Olympic gold medallist Oliver Townend won a third Defender Burghley Horse Trials title after holding his nerve during a dramatic finish over the weekend.
Townend, who is based in Dudleston Heath near Ellesmere, and Tokyo Olympics ride Ballaghmor Class emulated their 2017 feat as the Lincolnshire event’s showjumping phase delivered a pulsating finale.
The combination had one fence down, which meant last to go and world number one Tim Price, riding Vitali, held control.
But things went horribly wrong for the Dorset-based New Zealander, as 12 faults dropped him to fourth place.
Yorkshireman Townend finished on a winning score of 33.0 penalties and collected a top prize of £110,000 as British riders filled the podium places.
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David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed took second on 33.7, with Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal finishing third.
An elated Townend, who helped Great Britain win eventing team gold at the Tokyo Olympics, said: “This is very special.
“Ballaghmor Class is as good as he has ever been and what more can I say about him? He has performed amazingly.”
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