Latest from Horse & Hound in Maryland-5-star

New organisers working with Olympic course-designer in plans to revive cancelled five-star

Lucy Elder — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:58:55 +0000

New organisers have confirmed plans to revive the CCI5* at Maryland next year and are bringing in Paris Olympic course-designer Pierre Le Goupil.

H&H reported last month that Maryland 5 Star in the US had been cancelled following months of rumours. The non-profit Fair Hill Foundation, which is separate to the Maryland 5 Star’s previous organisers, later confirmed that the long-format three-star that ran alongside the feature class would go ahead.

Yesterday (21 April), Select Event Group announced that it has “assumed the role of lead organiser”. It has submitted its application to run the CCI3*-L and young event horse classes in October 2026, and it is “preparing its application to organise and put on the 2027 Maryland 5 Star Event”.

“Together, these steps are evidence of a deliberate approach: ensuring a strong, well-executed three-star this fall while building the operational, financial and community foundation necessary for the five-star’s return next year,” said a Select Event Group spokesperson.

The spokesperson added: “As part of its long-term vision, Select is embracing the opportunity to reimagine the Maryland five-star course – honoring its reputation as one of the sport’s most demanding tests while ensuring it remains a destination that inspires confidence to compete at the highest level.

“Working with legendary course-designer Pierre Le Goupil, Select aims to deliver a course that is uncompromising in quality, compelling in design and capable of drawing world-class participation from across the globe.”

Select Event Group president Alex Corgan said the company is “eager to build on the momentum created over the past several years and to thoughtfully broaden what this event can be”.

He added that the goal is to expand the breadth of supporters and those involved “from long-time equestrian fans to new community partners” and to create “more opportunities for people to engage, contribute and feel invested in the event’s success”.

“By bringing together a strong team and welcoming all those willing to help make this a success, we believe that we can deliver at Fair Hill an experience that is both world-class in sport and deeply rooted in community,” said Mr Corgan.

The new organisers mentioned plans to develop the event into a “signature weekend” to welcome a wider audience, including family-friendly activities, local hospitality and complementary entertainment.

They have also shared their intention to work closely with the event’s host region Cecil County.

“Cecil County is pleased to see the three-star event continue this year, ensuring the tradition of world-class eventing at Fair Hill remains strong,” said Cecil County executive Adam Streight.

“We look forward to working with Select Event Group, who understand the importance of including Cecil countians and local businesses, along with our partners, to deliver a successful 2026 competition and welcome the return of the Maryland 5 Star in 2027.”

The statement from the organisers said that it is working with US Equestrian, US Eventing, the Fair Hill Foundation, Fair Hill International, the MD Department of Natural Resources, Cecil County and the State of Maryland, among others.

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‘We must not be complacent’ warns Mark Phillips as cancellation of Maryland five-star highlights equestrian sport’s ‘fragility’

Mark Phillips — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 10:28:33 +0000

Former Olympic team gold medallist, four-time Badminton winner and top cross-country course designer Mark Phillips says 2026 will be a balancing act to keep horse sport thriving

After a long wet winter, spring seems to have come in the nick of time for a positive start to the 2026 eventing season.

It appears British Eventing (BE) has halted the decline of recent years in membership and horse registrations, even if numbers have not gone up. Early events have run with good numbers and without the spate of cancellations due to weather that have caused the cost of abandonment insurance to spiral.

We must not be complacent – the cancellation of Maryland five-star in October this year is a stark reminder of the sport’s fragility and our reliance on organisers, venues, funding and continued public confidence.

I’m sad about Maryland but not totally surprised. The site layout was expensive, not user-friendly for spectators and the event was over-reliant on state funding.

There have never been enough five-star horses to go round when World Championships, Burghley and Pau all run in the same year. Also, many thought that when the US Equestrian Federation put on a $200,000 (£150,550) CCI4*-L the weekend before, it would be the final nail in the coffin for Maryland.

The Fair Hill Foundation plans to continue to run the CCI3*-L this year but I wonder if it will be as popular without the five-star trappings.

International moves

The FEI has appointed a new director of eventing and driving, Molly Day, to replace Frédérique Reffet Plantier who was dismissed by the FEI at the end of last year. She has made a positive start, seeking the thoughts of many of the sport’s most influential players.

I haven’t spoken to her but I hear good reports about discussions on the Olympic format and introducing modern sport technology to eventing. It remains to be seen what Molly can achieve within the corridors of power in Lausanne.

All in equestrian sport should be worried about the way video evidence was edited to portray riders’ warm-up at the recent Amsterdam CDI. I know sport horses are among the most pampered animals in the world, but that’s not how an increasing number of people see it. Dressage may have the target on its back today but it’s only a matter of time before the target shifts.

In this country we say all the right things, but have fallen short of introducing measures to show that we mean what we say about horse welfare. We still have time to lead the way!

“It’s a shame if progress is held back”

I was part of a strategy task group last autumn to review some of the challenges facing BE, in particular the rising popularity of unaffiliated competitions at the expense of BE membership.

The group developed a concept – first mooted some years ago by Mike Etherington-Smith, Stuart Buntine, Helen West and me when we were then the BE Advisory Group – called BE Lite, to embrace the unaffiliated market and help unite different parts of the sport.

The plan was to roll out this more affordable model at BE80, BE90 and BE100 levels this spring to create a clearer, more attractive pathway into full BE.

However, the extensive consultations with many of the sport’s stakeholders became a painfully long process. Worse, unfortunately the BE office has encountered a hurdle due to issues raised by one high-profile organiser. I know these days everyone has to have their say, but it’s a shame if the progress and development of the BE model is held back in this way.

This weekend more than 30 four-star horses and 20 three-star horses crossed the Channel to compete at Kronenberg in the Netherlands, an event with increasing popularity. With all the wonderful venues in this country, it’s sad that we were not able to find a slot in our fixtures calendar to cater for this early season need.

This year will be a delicate balance to keep the sport thriving for horses, riders, organisers and owners – and acceptable for the public at large. Let’s hope the weather stays on our side!

