Oliver Townend achieved an incredible feat at the Bacon.co.uk Burnham Market Horse Trials at the weekend (2-4 April) when he racked up one-twos in three different classes.
Oliver took the CIC3* with Patsy Mason’s Mr Hiho, finishing second on Paul and Diana Ridgeon’s Armada. In the CIC2*, he won with Angela Hislop’s Cooley SRS and claimed second on Andrew Cawthray’s Colonel Joe. Andrew Cawthray also owns the two horses with whom Oliver topped an intermediate, Red Andes Fanfare (pictured) and Peruising.
“This is a great place to come at this time of year when you want to know where you are in terms of the horses’ fitness, dressage and everything,” said Oliver. “The ground was fantastic this year — as good as it’s ever been.”
This was Oliver’s eighth win in the flagship class, the CIC3*. Last year, there were two sections at the level and he won both of them.
His other Burnham Market CIC3* winners have been:
2007 — Flint Curtis
2008 — Coup De Coeur
2009 — Flint Curtis
2010 — Ashdale Cruise Master
2012 — Pepper Anne
2014 — Black Tie II
2014 — Armada
In total, Oliver has had 18 winners at the Norfolk spring fixture at novice, intermediate, open intermediate, advanced and CIC2* and CIC3* level. This year is the first time he has taken the CIC2*.
Burnham Market enjoyed support from a new title sponsor this year, Bacon.co.uk, a new website which is the brainchild of Norfolk businessman Stephen Bacon and his wife Rebecca, who were handing out prizes at the event.
Full report from Burnham Market don’t miss this Thursday’s issue of H&H — out 9 April
