BRITISH Olympian Oliver Townsend is aiming to make history at this weekend's Burghley Horse Trials.

The event, at Burghley House near Stamford, begins today and attracted a world-class line-up of riders.

Townend, who is part of the British 2010 Olympic three-day event team, won the competition last year and is hoping to do so again.

If he wins, he will become the first horse and rider combination to win Burghley twice consecutively.

He said: "Looking back on Burghley last year, it was a huge achievement and it would be great to try to do the same thing again.

"I think winning it is still sinking in, even though Burghley is now here again.

"Hopefully, it will be us this year and, hopefully, the dream will continue."

The event attracts thousands of people every year and locals are advised to avoid the roads around Stamford as there can be long tailbacks.