10, March 2010
Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing contender, Oliver Townend, confirmed yesterday that he plans to ride Ashdale Cruise Master at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, as well as possibly ODT Master Rose.
Ashdale Cruise Master completed the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials last year with Emily Gilruth, and when she became pregnant the owners, Henry and Edna Harding, moved him to Townend’s Shropshire yard. “He’s a very classy horse, with lots and lots of scope,” said Townend. “My biggest problem is it’s a race against time on the dressage front, but he’s definitely one of the best horses I’ve ridden.”
Townend’s result at Burghley has set up a thrilling competition in Lexington, Kentucky in April, when he could become only the second rider, after Pippa Funnell, to scoop the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam for winning the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, and the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, all in succession. So far the Rolex Grand Slam feat has only been achieved by Pippa Funnell, who won all three competitions in 2003 on two different horses.
The 2010 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is from 22-25 April.
Photos courtesy of Kit Houghton featuring Oliver Townend at yesterday’s Rolex Grand Slam day in London with The Household Cavalry at the Royal Horse Guards Parade and Hyde Park Barracks.
ENDS
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