Friday, 06 October 2023
British Equestrian athlete Oliver Townend has claimed the top spot in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings with 504 points. A spot he takes from his fellow countrywoman, Rosalind Canter, who held the coveted position for just one month.
Townend's ascent to the summit of the rankings comes as no surprise for the Olympic gold medalist, who previously held the world's number one ranking over a year ago. He temporarily relinquished his position to New Zealand's Tim Price, who enjoyed an 11-month reign before being surpassed by Canter.
“It is and always will be an honour to be at number one in your sport and it’s great to be back in that spot. The horses are incredible – they’re improving every day, have been so consistent and will always be my ultimate team mates." Townend explained.
“I also want to thank the massive amount of people behind me that make this happen, including the team at both yards – Gadlas and Caunton – who work tirelessly to keep the best standards and make sure that the horses want for nothing. I must also mention my manager and friend Karyn Shuter, who keeps pushing and taking the team to another level of professionalism, and the incredible sponsors that aid us in giving the horses the best of everything. The final and important thanks must go to my owners, who are there at all levels, following both mine and their own dreams.”
Townend's career has seen him hold the top position in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings for a total of 50 months, with a streak of 37 consecutive months at number one.
Rosalind Canter now stands at second place with 467 points, while American athlete Martin Boyd has made a remarkable jump from eighth to third place with 436 points. Meanwhile, Tim Price (NZL) continues to slip in the rankings, currently occupying the fourth spot with 434 points, closely followed by Tom McEwen (GBR) in fifth place with 431 points.
Great Britain’s stronghold in the top end of the Rankings is unequivocal, with three out of the top five in British hands, they also have back up and can count on Harry Meade (408 points), David Doel (393 points), William Oakden (383 points), and Laura Collet (371 points) in 6th to 9th respectively, making that a total of seven British athletes within the Top 10 rankings! Coming in tenth place is USA athlete Philipp Dutton with 367 points.