Britain’s world number one eventer Oliver Townend underlined his selection credentials for the Tokyo Olympics by completing a hat-trick of victories at the Land Rover Kentucky three-day event in America.

Ellesmere based Townend won the competition in 2018 and 2019 on Cooley Master Class ahead of last year’s cancellation, and this time he triumphed aboard Ballaghmor Class.

The 38-year-old Yorkshireman led after Saturday’s cross-country phase, and a clear showjumping round on his 2017 Burghley champion was enough to land an £80,000 top prize.

It is the sixth five-star title of Shropshire-based Townend’s career, having also claimed two Burghley crowns and won Badminton in 2009.

Townend, last to go in the Rolex Stadium, held his nerve to finish on 27.3 penalties.

New Zealander Tim Price was second on Xavier Faer, with his wife Jonelle third on Grovine de Reve. Boyd Martin led the home challenge in fourth, and Britain’s Harry Meade finished fifth aboard Superstition.