Bettina Hoy sails to victory while Townend claims Masters series

Bettina Hoy has become the first German rider to win the coveted CCI3* prize at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (8-11 September).

Bettina, 53, had to overcome stiff opposition on the day – with New Zealand rider Andrew Nicholson posting the fastest cross-country round and finishing close behind in second place.

But Bettina, on the 10-year-old gelding Seigneur Medicott, appeared to be in fighting form and finished on a score of 41.30pen to land her first CCI3* title in more than a decade.

“It’s amazing – it’s such a long time since I won anything big and to do it here at Blenheim is very special. I only compete three horses now, as I am a part-time carer for my parents,” she said.

She later revealed her winning ride is up for sale but Bettina hopes she can retain a syndicate for the former showjumper, who she holds in high regard and is targeting the European Championships and even Tokyo 2020.

“He is still quite green but he was fighting today to win it, which was great. It might put his value up too much now but I don’t know,” said Bettina.

Elsewhere in the competition, local rider Lydia Hannon achieved her best CCI3* result to finish third on the leader board, with Nicola Wilson and the talented mare Bulana taking fourth place.

Earlier in the day, the Event Riders Masters (ERM) series came to a climax, with the French rider Thomas Carlile claiming the Blenheim leg victory.

However it was Oliver Townend who took home the overall series prize of £30,000, after clocking up consecutive wins at Gatcombe and Blair. He finished runner up at Blenheim with Cillnabradden Evo and was thrilled to be the overall winner.

“I’m more than happy with the result. Thomas is a great rider on an unbelievable horse,” said Oliver.

For full results from all the classes at Blenheim International Horse Trials, click here.