Sponsors may cut ties with rider in whip row
TOP British rider Oliver Townend could lose sponsors ahead of the World Equestrian Games after a warning about his use of the whip at the Badminton Horse Trials. The 34-year-old was criticised for his treatment of Cooley SRS and Ballaghmor Class during the crosscountry phase. Townend is likely to be picked to represent Britain at the World Games in Tryon this September. But a spokesperson for manufacturer Jump 4 Joy, said: ‘We take animal welfare seriously and will be reviewing all our options in connection with Oliver Townend.’ Anne Priestman, UK National Sales Manager for Irish company GAIN Equine Nutrition, who provide tailored diets for his horses, said: ‘We take animal welfare very seriously. We are reviewing this incident.’ When asked about the jury’s warning, Townend initially defended his riding, but on Monday he issued an apology on his website, saying: ‘I fully accept the warning I received from the jury. I will work hard to improve in this area.’