Oliver Townend wins Gatcombe leg of the Event Rider Masters

Oliver Townend became the first British rider to taste success in the inaugural Event Rider Masters (ERM) series, winning impressively at the Festival of British Eventing in Gatcombe Park (6-7 August).

Finishing on a score of 49.5, adding just 10 time penalties to his dressage mark, meant Oliver had safely secured the win aboard Cillnabradden Evo.

The ten-year-old gelding, who had a serious fall with former rider Andrew Nicholson here 12 months ago at Gatcombe, appeared to be in fighting form this time around.

This was Oliver’s eighth win around the Gloucestershire course and he was delighted.

“Gatcombe is a special place, I’ve been coming here since I was eight years old and I love it.  The prize money is pretty good too – I need to make a living and the £16,000 today certainly helps!” he said.

The ERM debutant Thomas Carlile finished runner up, while Ireland’s Elizabeth Power climbed the leader board from seventh to third place.

Aussie favourite Paul Tapner still remains top in the overall standings with two more legs to go. For the full ERM leader board and results click here.

The final two leg venues are Blair Castle Equi-Trek International Horse Trials (27-28 August) and Blenheim Palace Horse Trials (10-11 September).