● How can we keep horse sport healthy? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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(Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

Hopes for future return of Maryland 5 Star, with supporting three-star set to run in 2026

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Hopes for future return of Maryland 5 Star, with supporting three-star set to run in 2026

Pippa Roome — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:54:17 +0000

There are hopes the Maryland 5 Star will return in future, following the announcement of the event’s cancellation for 2026 this week.

A statement from the Fair Hill Foundation says the CCI3*-L, which has always been the five-star supporting competition, will go ahead in 2026 and reaffirms a long-term vision for the showcase five-star, saying, “This pause reflects confidence – not uncertainty.”

Since its inception in 2021, the Maryland 5 Star has been organised by the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland. This was a different team to those involved in organising Fair Hill International – before the arrival of the five-star, this was a high-profile CCI4*-L in October each year.

Now, there is a Fair Hill International at one- to four-star level in April each year on a different part of the Fair Hill site to the five-star, plus other events under the Fair Hill International banner including unaffiliated and national affiliated horse trials.

This latest statement suggests the future return of Maryland 5 Star may be under a different team, more closely aligned to the Fair Hill International organisation.

It says that the “CCI3*‑L event will take place as planned, supported by members of a well‑resourced organising group, including the very experienced Fair Hill International team, many who will be engaged in the next chapter of the Maryland 5 Star. This team ensures continuity for athletes, owners and fans while allowing thoughtful preparation for the five-star’s return. In coming days, there will be updates related to the CCI3*-L plans for 2026.”

The Fair Hill Foundation, which has issued this latest statement, is a non-profit organisation that describes itself as “dedicated to raising funds for capital improvements and, if necessary, operations for equestrian competitions in the Special Event Zone at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, owned and managed by the state of Maryland”.

Maryland 5 Star at ‘a natural point of evolution’

The Fair Hill Foundation statement says it is “immensely proud of what the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill has become”, thanking those involved in the event and describing it as “more than a competition. It has been a statement of what is possible at Fair Hill: world‑class sport, meaningful community engagement, and a platform capable of attracting the very best of the global equestrian community.”

It adds: “As the Maryland 5 Star has grown, it has also reached a natural point of evolution. Events of this calibre require different structures, resources and leadership as they transition from successful launch to long‑term institution. With that in mind, and in close collaboration with key partners and stakeholders, the deliberate decision has been made to pause the CCI5*‑L competition in 2026.

“This pause reflects confidence – not uncertainty. It is a proactive step grounded in responsible stewardship and a shared belief that the Maryland 5 Star deserves the time, leadership and operational depth required to thrive for decades to come. The foundation is confident in this direction and will continue to provide support through various means to ensure a strong return in 2027.”

Later, the statement adds: “Looking ahead to 2027, the Fair Hill Foundation is excited about the leadership and organisational structure being assembled to guide the Maryland 5 Star forward. A highly capable, cross‑disciplinary team has been identified, and work is under way to finalise the framework that will support the event’s long‑term success. This approach allows future partners and sponsors to engage with clarity and confidence, understanding both the vision and the commitment behind the investment.

“The Maryland 5 Star was always intended to be more than a moment – it was meant to be a legacy. The foundation views this period as an opportunity to honour what has been built while ensuring that the event becomes a world‑class five-star competition worthy of Fair Hill, Maryland and the global sport of eventing.”

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Five-star horse trials cancelled for 2026 after months of rumours

Pippa Roome — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 10:56:03 +0000

Maryland 5 Star, the end-of-year US five-star horse trials, has been cancelled this year; “apparent financial concerns” are cited as the reason the current organisers will not go ahead with the event in 2026.

The news follows months of rumours about whether the fixture would go ahead. Maryland 5 Star is the world’s newest five-star and has run five times since the venue first stepped up to host this top level of eventing in 2021. It was scheduled to run on 15-18 October this year.

“US Equestrian has been in regular communication with the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) to support their ongoing discussions surrounding the future viability of the Maryland 5 Star,” said a statement from US Equestrian.

“The current licensee, the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, due to apparent financial concerns, will not host the CCI3*-L or CCI5*-L in 2026.

“US Equestrian is working with a new potential licensee for the CCI3*-L for 2026 and will share updates about the future possibilities for the CCI5*-L as soon as possible. The timeline and FEI requirements to host an event of this stature are published to support any efforts to pursue an application in the future.”

Concerns had been raised about the future of Maryland 5 Star last year; information came out about the departure of key personnel including event CEO Jeff Newman. In addition, there were financial worries around state funding being eliminated.

Within the eventing world, there have been discussions about whether there are too many five-stars in the world – and whether there are enough combinations at this level to sustain seven such competitions.

Maryland has suffered from low entries over the years; there were 46 starters for its inaugural running in 2021 – helped by other events such as Burghley Horse Trials not running that year as a result of Covid – but there have been no more than 26 in any year since then.

In 2025, the event had 22 competitors, including one British pair, Alex Bragg and Quindiva. Alex retired after an unexpected refusal late on the cross-country course.

The winners of the five runnings of Maryland 5 Star are the home side’s Boyd Martin and On Cue (2021), New Zealand’s Tim Price and Coup De Coeur Dudevin (2022), Ireland’s Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue (2023), Britain’s Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class (2024) and Switzerland’s Felix Vogg and Cartania (2025).

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‘I’m keeping it real and I’m happy to be here’ – top rider and thoroughbred lose lead but secure first podium finish at five-star

Pippa Roome — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 08:05:54 +0000

Monica Spencer and her thoroughbred Artist claimed second at the Mars Maryland 5 Star yesterday (Saturday, 19 October).

This was a first podium finish at five-star level for the US-based New Zealand rider, consolidating a consistent string of results for the pair – seventh here in 2023, 11th at Burghley Horse Trials in 2024 and seventh and eighth at the past two renewals of the Kentucky Three-Day Event.

Maryland 5 Star showjumping: Monica Spencer drops to second

Monica Spencer led after cross-country, but knew it might be a tall order to keep her top spot, as the final phase has not always been Artist’s strongest one.

