Early start is of little concern to Townend

But the Huddersfield rider will not let an unfortunate draw dampen his enthusiasm ahead of a star-studded “who’s who of eventing” this week.

World No 5 Townend will be first up in Gloucestershire on Friday on his sole hope Armada as the Yorkshireman aims to repeat his brilliant victory of 2009.

Townend will be single-handed at the CCI four-star event having withdrawn ODT Sonas Rovatio, who was drawn down in 118th.

First on the list is Armada and while Townend knows heading first out of 85 entries is hardly ideal, the no-nonsense Yorkshireman is determined to set a perfect standard.

“The draw for me has not been good, but I can’t do anything about that so we’ll see how we go,” 30-year-old Townend told the Yorkshire Post.

“I’m the first to go and with my best horse, which is a bit unfortunate really, and all of the riders would prefer their top horse to go second.

“But I’ve been drawn first on 
Armada and that’s the way it is.

“There’s no point complaining about it and there’s nothing that I can do.

“It’s definitely a disadvantage for sure, but Armada feels fantastic.

“He’s in great nick and he’s good in his coat which is important for chestnut horses at this time of year.

“Everything feels good with him so it’s just a matter of fingers crossed and hoping for that bit of luck as well.”

The illustrious four-star competition begins with Friday and Saturday’s dressage displays ahead of the hugely popular cross country test on Sunday.

All eyes will then be on Monday’s showjumping event.

Northallerton’s Nicola Wilson will also be flying the flag for Yorkshire on Opposition Buzz and last summer’s Olympic silver medallist pairing have been drawn at 44th on the list.

Townend is in no doubt that German star and Olympic champion Michael Jung will be the man to beat.

“The competition is red hot as always and Michael Jung, who is coming over from Germany, will be the favourite,” said Townend, victorious on Flint Curtis four years ago.

“I’m just hoping that the dressage judges don’t go too overboard in terms of the fact that he has obviously won an awful lot and he’s got an unbelievable partnership with the two horses that he’s taking there.

“Andrew Nicholson has also got the best horses he’s ever had in Nereo and Avebury going and obviously William Fox-Pitt generally has some fantastic horses at that level.

“He’s got two serious ones going and it’s pretty much a who’s who of eventing really.

“It’s as good as it’s ever going to be.”