Townend said: "I feel a bit bashed and bruised but my spirits are good.

"I will fly home tonight and hopefully get a good rest on the plane."

Will Connell, the British Equestrian Federation's performance director, and Townend’s colleague William Fox-Pitt, who holds the overall lead going into the final day’s show-jumping, had both suggested that Townend might be able to return to the competition on his second horse, Master Rose, on whom he was in the top 10.

But there was no arguing with the medical prognosis.

After his back-to-back victories in Badminton and Burghley, Townend’s attempt to emulate his compatriot Pippa Funnell and take a jackpot of £233,000 ($358,000) was over.

And his marathon journey to reach Kentucky in time, which involved a £1,600 ($2,461) taxi ride over the Pyrenees and a charter flight to Disneyland, Miami, was in vain.

Townend said: "At least the trip home should be easier than the journey here.

I want to get well quickly and start riding again as soon as possible.

"It’s a tough sport and these things happen.

"I was very fit going into Kentucky and the physical strengthening work I did helped me take such a hard fall without serious damage.

"I have to be grateful for my Point Two Air inflatable air bag jacket and Champion riding hat.

"They both saved me from suffering more serious injuries.

"I’d like to thank all those who have supported me while I’ve been in Kentucky and everyone who has been sending me messages on Facebook."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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