“He was bred for running and we enjoy that today,” said the US-based New Zealand rider after cross-country. “I had one down at Burghley last year, which was a good effort.

“When I left the start box today, the priority was to keep that rail in hand, but I may need two. I came to this event hoping to get on the podium after swinging and missing, for many top 10s. Max has been a very consistent boy for me and I came here wanting to finish on the podium – so I’m going to keep it real and hope we can do our best job tomorrow.”

In the end, her prediction of needing two fences in hand came true when the bay toppled both the upright over a water tray at fence six and the narrow vertical at fence eight to drop to the runner-up spot. But the rider was still pleased with her result.

“Max has had a big year – eighth at Kentucky, sixth Aachen, then to come here and to get on the podium, I’m just thrilled with him,” said Monica Spencer after her Maryland 5 Star showjumping.

“I’m so happy with Max, that’s a personal best finishing score for us at five-star and to be second at a five-star is the stuff of dreams. I’m keeping it real, I’m happy to be here and I’m happy to have had such a lead so I can still be in this position.”

Switzerland’s Felix Vogg won the event on Cartania, with the home side’s Boyd Martin third on Commando 3.

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‘If you need a strong woman, she’s there’ – mare takes top spot at Maryland 5 Star in showjumping shake-up

Pippa Roome — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 20:08:10 +0000

Felix Vogg topped the Mars Maryland 5 Star results today (Sunday, 19 October), landing his second five-star title and becoming the first Swiss rider to take this US autumn classic.

Felix was second after cross-country on Phoenix Eventing S.À.R.L.’s Cartania and piloted her to a clear today, just one second over the 82sec time allowed, which let him move up above overnight leader Monica Spencer and Artist. The US-based New Zealander started with a fence in hand on her thoroughbred, which she used up at the upright over a water tray at six and when the narrow white vertical at eight also came down, she dropped to second.

“There was some pressure, but I know she can do it,” said Felix. “She tried so hard and if you need a strong woman in life, she’s there.”

Although the mare has always excelled across country, Felix admitted Cartania has not always been the easiest in the other phases. He said help from German showjumping coach Marcus Döring has made a difference in the final phase, as has seeing his girlfriend, Austrian rider Lea Siegl, ride the horse.

“But the biggest change was she had a little tooth problem during the season and I changed her to a hackamore for a bit at that time. She went really well with it so I tried that out at a show and since then, I’ve only jumped her in a hackamore,” he said.

Felix is Switzerland’s first two-time five-star winner, having also won Luhmühlen Horse Trials in 2022 on Colero. The only other Swiss five-star winner is Captain Hans Schwarzenbach, who won Badminton Horse Trials in 1951 on Vae Victis.

Felix Vogg showjumps clear at Maryland 5 Star 2025 to win on Cartania. (Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

The 14-year-old Cartania, by Cartani 4 out of a Clinton mare, has had three top-15 finishes at British five-stars, as well as eighth at the 2021 Europeans and 14th at the 2022 World Championships, although Felix said earlier this week they have since decided she is a better five-star than championship horse.

The rider re-routed here after he suffered a paralysing arm injury in a fall from another horse at Saulieu the week before Burghley Horse Trials in September.

“I fell on the shoulder and some big stones in the water went into it and then the nerves were blocked,” he said at the European Championships last month. “I did four hours physio every day.”

When he had to re-route from Burghley, Felix thought Maryland would suit the mare better than an alternative five-star run at Pau Horse Trials next week – a decision which proved correct when he topped the Maryland 5 Star results today.

This was Felix’s Maryland 5 Star debut, although he has ridden at the CCI4*-S level at the venue when he was based in the US in 2019.

In a light-hearted moment at the final press conference, Felix said that he’d agreed with his groom that if he won, she was allowed to cut his hair

“I didn’t expect it to happen. We made a deal if I don’t win I’m allowed to cut her hair – I think she’s pretty lucky!” he said.

Maryland 5 Star results: Boyd Martin best of home side

There were four clears inside the time over Michel Vaillancourt’s 13-fence track.

US riders Boyd Martin (Yankee Creek Ranch LLC’s Commando 3) and Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Blake – owned by Mollie Hoff, his rider, her mother Sherrie Martin and her husband Deniz – each gained two places for third and fourth, courtesy of clears.

“I’m very relieved – it’s been a wonderful year for my team of horses and huge congrats to Fellix and Monica,” said Boyd.

“Felix lived with us in America for about a year and my wife was secretly in love with him. He’s a top fella and then obviously me and Monica are great mates, she’s my next door neighbour.

“I love to win, but it’s not so bad being third to these two champion riders. They are both fantastic people, great horsemen and horsewomen. I feel honoured to be here with them and it’s well deserved for them to be first and second.

“My horse Commando is just a champion – this year he’s finished second at Kentucky and now third at Maryland, as well as fifth at Aachen. He’s had a wonderful year and I think the best is yet to come with him – and I think next year I’d like to hopefully try to win one of these things.”

Yesterday was a day for thoroughbreds, but only one of those three thoroughbreds who went clear in the time yesterday could stay fault-free today. Australia’s Sophia Hill produced a clear on Humble Glory, to rise one spot to sixth on her dressage score, while the home side’s Mia Farley dropped out of the top three with four down and one second over the time on fellow thoroughbred Phelps, finishing seventh.

Jennie Brannigan was fourth overnight, but had the first down with FE Lifestyle, dropping from fourth to fifth.

Britain-based New Zealanders Tayla Mason (Centennial, eighth) and Jonelle Price (Chilli’s Morning Star, ninth) both jumped clear, with Tayla adding just 1.2 time-faults.

“I do believe this horse, perhaps next year, can really be something in all three phases and those horses are few and far between,” said Jonelle. “Thank you to Maryland – if wasn’t for the grants they made available we wouldn’t be here so thank you for having us.”

