the dressage phase at Kentucky.

Current leader is Townend's Great Britain colleague William Fox-Pitt, who posted an impressive score of 42.8 aboard Cool Mountain and is a serious threat to his rival's Grand Slam ambitions, plus the £50,000 first prize.

After winning Badminton and Burghley last year, Townend will achieve the Grand Slam of four-star titles if he triumphs over the next two days in America.