Harrogate eventer Hazel Towers eyes clear round on second attempt of Bramham International Horse Trials

Towers, 28, will ride alongside nine-year-old mare Simply Smart in the CIC three-star event – the second highest ranked event of the weekend – against some of the best riders in world equestrian.

The pairing finished fifth at the Chatsworth International last month and Towers is anticipating another strong performance from her young charge – if coping with the extra noise of home support.

Towers will be competing at Bramham for a second time in her career but for a first time on board Simply Smart, affectionately nicknamed ‘Stumpy’ by the rider due to her short legs.

Towers said: “It’s an incredible event.

“Last time we rode around it was really humbling to have everybody there shouting your name going round the course.

“You try not to notice it and try and treat it like it’s any other competition. It’s important not to let the atmosphere and the fact that it’s on home turf get to me.

“It’s just a matter of keeping my head down and hope that we get through the cross country course.

“In my head, I am very happy with where we are in terms of cross country,. She jumped around Chatsworth last month and the fact she has that under her belt makes me feel pretty confident.”

Towers came 30th in the CIC aboard Simply Clover on her only appearance around Bramham two years ago, totalling 82 faults across the three disciplines.

On that occasion, she incurred 5.6 time penalties over Ian Stark’s infamously challenging cross country sector, while adding 17 faults on the final day showjumping.

Improving on that score with Simply Smart will be Towers primary focus for her second visit to Bramham Park, according to the rider.