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‘It was a surprise; you can think of many reasons’ – British rider reflects on retiring on Maryland 5 Star cross-country

Pippa Roome — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 15:19:41 +0000

Alex Bragg has reported that Quindiva is “really happy in herself” and is being treated for an overreach injury, after he retired on the Mars Maryland 5 Star cross-country course yesterday (Saturday, 18 October).

The British rider and The Roe Family’s 15-year-old mare were having a super round up until the big step down at the Fair Hill International Drop at fence 27a. Quindiva refused twice here and Alex then put his hand up, indicating retirement, and left the course.

“She was absolutely brilliant up to that point – full of gallop and jump and eating it up,” Alex Bragg told H&H about the earlier part of his Maryland 5 Star cross-country performance. “The rest of the round showed so much quality and class. She didn’t give me any indication that was coming so it was a surprise.

“I hacked her back and she recovered so well. When we checked her over, we realised she had an overreach and was tender on that heel. Most horses would push through with the adrenalin, but she is a very sensitive mare and perhaps that was the reason – that she was a bit sore and so thought about the drop down.

“You can think of many reasons – she also hasn’t done a lot this year – but the sad reality is it was going brilliantly up to minute nine, but it wasn’t meant to be and we couldn’t quite execute it to the finish, with an abrupt end to her round.”

Alex added that when Quindiva “decides yes, she’s all go, when she decides no, she can be a bit stubborn, so you have to accept it’s not your day and not push the point and create an unhappy moment for her”, so he didn’t ride her super strongly when he re-presented after her first refusal.

He said: “I gave her time to process it, then thought let’s circle away and see if she’s positive about the question. I could feel she was a bit backward and holding her breath and at that point, she’s not in it, so I had to just hold my hand up and walk back.

“It’s one of the most difficult things to do, but with experience you learn when to call it a day rather than forcing something that’s not going to happen.”

Alex reported that Quindiva “looks really perky and in super condition” today.

“She is just a bit tender on that overreach and I imagine it stings – obviously we are treating that and dealing with it. Luckily it’s a superficial issue and she’ll be right as rain in a few days,” he said.

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Small field progress to Maryland 5 Star final showjumping after trot-up

Pippa Roome — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 14:19:28 +0000

All the horses who finished cross-country were presented at and passed the Mars Maryland 5 Star final trot-up this morning (Sunday, 19 October), in bright sunshine.

Thirteen five-star horses came before the ground jury, consisting of Britain’s Sandy Phillips and the USA’s Beatrice di Grazia and Robert Stevenson, and all sailed through this final horse inspection.

Maryland 5 Star final trot-up turnout prize

Shannon Lilley’s ride Eindhoven Garette won the $1000 (about £745) best turned out prize at the Maryland 5 Star final trot-up.

The 13 remaining pairs will now go forward to tackle a showjumping course designed by Canada’s Michel Vaillancourt, starting at 2.30pm local time (7.30pm British time), in reverse order of standings. The course has 13 numbered fences, including a double at fence five and a treble at fence 10, so 16 jumping efforts.

Overnight leader Monica Spencer has a fence in hand to win her first five-star title, but admitted yesterday that showjumping is not always thoroughbred Artist’s strongest phase.

“He was bred for running and we enjoy that today,” said the US-based New Zealand rider after cross-country. “I had one down at Burghley last year, which was a good effort.

Cartania, who sits second overnight with Switzerland’s Felix Vogg, has a better record in the final phase and is bred for jumping, by the Carthago Z son Cartani 4.

“She can jump high, but we weren’t always really good – but we’ve worked on it quite a lot and I think got better. Tomorrow anything can happen but like everyone I hope she jumps clear,” said Felix, who is bidding for a second five-star win having previously taken the top spot at Luhmühlen Horse Trials.

Home side rider Mia Farley holds third and is another riding a thoroughbred who doesn’t have a great record on the final day.

She said: “Showjumping is not our strong suit, but we have Phelps for cross-country. He gives me a great experience on Saturdays and I will do my best on Sunday for him and he will do his best for me.”

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Just seven clears – where were the problems on the Maryland 5 Star cross-country course?

Pippa Roome — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 22:24:41 +0000

Pierre Le Goupil was responsible for this year’s Mars Maryland 5 Star cross-country course, a first time designing at the five-star level for the Paris 2024 Olympic designer, and his track certainly yielded a result today (Saturday, 18 October). From 22 starters, four pairs (18%) went inside the 11min optimum time, seven (32%) jumped clear and 13 (59%) finished the course.

“I think he’s got an unbelievable result,” said Ireland’s 2023 Maryland 5 Star winner Austin O’Connor, who was commentating on the action. “There were problems everywhere and the head scratchers generally rode well, which is great testament to a designer. At the end of day the cream has risen to the top. I think it’s been fascinating.”

Maryland 5 Star cross-country course: most influential fence

The most influential complex was Pierre’s Puzzle and the French Horn at fences 16abc and 17. On the direct route here, riders tackled a set of frangible rails (16a), down to an open ditch (16b), then up a bank to a hanging angled shoulder brush over a ditch (16c), before rolling on down the mound on a curving line on six strides to a second hanging angled shoulder brush with ditch (17).

Boyd Martin, second out of the start box, spelled the start of the problems here. Luke 140 jumped boldly over the ditch and then rather paddled up the bank, ending up without a stride at the shoulder brush and stopping, sending Boyd over his head. Boyd took the long route to avoid this first shoulder brush on his second horse, Commando 3, as did a number of other riders.

Later in the day, Arden Wildasin (Sunday Times) had 20 penalties at the direct route 16c here before going on to complete in ninth overnight, while Allison Springer retired Vandyke after 20 penalties both here and at 17.

Mary Bess Davis (Imperio Magic) also incurred 20 penalties at 16 and retired at fence 20, the obstacle into the Brown Advisory Saw Mill Water. The exit question of this pond, the Brown Advisory Tailgate Terrace (fence 21ab), ended Shannon Lilley’s hopes of a jumping clear as Eindhoven Garette stopped in the middle of this bounce question.

