Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.
Sunshine, big crowds, and a buzzing atmosphere made Saturday at the FEI Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials feel like the weekend had truly arrived. Spectators streamed in from early morning, creating a brilliant backdrop for another full day of top-class sport and standout performances across the classes.
The question on many people’s minds this weekend is whether Oliver Townend can secure an unprecedented 17th victory in Burnham Market’s flagship class – and so far, he’s right on track. A lovely test from his defending champion, Cooley Rosalent, earned a score of 22.3 and the lead in the CCI4*-S heading into the jumping phases.
But he won’t have it all his own way tomorrow. Hot on his heels are the reigning World Champion, Yasmin Ingham with Banzai du Loir on 24.4, and Emily King with Valmy Biats on 25.2 – both well within striking distance.
Oliver faces some tough competition tomorrow if he wants that 17th win, as he is joined in the top three by the current World Champion, Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Loir (24.4), and Emily King and Valmy Biats (25.2).
The top three in the CCI3*-S remain unchanged, with no one able to better the early leaders: Emily King and Jackpot (25.3), Shashank Kanumuri and Gideon II (26.2), and Jenny Caras with Sommersby (26.9). Shashank delivered the best score of the day, moving into fourth with Wellfields Casino Royale.
The national classes provided plenty of excitement too, with tight finishes across the board. Wills Oakden enjoyed a superb afternoon, taking both Intermediate sections – Section I with DHI Nielson and Section J with Cooley Cormint. Kitty King and DSH Mr D claimed the Open Intermediate (Section K), while Oliver Townend added another win to his tally by taking the Advanced (Section L) with Dromgurrihy Gold.
Could today’s form be a sign of what’s to come as Oliver chases that historic 17th title tomorrow?
Burnham Market CCI4*-S (GBR): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]
