Townend looks for second jackpot
Shropshire's Oliver Townend has set his sights on landing one of eventing's most coveted prizes after ending the 2009 season by collecting another sizeable cheque. Shropshire's Oliver Townend has set his sights on landing one of eventing's most coveted prizes after ending the 2009 season by collecting another sizeable cheque. Townend, based at Dudleston Heath near Ellesmere, will head into the winter break as Badminton champion, Burghley title holder, HSBC FEI Classics winner and Express Eventing champion. Although his attempt to win Les Etoiles de Pau - it would have been his third four-star event triumph this year — ended in frustrating failure, it could not take the gloss off a memorable campaign. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Townend, based at Dudleston Heath near Ellesmere, will head into the winter break as Badminton champion, Burghley title holder, HSBC FEI Classics winner and Express Eventing champion.
Although his attempt to win Les Etoiles de Pau - it would have been his third four-star event triumph this year — ended in frustrating failure, it could not take the gloss off a memorable campaign.
A mammoth 31 faults, including seven fences down, relegated Townend and his Burghley winner Carousel Quest from overnight leader to eighth place overall.
But he had already done more than enough to secure the £92,000 Classics jackpot, a series where riders collect points for their performances at Lexington, Badminton, Luhmuhlen, Burghley and Pau.
Townend, 26, has now won more than £300,000 in major prize money during the past 12 months.
And he will head to Kentucky next April chasing the £213,000 Rolex Grand Slam, which is awarded to any rider winning consecutive Badminton, Burghley and Lexington four-star events.
The feat is so difficult that only one rider - Britain's Pippa Funnell - has previously achieved it.
"I am absolutely thrilled with winning the HSBC series," said Townend. "I've had a fantastic year. My horses have done me proud, and they will now have a winter's break before returning next spring."
William Fox-Pitt was the only competitor who could deny Townend the overall HSBC crown, but his hopes vanished following a run-out during Saturday's cross country phase.