Two riders had problems at the fence into Pierre’s Puzzle. Jessica Phoenix’s grey ex-racehorse Wabbit refused, putting a leg over the lower rail and pulling back, after which the Canadian sensibly retired, while Jonelle Price’s five-star first-timer Chilli’s Midnight Star didn’t get the height and broke the frangible device.

Jonelle continued, giving the bay an educational round – he also incurred 20 penalties at the angled hanging brush into the Mars Sustainability Bay at fence 23a, where he ducked to the side of the fence to drop into the water.

Arena combination a ‘unique question’

Monica Spencer and Artist at the hanging log over water on the direct route through the arena combination. (Image credit: Tina Fitch for Shannon Brinkman Photography)

The combination in the arena, The Chesapeake Beasts and Bay Bridge (fence 7c), was a talking point, with the straight route consisting of a left-handed brush corner styled as a bird, with a roof, then five strides to an angled hanging log over water, then four strides round a right-hand bend to another left-handed bird corner.

“There isn’t a direct line – you’ve got to create a zigzag, be patient and make it happen,” said Austin. “It’s a unique question – I’ve not come across a question like this before and that’s the art of course-designing.”

There was a well-used alternative at the final element (fence 7c), with a couple of ways of accessing it, one of which wasted little time.

The only person who actually faulted here was Brooke Burchianti, who had a turbulent day with a fall from Cooley Space Grey in the warm-up and subsequent late start. She was then eliminated when she had two refusals at fence 17.

Three fault at flyer

Felix Vogg and Cartania at the Quarry View Building Group Fox Catcher Flyer. (Image credit: Shannon Brinkman Photography)

Fence 25, the Quarry View Building Group Fox Catcher Flyer – a big hedge in a V shape with a ditch before it – was surprisingly influential.

Caroline Pamukcu had a horse fall here with her second ride, She’s The One, and Buck Davidson retired after Cooley Candyman ran-out, jumping the ditch but not the hedge. Canada’s Lindsay Traisnel (Bacyrouge) also incurred 20 penalties here, having had problems getting into the cross-country start box and missed a flag at fence 17.

A flag penalty put paid to an otherwise clear round for Wiltshire-based New Zealander Tayla Mason, who was caught out at the Yanmar Corner Table at fence 10 with Centennial.

This fence preceded the Yanmar Sunken Road combination (fence 11abcd), where Caroline Pamukcu’s first ride HSH Tolan King failed to lock onto the second of two brush arrowheads at the d element and ran out. The long route here – involving a drop down, step up and railed triple brush arrowhead, rather than a wide ditch and two brush arrowheads – was well used.

Isolated problems near the end of the course ended two riders’ hopes. Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way parted ways after coming down through the back rail of the Big Elk Oxer (fence 26) and Britain’s Alex Bragg retired after a slightly baffling two stops at the big step down at the Fair Hill International Drop (fence 27a) with Quindiva.

Monica Spencer ends the day in top spot, retaining her dressage lead and bidding for her first five-star win in the showjumping tomorrow.

“I think it was tough out there. You really had to fight for it the whole way and be ready to act on your feet and have a brave and generous horse, so it was as hard as we thought it would be,” said Monica of the course after her round today.

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‘He’s a machine’ – super thoroughbred retains his lead on dramatic Maryland 5 Star cross-country day

Pippa Roome — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 20:32:18 +0000

Monica Spencer holds her lead at the conclusion of the Mars Maryland 5 Star cross-country, after a dramatic couple of hours of five-star action today (Saturday, 18 October).

The New Zealand rider and her experienced thoroughbred Artist put in one of just four clear rounds inside the time over the track, designed for the first time this year by Pierre Le Goupil, to retain their dressage lead.

Monica Spencer had a confident ride through all the direct routes over the Maryland 5 Star cross-country course, but took her time at Pierre’s Puzzle and the French Horn (fences 16abc and 17), swinging out after the ditch to put in three proper strides to the first hanging shoulder brush, sited up a bank, and then also setting up well for the last element. She could well afford this though, as she finished 24 seconds inside the 11min optimum time.

“‘Max’ was amazing. I know last time here the track caught me out with how long the end took, so I made sure I stayed up on my minutes and it turned out I stayed up. He’s a machine,” said Monica, who had 15.2 time-faults when seventh here in 2023 and said she was not willing to give up her rail in hand going into tomorrow by having time-faults this year.

Asked what was tough about the track, she said: “There were lot of committed distances but also some ones needing ride-ability too, so just having a polite boy like Max really paid off out there.”

Four horses made the time today and three of them were thoroughbreds – Artist, Phelps (ridden by the USA’s Mia Farley, now third) and Humble Glory (ridden by Australia’s Sophia Hill, now seventh).

Artist was bred as a racehorse, by Guillotine xx, by Windsor Park Stud, but turned out to be too slow ever to grace the racecourse. Thoroughbred rehoming operation EventStars took the horse on and sold him to a rider called Polly MacDonald as a three-year-old. Monica saw him at his first show as a four-year-old and asked Polly if she would sell him.

Monica said: “We love our thoroughbreds – Mia and I were saying Max and Phelps are doing it for all those average brown thoroughbreds out there, so it’s nice they can find a second career [after racing].

“I love that I can let him go on the straights and then I still have so much time to set up for the jumps. I don’t have to feel rushed because I know I can make up time, so it allows me to be more accurate and I have so much love and respect for Max.”

Felix Vogg and Cartania at Maryland 5 Star 2025. (Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

Switzerland’s Felix Vogg has moved up from third after dressage to second, having finished eight seconds inside the target with Cartania, surviving the mare twisting as she flew over the Cascade Canoe out of the water at fence 13a.

“I’m really happy. I know she’s capable of doing it and that’s her best phase – there’s nothing too big for her, it’s only about me getting her to the perfect spot to jump the fence,” said Felix, who said he was particularly proud of Cartania because she was the only non-thoroughbred to make the time today.

“She doesn’t have a lot of blood, 45% I think, but it’s about her fitness and the fact she’s a mare makes it easier. Often they don’t stop, they keep fighting for you.

