Izzy Taylor is untouchable at the Event Rider Masters Finale
Britain’s Izzy Taylor led the final leg of the 2017 Event Rider Masters (ERM) from start to finish. She secured her first ERM podium finish at the series finale held at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.
Riding the eleven-year old gelding “Be Touchable”, Taylor maintained her overnight dressage lead, producing clear jumping rounds in both the showjumping and cross country. She added just 1.8 time penalties on the demanding cross country phase, finishing on a score of 36.9. Taylor continues a tremendous run of form, with this win being her remarkable eighth at FEI international level this season and a first in the ERM series.
Taylor, who is based locally at Bicester, and was tipped as a favourite to win this weekend; said;
“Be Touchable is a very good horse in all three phases and I hoped he would finish in the top few. The hard work is really paying off this year and all the horses have really stepped it up. I have a great support team and owners, and it’s an exciting time. I’ve enjoyed the pressure of the ERM format and it feels great to win my first leg”.
Tim Price (NZL) secured his first podium place in the series finishing in second place, riding the nine-year Ascona M. Tim produced one of only two clear rounds inside the time cross country to finish on a score of 42.6. The other rider to produce a penalty free cross country round leading to a third place on the podium was Chris Burton (AUS). Riding Graf Liberty, who Chris also rode into second place at Leg 6 at Blair Castle, he completed a masterclass of cross country riding to finish on a final score of 43.4.