Townend's Championship Dreams Dashed by Withdrawal Blow.

Posted 11 days ago

Oliver Townend's dream of clinching the Rolex Grand Slam took a hit when his horse Ballaghmor Class had to be withdrawn from the Badminton Horse Trials.

The British equestrian star, Oliver Townend, was aiming to make history by becoming only the third rider ever to win eventing's prestigious Grand Slam - a feat that involves winning three consecutive five-star competitions.

Townend had already triumphed at Burghley in September and Kentucky in April, showcasing his exceptional skill and determination.

However, his hopes were dashed when his horse Ballaghmor Class had to be withdrawn from the upcoming Badminton Horse Trials, just under two days before the event was set to kick off on Wednesday.

Expressing his disappointment, the 41-year-old rider stated that he was "absolutely gutted" about the withdrawal.

In a statement released by Badminton, Townend explained that Ballaghmor Class had faced setbacks earlier in the season due to an abscess, causing him to miss some runs and training sessions.

Despite being fit and well, Townend and his team felt that the challenging 11.5-minute cross-country course, coupled with potentially soft ground conditions, meant that Ballaghmor Class wasn't at his usual five-star fitness level.

Townend emphasized that the welfare of his horse was their top priority, stating that while Ballaghmor Class would give his best, it wasn't in his best interest to compete this week.

This decision underscores Townend's commitment to ensuring the well-being of his equine partner above all else.