It's all looking grey for tilt at the grand slam

British eventing star Oliver Townend will cross the Atlantic next month in pursuit of an iconic equestrian prize he admits would be "almost a miracle" to him.

The Rolex Grand Slam – consecutive titles at Badminton, Burghley and Kentucky – carries a 233,000 jackpot.

It is a feat that has been achieved just once before – by Pippa Funnell in 2003 – and Townend is under no illusion about the degree of difficulty.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But the 27-year-old Yorkshireman is in such blistering form that it would be no surprise if he took Kentucky Horse Park by storm less than six months before this year's World Equestrian Games are staged at the same venue.

Remarkably, if the Huddersfield rider triumphs, eventing's grand slam will be his on three different grey horses – Flint Curtis (Badminton), Carousel Quest (Burghley) and Kentucky-bound new arrival from his Shropshire yard, the

11-year-old Ashdale Cruise Master.

"To try and emulate what Pippa Funnell did in 2003 is a fantastic position to be in," said Townend .

"I imagined that I would win Badminton last year. Without doubt, I was going there to win.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Burghley came as somewhat of a surprise, especially as I had never got round the course before.

"But it was the first time I had arrived at Burghley on a horse that I believed was good enough to actually be competitive. He was class through and through.

"No, I didn't think I would be in line for the Rolex Grand Slam. I didn't think I would be in a position to win in terms of horse-power.

"But just as the two older boys (Flint Curtis and Carousel Quest) are getting towards their later years, yet another grey horse turns up in the yard.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It would be absolutely fantastic to complete the Rolex Grand Slam on three different horses, all grey. It would be almost a miracle to me.

"Especially from my background, not being particularly what everybody thinks is a classic or normal eventing background, it's just remarkable to even get to this stage.

"I am very grateful to everybody who has supported me so far in my career."

In addition to his Badminton and Burghley triumphs last year, Townend also won the prestigious six-figure HSBC Classics series and was part of Great Britain's European Championship gold medal-winning team in Fontainebleau.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And such consistent world-class results mean the grand slam must, therefore, be considered an attainable goal.

"I've got a lot of confidence in Ashdale Cruise Master," added Townend. "He is a horse that I've watched for a couple of years now, and I always thought he was fantastic.

"Although I've only just got the ride on him, he is without doubt an outstanding horse. The only problem for me at this point in time is the dressage, which is his weak phase.

"To win the likes of Rolex Kentucky, we need a good dressage. Apart from that, he's a very good jumper, he's got plenty of scope and plenty of gallop. We are very positive for him.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Everyone has had their eye on him and said he's really got the potential. At the minute, for whatever reason, he has not fulfilled his potential.

"Hopefully, it will be down to us forming a partnership to release all this potential and try to win the grand slam. To sit on him is a dream – I've been very fortunate."

While Flint Curtis and Carousel Quest enjoy "a quieter time" at this early stage of what could ultimately prove another title-laden season for Townend, it is all systems go for Kentucky from April 22-25.

"My main focus at this stage is the Rolex," he said. "Whatever comes off the back of that is fantastic, but it's one competition at a time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"At the moment, all my worries, all my aims, all my dreams are hanging on Rolex Kentucky.

"The World Championships, yes, it's obviously a huge competition, but I am fortunate to have enough horses in the stable at a high level.

"So as long as I am fit and well, and one of them is fit and well, and our form continues to be this good, then we will be there anyway."