The Fédération Equestre Internationale has updated its Eventing World Athlete Rankings, and Oliver Townend of Great Britain holds the top spot with 504 points. Townend is one of four riders in the top 10 of the rankings who will be contesting the Mars Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, Oct. 19-22.
Joining him are U.S. rider Boyd Martin, winner of the inaugural Maryland 5 Star, who leapfrogged up the rankings from eighth to third in the new listing; New Zealand’s Tim Price, who dropped from second to fourth, and U.S. rider Phillip Dutton, who moved up three spots to 10th.
Townend takes over the top spot from fellow Brit, Ros Canter, who earned the top spot following the FEI Eventing European Championships. Townend last held the top spot a year ago before relinquishing it to Price, who held it for 11 months.
“It is and always will be an honour to be at No. 1 in your sport, and it’s great to be back in that spot,” said Townend. “The horses are incredible—they’re improving every day, have been so consistent and will always be my ultimate teammates. I also want to thank the massive amount of people behind me that make this happen, including the team at both yards.”
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The Brits have a strong hold on the top placings, with Tom McEwen (fifth), Harry Meade (sixth), David Doel (seventh), William Oakden (eighth) and Laura Collett (ninth) all in the top 10. The U.S. has three additional riders in the top 20: Elizabeth Halliday (11th), Tamie Smith (12th) and Will Coleman (20th).
