Oliver Townend added yet another title to his CV with the Dodson and Horrell Novice Championship on Jeepers Creepers at The Festival of British Eventing presented by BETA.

Oliver was eighth after dressage in the 70 strong class and moved up to take the lead with a clear round over the coloured poles with Olivia Tappin’s Irish-bred nine-year-old by popular sire Ricardo Z.

They then jumped a swift and clear cross-country round to take the lead which could not be matched by the rest of the class.

Oliver took the ride on Jeepers Creepers this time last year. ‘He is not the easiest to ride and can be a bit spooky show jumping but that was by far the best round he has ever jumped,’ said Oliver after producing one of nine clear show jumping rounds in the class.

Oliver last won the Novice Championship in 2005 and has won the Intermediate Championship twice previously. He has yet to win the British Open in which he is currently lying third with is World Equestrian Games reserve horse Ashdale Cruise Master at the end of dressage.

Olympic team bronze medallist Sharon Hunt from Kent was second in the class with Dr David and Mrs Susan Howards seven year old Azeb. ‘He is one of the most natural cross-country horses I have ridden. He is so balanced and I think as fences get bigger he will just get better but his is only seven so I will take him slowly,’ said Sharon.

Just two combinations from the 53 finishers in this class finished on their dressage score. Winner Oliver Townend was one and third place Vicky Tuffs and Nothing Ventured by Irish Sport Horse Newmarket Venture was the other. The pair came up from 31st place after dressage.

Dressage leader Lucinda Fredericks on Flying Finish withdrew after show jumping. Seventy combinations started the class and 53 completed 42 without cross-country jumping penalties.