Townend rules Norfolk again

The undisputed king of Burnham Market punches in yet another win here en route to Badminton, and a one-eyed horse is also among the victors

- BECKY MURRAY

“SHE was very classy in all three phases,” said Oliver Townend of the Ridgeons' 11-year-old Cooley Rosalent, who cruised round Burnham Market to finish on her 25.6 dressage and give the rider his 16th CCI4*-S win at the event. “Rosie”, who finished runner-up at the Norfolk fixture last year, still looked full of running as she walked away with her ears pricked and a spring in her step after a job well done.

“She was never out of fourth gear, and I didn’t have to squeeze or push once,” commented Oliver. “She'll come on for the run, so now we just want to get her as strong as we can until hopefully she goes to Badminton.”

Oliver's faithful partner Ballaghmor Class set out across country with 0.2 of a penalty lead on his stablemate, but Oliver had an easier run in mind for the 18-year-old before he joins Rosie at Badminton. The pair came home with 10.4 time-penalties for third.

This made way for Laura Collett to slot into second in this Barefoot Retreats CCI4*-S with Lucy Nelson's Hester, and she also finished sixth with Yvonne Ferguson's Bling. Laura posted the best dressage of the field, 23.3, with London 52, but opted to withdraw him after the first phase.

“The ground firmed up as the day progressed so once the class was won, we just wanted to give Ballaghmor Class a “He's not the easiest to ride when you're trying to go slow, so we had a couple of miscommunications where I ended up adding a little bit more, but he finished well.”

Oliver said Alec Lochore’s track asked plenty of questions.

“It was strong enough. The corner to the ditch and a brush was absolutely brilliant and gave a really nice feeling if you got it right,” he said, referring to fence 13abc, the GJL Corners and Open Ditch.