Townend ready for date with destiny

He is hoping to complete the Rolex Grand Slam and bring home prize money of 233,571, which goes to the event rider who can win Badminton, Burghley and Kentucky consecutively.

He says the fact that he did so well last year is still sinking in – he won Badminton on Flint Curtis, Burghley on Carousel Quest and also took the top prize at Express Eventing.

Now he is heading for Kentucky with a new ride, Ashdale Cruise Master, along with ODT Master Rose, owned by Yorkshire businessman Stephen Hazeldine.

Master Rose was entered for Badminton but Townend finally decided to take him to Kentucky as he thought the track there would suit him better.

"He's been improving all the way through and Carousel Quest is getting on a bit now. I thought it was time to give the younger ones a chance," said Townend.

Stephen Hazeldine, his wife Alison and daughter Victoria have hastily booked tickets to fly to Kentucky.

Stephen is a joint-master of the York and Ainsty Hunt and a long-time supporter of the Huddersfield-born rider.

"Our connection goes back to his early days when I sent one of my hunters which was proving too strong in the hunting field for him to event.

"After several novice horses we purchased Master Rose which has developed from 'The Chugger' as Oliver called him, into a serious performer," said Stephen.

The 10-year-old gelding has been with Townend for five years. "I know the horse incredibly well and he's at the perfect age now. He hasn't been out of the top five at his last few events," said Townend.

Ashdale Cruise Master, on the other hand, has been with him for just three months. The horse competed at Burghley last year with Emily Gilruth and when she became pregnant, owners Henry and Edna Harding moved him to Townend's yard in Shropshire.

He has been working hard to prepare the horse in time. "He won at Burnham Market but we had a fall the previous time out, which might just have been a jelling phase. We both ended up rolling on the floor," said Townend. "He's a very valuable part of the yard and a classy horse. Both horses are fitter than they have ever been before and both are on good form, so we'll see..."

Only one rider has won the Rolex Grand Slam and that was Pippa Funnell in 2003.

How is Townend coping with all the pressure as the event gets close? "I'm looking forward to it. I'm getting very excited about it and I think there's a chance that we could do well. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that it comes off."

The Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event runs from April 22 to 25.