Blair warning and yellow cards given

OLIVER TOWNEND was given a verbal warning for whip use at Blair International Horse Trials.

The world number one was spoken to months after his warning for use of the whip across country at Badminton.

Oliver said his ride was “developing a habit of running out”, and did so in the crosscountry warm-up at Blair.

“I wanted to nip this habit in the bud by correcting him,” he added. “I gave this explanation to the ground jury on the day, which they accepted. The horse performed well and is happy, healthy and enjoying a break.”

Louise Evans and James Sommerville were given yellow cards at Blair, Louise’s for “continuing after three refusals”. She declined to comment to H&H.

James Sommerville’s card was for jumping the ropes after the cross-country finish. He felt the pulling-up area was short, and he could not stop his strong horse, adding: “It wasn’t intentional.”

Blair director Alec Lochore said the area had been lengthened to over 130m after feedback, it is believed James was the only one to have issues pulling up and Blair will continue to review the area.