Townend completed a memorable season by taking the HSBC FEI Classics series, succeeding his Great Britain colleague William Fox-Pitt as winner of the £92,000 jackpot.

Townend and his 14-year-old grey Carousel Quest could not add Les Etoiles de Pau to the Burghley and Badminton titles they landed earlier this year; but the Yorkshireman has now won more than £300,000 in major prize money during the past 12 months.

The 26-year-old will head to Kentucky next April chasing a £213,000 Rolex Grand Slam jackpot, which is awarded to any rider winning consecutive Badminton, Burghley and Lexington four-star events.

The feat is so demanding that only one rider – Britain’s Pippa Funnell – has previously achieved it.

Sunday’s show jumping test was maybe a round too far for Townend, who had 28 jumping and three time faults, dropping him down from clear overnight leader to eighth place.

Breisner was quick to acknowledge his outstanding run of result,.”Oliver is a very talented rider – he has that competitive streak about him,” he said.

“There is a great depth of horses and riders at the moment. We have the gold medal-winning European team from Fontainebleau this year, plus Mary King and Imperial Cavalier, and the young riders.”

Townend hopes that Carousel Quest has thrust himself into the selection plans of Breisner for next September’s World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

Photo credit: Ian Lamprell

The final British line-up will not be confirmed until next July, but Townend has an outstanding chance of making America, either on Carousel Quest or his Badminton champion Flint Curtis.

“I always thought I could win, but maybe not so quickly,” said Townend, of his HSBC triumph.

Townend could afford to have one fence down and still win in Pau, but a significant number of faults dashed his hopes.

It could not though take away the sense of satisfaction at winning an overall HSBC series that features events at Lexington, Badminton, Luhmuhlen, Burghley and Pau.

“I’ve had a fantastic year. My horses have done me proud, and they will now have a winter’s break before returning next spring,” said Oli.