“I am living in a new place this year and I was a bit worried at the beginning of year about whether she was fit enough to go to Badminton – it turned out she was way too fit. Then this autumn she was ready for Burghley and they have to be fit for that.”

Cartania was re-routed to Maryland because Felix suffered an injury in a fall from another horse before Burghley. He kept Cartania going on the lunge for her dressage training and girlfriend Lea Siegl, who was recently fifth at the European Championships for Austria, gave her fitness and jumping work.

‘You couldn’t set a clear plan’

Another renowned strong cross-country horse, David O’Connor’s Phelps, rose from ninth to third with a clear inside the time, despite taking two long routes.

“I am so lucky to go out there and have a horse I trust as much as I trust him,” said rider Mia Farley, who is now best of the home side competitors.

“The course walked how it rode, which was that sometimes we couldn’t set a very clear plan for some combinations. Even in the arena, I jumped in and felt he didn’t read corner very well and then I kind of fought with him to the log so I opted out and went the long route at the final element there, so it was a case of acting off feel today.”

Jennie Brannigan set the standard early on with a clear nine seconds over the time on the Gardners’ FE Lifestyle and now sits fourth.

Time-faults have resulted in slips down the leaderboard for other top dressage finishers – 11.2 penalties demoted Caroline Pamukcu and her third ride, HSH Blake, from second to sixth and eight penalties leave Boyd Martin (Commando 3) in fifth, down from equal fourth after the first phase.

Australia’s Sophie Hill rose from 20th after dressage to seventh with Humble Glory after her clear in the time.

The top seven competitors were the only ones to record jumping clears today over Pierre Le Goupil’s track, with plenty of problems on course. Britain’s sole contender Alex Bragg was among those who pulled up.

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Britain’s sole contender retires on Maryland 5 Star cross-country course

Pippa Roome — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 19:01:57 +0000

Britain’s sole contender Alex Bragg retired on the Mars Maryland 5 Star cross-country course today (Saturday, 18 October).

Alex and The Roe Family’s Quindiva looked to be having a super round until the 15-year-old mare refused at the big step down at the Fair Hill International Drop at fence 27a. Alex brought her back for a second attempt, but then retired when she stopped again.

Until then, Alex Bragg and Quindiva had excelled over the Maryland 5 Star cross-country track, designed for the first time this year by Pierre Le Goupil. They took the tricky direct route through the first big question, in the arena, The Chesapeake Beasts and Bay Bridge (fence 7abc) – a bending line over two corners styled as birds, with rooves overhead, either side of an angled hanging log.

Continuing on, the British pair put in copybook performances through two of the most discussed fences, the Yanmar Sunken Road (fence 11abcd) and Pierre’s Puzzle and French Horn (fences 16abc and 17), as well as tackling the Mars Sustainability Bay (fences 23abcd and 24), known as the crab water, confidently on the direct route.

But it all came unstuck three fences later when they failed to get down the big drop at fence 27 and Alex walked Quindiva off the course, their dreams of a strong finish at the US five-star over.

Alex was the 10th rider to start across country in the five-star competition today and only one has jumped clear so far, the home side’s Jennie Brannigan with Nina and Tim Gardner’s FE Lifestyle. Jennie finished nine seconds over the 11min optimum time and looks set to improve on her 10th place after dressage.

“I’m just so proud of him – I’m grateful he took care of me out there. It’s been a rough couple of weeks,” said an emotional Jennie, who had a fall when Kismet flipped over at the start box with her at Morven Park last weekend.

“The course rode beautifully, but ‘Foxy’ is a real five-star horse – I’m not sure I’ll have such a good cross-country horse again in my career.”

Boyd Martin was the best-placed of the early competitors after dressage, sitting seventh with Luke 140, but the horse didn’t really have a stride after jumping the big ditch at Pierre’s Puzzle and stopped at the following angled shoulder brush set up a bank, sending Boyd over his head.

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Find out when Brit Alex Bragg and the leading contenders go across country at Maryland 5 Star

Pippa Roome — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 20:58:15 +0000

The Mars Maryland 5 Star cross-country times for the action on Saturday, 18 October have been released.

The five-star starts at 1.40pm local time (6.40pm British time), when three-horse rider Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Tolan King heads out of the start box. Caroline is also last to go at 3.45pm local time (8.45pm British time) on her Paris 2024 Olympic ride HSH Blake.

Maryland 5 Star cross-country times: sole British competitor

Alex Bragg on Quindiva (GBR), 16th after dressage: 2.25pm local time (7.25pm British time)

Other Britain- and Europe-based riders

Tayla Mason and Centennial (NZL), sixth after dressage: 2.55pm local time (7.55pm British time)
Jonelle Price and Chilli’s Midnight Star (NZL), equal fourth after dressage: 3.20pm local time (8.20pm British time)
Felix Vogg and Cartania (SUI), third after dressage: 3.25pm local time (8.25pm British time)

Ones to watch

Boyd Martin and Luke 140 (USA), seventh after dressage: 1.45pm local time (6.45pm British time)
Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle (USA), 10th after dressage: 1.55pm local time (6.55pm British time)
Caroline Pamukcu and She’s The One (USA), eighth after dressage: 2.40pm local time (7.40pm British time)
Monica Spencer and Artist (NZL), first after dressage: 3.05pm local time (8.05pm British time)
Mia Farley and Phelps (USA), ninth after dressage: 3.30pm local time (8.30pm British time)
Boyd Martin and Commando 3 (USA), equal fourth after dressage: 3.35pm local time (8.35pm British time)
Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake (USA), second after dressage: 3.45pm local time (8.45pm British time)

Maryland 5 Star cross-country times: full list

All times and results for Maryland CCI5* competition, plus CCI3*-L and four- and five-year-old young event horse championships
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‘I owe it to you guys that we made it here’ – rider who crowd-funded trip makes strong start in Maryland 5 Star dressage

Pippa Roome — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 20:39:54 +0000

Tayla Mason made a strong start in the Mars Maryland 5 Star dressage today (Friday, 17 October), after crowd-funding to make it to the US competition with her top horse Centennial.

