Townend and Fox-Pitt still in Burghley contention

By David Jordan, Sportsbeat, in Burghley

OLIVER Townend and William Fox-Pitt remain on course to make history at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.

ON COURSE: Oliver Townend and Carousel Quest are in contention to defend their Burghley title (Getty Images)

New Zealander Caroline Powell and Lenamore will secure the £50,000 prize if they go clear on Sunday.

But defending champion Townend and Carousel Quest, who are seeking to become the first combination to retain their Burghley title, are just behind.

And Fox-Pitt - who is seeking a record sixth victory - and Seacookie are also firmly in contention heading into Sunday's decisive show jumping.

"I'm as close to the leader as possible," said Townend, who accrued just 0.4 time penalties.

"If I sit on another horse as good as him in my time it'll be very special because he outclasses anything I've ever ridden."

Fox-Pitt is also refusing to rule out his chances after a solid cross-country performance.

"Seacookie was excellent and I felt very comfortable with him all the way round and it all very much went to plan so I am sat in a very nice position," he said.

"I think it is going to be very exciting and very close but that is what makes it interesting and that is what I am looking forward too.

"After last year you always wonder if they remember it. He didn't have a very happy time here last year but really this time round he's been excellent."

Victory for Powell would be the biggest win of the 37-year old's career - and she paid tribute to her veteran stead.

"He might be 17 but he feels younger and younger," she said.

"I've been with him for 12 years and he's an amazing horse. Nothing would be better than to win with him here."

Earlier in the day Scottish rider Nicola Malcolm was airlifted to hospital after heavy fall however scans proved clear and she may be released from hospital on Sunday.