A Note Worthy Win For Oliver Townend at Somerford Park Horse Trials
The ever popular Somerford International Horse Trials set off at a cracking pace on Friday morning. A return of some warm sunshine by mid afternoon came as a welcome relief to all concerned.
Oliver Townend and MHS King Joules were first to go in the CIC2* with an early morning call at 8am finishing on a score 38.60 which secured him the lead throughout the day and overnight. Lying behind in second place for most of the day was young eventer Willa Newton and Lauries Laudatio 2 who was enjoying his first outing at 2*.
Long term leader in the CIC1* for most of Friday afternoon was Izzy Taylor and Fluerelle with a score of 37.20 however she was denied overnight lead by Sam Ecroyd and Christoff who finished with a dressage score of 37.00.
Top Sporting action continued at Somerford Park International Horse Trials throughout the following day.
Friday’s overnight leader in the CIC2* Oliver Townend and MHS King Joules retained their lead for most of Saturday only to be overtaken by another of Oliver and another of his rides – Note Worthy – finishing on a dressage score of 37.8
‘It’s always tricky going first, but I was very pleased with the early morning dressage score, and even more pleased with Note Worthy taking the lead on Saturday – to have overnight 1st and 2nd was great,’ said Oliver.
‘Somerford Park is the all round best training and eventing facilities in the country, and they always put on an excellent event, providing great tracks and superb going. I train here a lot and to have it on my doorstep is a bonus’.
Overnight lead in the CIC1* went to Caroline Powell and Flipper K who finished on a super dressage score of 33.8.
Oliver Townend continued to dominate the CIC 2* from the word go – literally, both horses produced double clears to retain their positions.
‘The horses have all gone brilliantly I couldn’t be more pleased with them they’ve all behaved in all three disciplines, good dressage progressing all the time cross country fantastic and they’ve all jumped really well,’ said Oliver.
‘Somerford’s the best facility and stepping stone for the big three day events in the autumn.’
Oliver’s closest rival came in the form of Elizabeth Power and Mind Me who finished 3rd on her dressage score of 43.30.
Oliver also takes 4th and 6th with Ulises and Ballaghmor Class respectively in the 2*.
New Zealand’s Caroline Powell and Flipper K clinched the CIC 1* sponsored by Andrews Bowen, they lead overnight on a superb dressage score of 33.8. Caroline followed up her dressage with a consistent clear in showjumping and a steady clear cross country.
‘She’s a lovely mare and we’ve had her for two year’s. It’s her first time jumping international so thrilled’ said Caroline
Sam Ecroyd narrowly missed first place but clinched both 2nd and 3rd place with Renegade Marmalade on final score of 36.8 and Christoff on 37.0
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.