The Wiltshire-based New Zealand rider hit the headlines earlier this year when she finished 19th at Badminton Horse Trials, after a late call-up from the waiting list. But she then missed out on a planned run at Burghley Horse Trials when she was injured in a fall from a young horse in the build-up and so decided to try to compete at Maryland.

“I’m a big believer in fate and the universe making you do things in a certain way and I wasn’t ready to end his season there,” said Tayla today.

“‘Chase’ was fit and ready to go and we managed to crowd fund – I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it, but it’s thanks to supporters, friends, family. I owe it to you guys that we made it here and now it’s up to me and Chase to get this week done.”

Centennial is a 14-year-old owned by his rider, her mother Sonya, brother Kyle and Sue Rutter. He was bred by Sonya, by 1.60m New Zealand jumping stallion Centavos out of a part-Cleveland Bay mare Sonya evented up to novice level.

Tayla pulled off a score of 30.4 today to lie sixth after the dressage phase. She produced a consistent test which was marred only by errors in the first and final flying changes. Her extended trot and canter were highlights of the performance.

“Chase he has been feeling good all week – he knows his job now and it’s just a case of executing it and upping the quality,” said Tayla Mason after her Maryland 5 Star dressage. “He went in there and was with me the whole time. I managed to ride him within test, he kept responding the right way and did everything I hoped he’d do.”

Another New Zealand rider, Monica Spencer, holds top spot at the conclusion of the dressage phase.

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New Zealand rider and star thoroughbred take control of Maryland 5 Star dressage with personal best score: ‘He was offering so much’

Pippa Roome — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 20:10:47 +0000

Foreign riders, led by New Zealand’s Monica Spencer, took control of the Mars Maryland 5 Star dressage on the second day of action (Friday, 17 October), holding four of the top six positions on the leaderboard ahead of cross-country.

Monica scored a new personal best of 23.7 with the 14-year-old thoroughbred Artist, saying: “He was amazing – he was offering so much energy and I was like, ‘Whoa boy, whoa Max.’ But we held it together, he stayed with me and showed off, which was really nice.”

Since they burst into the spotlight with world team bronze in 2022, Monica and Artist have become a consistent five-star combination, with four top-11 results at the level including seventh here in 2023 and 11th at Burghley Horse Trials last year. Monica and her family – husband Spence (Andrew) and son Gus – have based in the USA since the winter of 2023-2024.

Today, Monica Spencer and Artist pulled off a polished, fluent, relaxed Maryland 5 Star dressage test, showing their established partnership throughout. They scored nines from British ground jury president Sandy Phillips at C for their confident second counter canter and flying change and for the collective harmony mark, as well as garnering eights from all the judges.

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s cross-country over Pierre Le Goupil’s track Monica said: “I don’t think it’s going to be a dressage competition, it’s serious out there. There is some really different stuff I have never seen before, so it will be interesting to see how the day unfolds.”

Caroline Pamukcu is greeted by husband Deniz and daughter Blake as she leaves the dressage arena at Maryland 5 Star 2025. (Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

Caroline Pamukcu is now best of the home side riders, sitting second with her third of three rides, HSH Blake, on a score of 28.3. This 10-year-old horse, who belongs to Mollie Hoff, the rider, her mother Sherrie Martin and husband Deniz Pamukcu, was Caroline’s ride at the Paris Olympics.

The pair excelled in the trotwork and later canter today, with Blake just showing a little of his inexperience in the first two flying changes.

“I’m so, so proud of him. Obviously this is his first time at the five-star level. I’m just over the moon with how he performed and he felt like he really enjoyed himself. When I came into the arena, it’s like he kicked into another gear, and he felt very happy, which made me happy,” said Caroline.

Switzerland’s Felix Vogg now holds third, with another seasoned 14-year-old, his own Cartania, who has had three top-15 finishes at British five-stars, as well as eighth at the 2021 Europeans and 14th at the 2022 World Championships.

“We started competing together over here in the USA. I bought her in England, then brought her here when I lived here. Since then she’s gone well and we’ve decided she’s a better five-star than championship horse – she’s doing all this stuff and she’s really good at it,” said Felix.

Felix re-routed here after suffering an injury in the build-up to Burghley Horse Trials in September, saying he thought Maryland would suit the mare better than an alternative five-star run at Pau Horse Trials next week.

The Swiss combination scored 28.7 today, pulling off an active, engaged test, which could at times have been a little softer and rounder in the neck and with more balance shown in the counter canter.

“That test is a bit hard for her — it needs quite a lot of strength, which is her weak point, but she still made it a personal best at this level, so I’m really happy with her,” said Felix.

New Zealander Jonelle Price (Nikki Axon and Merrill Halstead’s Chilli’s Morning Star) and the USA’s Boyd Martin (Yankee Creek Ranch LLC’s Commando 3) share fourth, having both scored 30.3.

Jonelle’s otherwise strong marks dropped down to fours in the first and final flying changes, while Boyd and Commando 3’s quality work was just marred by a weakness in collecting the canter out of movements such as the extended canter and stretch circle.

Jonelle’s compatriot Tayla Mason, another New Zealander based in Britain, is sixth on Centennial, just 0.1 of a penalty behind the pair sharing fourth, with Boyd’s leader from Thursday, Luke 140, in seventh.

Britain’s sole contender, Alex Bragg, lies 16th of the 22 starters at the conclusion of dressage, after a tricky ride yesterday when Quindiva became quite lit up and sensitive.

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‘Not the ride I wanted, but we got through’ – a tricky day for Britain’s sole campaigner in Maryland 5 Star dressage

Pippa Roome — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 22:18:44 +0000

Britain’s Alex Bragg had a tricky ride in the Mars Maryland 5 Star dressage today (Thursday, 16 October), scoring 39.2 with The Roe Family’s Quindiva to lie seventh of the 11 starters so far.

