OLIVER TOWNEND’S CONTRASTING HORSES
MHS KING JOULES (pictured, above) and Cooley Master Class are a study in contrasts.
“Completely different personalities, completely different everything,” said Oliver. “But both are obviously very talented.”
He described 13-year-old King Joules as “one of the trickiest ones I’ve ever ridden in some ways. I’m the last in a long line who’s ridden him.”
Andrew Nicholson and Mary King were among those who had previously had the ride. Since the Ghareeb-sired Irish sport horse has spent seven years with other riders, Oliver admitted “it’s tricky to get on and find the buttons.”
“He’s a very, very sensitive horse. I actually tried to buy him as a four-year-old and I think you’d see a different horse if I had had him from word go. At the same time, talent is not a problem. He’s an exceptionally talented horse, probably one of the most talented I’ve had.”
Master Class is by Ramiro B, a stallion in whom Oliver has an interest though his involvement with Harthill Stud.
“It’s good for the breeding side of things. He’s a stallion I believe in a lot,” Oliver said.
Ramiro B is also the sire of Cooley SRS, who will be making his four-star debut at Badminton, where Oliver’s other ride this week is his Burghley winner Ballaghmor Class.
Master Class took entering the vast Rolex Stadium for the first time in his stride, and Oliver added: “He can handle the pressure, and in some ways is probably a little better for the crowd and the atmosphere.”