Thousands of equestrian fans plus a few famous faces enjoyed a spectacular 70th anniversary Badminton Horse Trials.

Held at the Duke of Beaufort’s Badminton Estate, the five-day event brings together the best eventers from around the world.

British rider Piggy French won overall and took home the £100,000 top prize.

"It is a complete fairytale," she said.

In doing so, the Northamptonshire-based rider denied Yorkshireman Oliver Townend a full-scale tilt at eventing’s richest prize.

Townend held an advantage of 5.3 penalties heading into the showjumping finale but one fence down and four time penalties cost him a second Badminton title 10 years after his first.

French, though, became only the second British winner of Badminton since Townend triumphed in 2009, winning on a score of 26.8 on Vanir Kamira.

Photography Stephen Richards