Oisin Murphy hails Olympian Oliver Townend after eventing gold in Tokyo

Another British Olympic gold medal was a particularly welcome sight for champion jockey Oisin Murphy, who hailed friend and "top man" Oliver Townend following the eventing team's victory on Monday.

Townend, Laura Collett and Tom McEwen claimed the first British eventing team gold medal in 49 years and the 11th gold for Britain at Tokyo 2020.

Murphy, who is an avid eventing fan and owns a horse with Townend, heaped praise on the rider and mount Ballaghmor Class after the pair's first Olympic appearance.

Murphy said: "It was brilliant. He's a top man and has put in a lot of work to get there. I've actually ridden the horse as well which is a special thing to have done.

"They performed incredibly well and while I've never competed in an event, I love watching it. I own a bit of an eventer as well. I've always watched Badminton as there was such good coverage of it on terrestrial television but I never thought I'd own one until Oliver roped me into buying one, he's the one to blame for that!"

The team led the competition going into the final phase of the three-day-event following a sensational cross-country performance with all three riders clear inside the time, which gave them enough breathing space in the showjumping to stay ahead of Australia and France, who took silver and bronze respectively.

There was further success as McEwen – whose father is a racehorse vet in Lambourn – and Toledo De Kerser claimed silver in the individual eventing, with Townend in fifth and Collett ninth.

Collett works with difficult horses for trainer William Haggas, who credited her with Dubai Honour's return to winning ways at the Newmarket July festival.

Collett is also known in racing circles for taking on Kauto Star as a dressage prospect following the chaser's retirement from racing.

The equestrian events at Tokyo 2020 conclude on Saturday with the showjumping team finals.

Read more:

Shergar Cup, Racing League and Sunday Series feature in another busy week

St Leger next stop for rapidly progressive Gordon winner Ottoman Emperor

'There has been a mix-up' - Wonderful Tonight's trophy goes missing at Goodwood

The wait is almost over! Pick up your copy of the Big Kick-Off, free inside the Racing Post on Wednesday, August 4. Your complete guide to the 2021-22 football season is packed full of tips from our experts and team-by-team guides for every English division