Oliver Townend tops eventing rankings

Oliver Townend is British Eventing’s leading rider, finishing the season at the top of the points rankings list for the first time since 2009.

Good year

During the 2014 season Oliver won nine international and 24 national classes, amassing a total of 1556 points. He was the runner-up at Badminton and finished eighth at Burghley with Armada.

“It’s been a good year and a bonus to finish at the top of the table again,” said Oliver. “Thanks to my great group of loyal owners, who are friends as much as owners, I have an exciting team of horses who have really stepped up to the plate.”

William Fox-Pitt retained his second place from last year (1272) while the Andrew Nicholson – who has been BE’s leading rider for the past four years – dropped down to third (1246).

Oliver also won the Tony Collings award for the best British rider. The leading under-21 rider was Wiltshire-based rider David Doel (263), with Tom Jackson the runner-up (251).

Horse rankings

Brits also led the way in the BE horse rankings, with Louise Harwood’s ride Whitson taking the title for the first time. The pair who were reserve for the World Equestrian Games finished the year with 432 points – 56 ahead of Andrew Nicholson’s triple Badminton winner Avebury, who is also British-bred.

Armada and Bay My Hero share third place on 340 points.

“When I started the year I so didn’t expect he’d be finishing ahead of all those great four star horses,” Louise admitted. “I had a leg operation in February so at the beginning of the season it was simply a case of seeing what I could do – I certainly didn’t think it was going to be my best season ever.”

Whitson also won the Wideawake Trophy – named after Lucinda Green’s Badminton winner – which is presented to the breeder of the leading British bred horse. Roy Baker bred the 16hh3in gelding, which he owns with Emma Baker-Jones.

“I’m so proud of Whitson, and of Louise, long may it continue,” said Roy Baker. “I first set out to breed myself a hunter and never expected the successes we have had over the years.”

Foundation points

Up-and-coming combinations were also rewarded in the Foundation Points League. The system was introduced in 2010 to recognise the achievements of those competing in BE90 and BE100 classes. All are eligible for points, from seasoned campaigners on young horses to those starting out in eventing.

This year’s leading rider is Ros Canter who finished well ahead of her fellow competitors. The Lincolnshire rider clocked up an impressive 537 points to finish 207 points clear of runner up JP Sheffield, with Jamie Atkinson in third place on 328.

Ros achieved 15 wins at BE100 level this season with her string of youngsters, along with numerous top three placings.

“I’ve had a lot of fun with the young horses this year,” said Ros. “Getting three of the five-year-olds into the top 10 at the KBIS Young Horse Championships at Osberton was probably the highlight, but they have all been a real pleasure to ride and really rewarding.”

Things were much tighter at the top of the horses’ leaderboard, with just two points separating the leading three. Courville B Z, ridden by Catriona Kerruish, and Alyson Parker’s JJ Malone both finished the season on 158 points, to come equal first. Just behind them on 156 points was Goodluck Jonathon, piloted by Jo Boggon.

Grassroots

Jo also finished the season at the top of the Grassroots Rider leaderboard with a score of 263. Lucinda Crawford was second (252) while Alyson Parker came third (171).

As well as competing Goodluck Jonathon, Jo rides Deelside Red Adair who finished 10th in the Foundation Points Top Horse League.

“None of this would happen without backup,” said Jo who is a landscape gardener. “I work full time, mostly in London, and this year has been particularly manic.

“Both horses are so consistent at this level – I keep winning the OAP prizes. For both of them to be going to Badminton again for the Mitsubishi Motors Grassroots next year is fantastic, they have given me so much fun.”

In the Grassroots Top Horses League JJ Malone had another win after a great season with Alyson Parker. Goodluck Jonathon took second place, while Cameron Crawford’s Vattrick came third (142).

The Grassroots League runs alongside the Foundation Points series and is based on the rider’s eligibility for the Mitsubishi Motors Grassroots Championships. It is not open to downgraded horses.