Paul Tapner and Kilronin in action at Badminton.

© Kate Houghton/FEI

By Equestrian Life

Oliver Townend and Cillnabradden Evo have taken out the CIC*** Event Rider Masters event at Blair Castle Equi-Trek International Horse Trials over the weekend.

Townend was second after the dressage, however a clear showjumping round and just 2.4 time penalties cross country (showjumping is completed before cross country in short-form ERM events) saw him secure first place.

A notoriously tricky horse, Cillnabradden Evo performed brilliantly throughout the weekend. Townend is hoping that the horse has finally “turned a corner” and is starting to show his true potential.

Tom McEwen and his 2013 Bramham U25 winner Diesel - who is back from an injury break - took out second place after Jonathan Paget and Angus Blue were disqualified follwoing the cross country. There was a long delay in releasing the results, as the judges eventually ruled that Pagent has jumped the wrong side of the flag at the first of two triple brush arrowheads.

Aussie Paul Tapner (who is currently leading the ERM series) and his beautiful grey Kilronan performed well throughout to finish in 6th position - picking up an additional 20 points towards their ERM tally. The pair completed the dressage phase on 49.1 penalties, before having two rails down in the showjumping and picking up 5.2 time faults on the cross country.

Blair Castle was the 2nd last leg of the ERM series, which is open to 40 competitors determined by FEI rider ranking points. Tapner still sits atop the ERM leaderboard with one leg still to come.

ERM CIC** top ten:

1     Oliver Townend and Cillnabradden Evo              (45.2) 30 ERM points
2     Jonathan Paget and Angus Blue                         (54.7) 28 ERM points (*later disqualified)
3     Tom McEwen and Diesel                                     (56.1) 26 ERM points
4     Gemma Tattersall and Santiago Bay                   (57.7) 24 ERM points
5     Jonelle Price and Cloud Dancer                          (58.9) 22 ERM points
6     Nicola Wilson and Bulana                                    (60.1) 21 ERM points
7     Paul Tapner and Kilronan                                    (62.3) 20 ERM points
8     Kirsty Johnston and WTTL Opposition Sky Law (62.7) 19 ERM points
9     Bill Levett and Shannondale Titan                       (62.9) 18 ERM points
10   Tim Price and Xavier Faer                                   (64.7) 17 ERM points
 

Read the latest News.