Equestrianism: Crashing halt to Townend streak

British rider Oliver Townend has failed in his attempt to land the £230,000 Rolex Grand Slam in spectacular fashion. Townend was airlifted to hospital after suffering a crashing fall on Ashdale Cruise Master during Saturday's Rolex Kentucky cross-country phase.

He had hoped to be discharged from the University of Kentucky Hospital and ride in yesterday's showjumping finale on his other horse ODT Master Rose, lying seventh overnight. But further medical checks have shown 27-year-old Yorkshireman is suffering from cracks to his collarbone, chest bone and ribs.

"Oliver was quite sore and the doctors will look at him again this morning," British Equestrian Federation performance director Will Connell said. Townend had been chasing one of equestrian sport's most coveted prizes, a six-figure jackpot for winning three consecutive four-star titles.