“It’s very windy here, but she seemed quite settled outside,” Alex told H&H. “But when she came up to the main arena with the flags she got very lit up and tense and then she becomes quite sensitive. I thought hopefully she’ll get around the boards and relax, but then she was spooking at the camera and judges’ boxes, so I didn’t quite have the ride I wanted, but we got through test and in those situations that’s all you can do.”

Quindiva certainly looked bright in her Maryland 5 Star dressage test, as Alex Bragg said, and swung her quarters out to the left in her first halt and put her head up. She was also reluctant to settle in the mid-test halt, repeated the quarter swing in her final halt and struck off on the wrong lead in the transition to canter. She did pull off some clean flying changes and gained her best marks, 7.5s, from Robert Stevenson at B, for her medium trot and canter.

Quindiva was third at Badminton Horse Trials and eighth at Burghley Horse Trials in 2024, but picked up a minor injury on her first run of the year this season.

“Rather than soldier through it, we wanted to make sure she was ok, so we didn’t target her at Badminton,” said Alex. “We took the time to take some embryos from her, so they are now in surrogate mothers – so we made use of that time in the first half of the season and she’s now fully recovered here for an autumn campaign. We couldn’t quite get her back in time for Burghley, which then opened up the option of coming to Maryland, which is why we’re here.

“It maybe makes it a touch more difficult that she’s had limited competition runs this year, especially at such big venues – perhaps that’s why she was more sensitive today, but that’s horses and you’ve got to get them fit for these events and deal with what comes. At least we posted a score on the board and it’s definitely not going to be a dressage competition.”

Quindiva’s two forthcoming embryo transfer progeny are by Leprince Des Bois, the former five-star horse ridden by Germany’s Kai Rüder.

Boyd Martin holds top spot after today’s dressage on Luke 140, with Caroline Pamukcu second on She’s The One.

Alex Bragg’s thoughts on the course

This is the first year the cross-country at Maryland has been designed by Pierre Le Goupil.

“The cross-country course is almost like being at home with big parkland – it’s a real galloping track,” said Alex. “There are some very technical lines and how they marry up to the undulations of Maryland we’ll find out on Saturday.”

Alex described Pierre’s Puzzle and the French Horn (fences 16abc and 17) – a rail to ditch to two hanging brush shoulders as “the toughest five-star question I’ve seen all year”.

“It will be interesting to see how and whether people tackle that – there is an alternative,” he said.

The other fence Alex picked out as likely to be influential was Maryland’s iconic “Crab water” – the Mars Sustainability Bay (fence 23abcd) and Mars Blue Crab (fence 24) – which features an angled brush shoulder into the water with a gap in front of it, an angled brush in the water and a step up to a skinny final element.

“It’s an amazing combination, challenging all the skills needed for cross-country, and it’s eight and a half minutes into the course, so you’ll be on a horse who’s feeling a little more tired, so I think that will take a lot of riding,” said Alex.

The British rider said the event in general is “amazing”.

“We’ve had a phenomenal welcome from everyone here – they really do make you feel at home and if you need anything they will bend over backwards for you,” he said.

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‘A mission ahead’ – home side favourite takes the Maryland 5 Star Thursday dressage lead, plus a comeback story

Pippa Roome — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:23:08 +0000

Boyd Martin holds the Mars Maryland 5 Star dressage lead after the first day of action today (Thursday, 16 October), having scored 31 on the syndicate-owned Luke 140.

Second into the arena today, Boyd presented Luke 140 in a pleasing open frame and showed consistent, smooth trot-work which was trending in the 20s. But there were a couple of errors in the canter – he scored fours across the board for his first flying change and fives for a messy transition up to canter, when Luke 140 sneezed and then showed several trot steps rather than going direct from walk to canter.

Maryland 5 Star dressage: Boyd Martin’s ‘mission ahead’

This is Luke 140’s Maryland 5 Star debut, but he has previous form at five-star level as he was seventh at Kentucky Three-Day Event this spring and fourth at Luhmühlen Horse Trials in 2023.

“I was pretty happy with Luke. He’s a very, very talented horse and he’s got an amazing ability. The biggest challenge I’ve got is to keep him settled under a lot of atmosphere and he went around and did a very, very nice test. I was pleased with him,” said Boyd Martin after his Maryland 5 Star dressage test.

“We’ve got a mission ahead – the cross-country course looks very challenging and there’s another day of dressage tomorrow.”

According to data analysts EquiRatings, Boyd was the pre-competition favourite to win this weekend on his second ride Commando 3 (18% win chance), with stable-mate Luke 140 his closest rival (17% win chance), although today’s performances have slipped Luke 140 to fourth on the predictions (11% win chance). Boyd won the inaugural five-star here in 2021 on the British-bred On Cue.

Caroline Pamucku sits second, just 0.4 of a penalty behind Boyd, after a neat, consistent test on her second ride of three, She’s The One. This Jaguar Mail mare owned by Andy and Mollie Hoff, her rider and Caroline’s mother Sherrie Martin, made her five-star dressage at Kentucky this year but was withdrawn before the cross-country.

Caroline said: “I’m really proud of the mare. She’s 10 this year, but she’s had quite a bit of experience. The team last year sent us over to compete at Millstreet, which is great experience for her and me. And then this year they sent us over to Arville. So I’m really thankful for the US federation to keep putting a little bit of energy and time into her and giving me an opportunity so that she’s getting quite used to this sort of atmosphere.”

Caroline Pamukcu praises She’s The One after her Maryland 5 Star dressage test in October 2025. (Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

Brannigan and ‘Foxy’ on the comeback trail

Jennie Brannigan holds third on FE Lifestyle (“Foxy”), owned by Nina and Timothy Gardner, after scoring 32.8. This seasoned partnership – fifth here in 2022 and 12th at Burghley Horse Trials in 2023 – have both suffered injuries this year, starting with the chestnut having an accident in the lorry before a planned Badminton Horse Trials debut this spring.

“It was so unfortunate he had a shipping accident 10 minutes from Badminton – heartbreaking for me, his owners and his groom Isabel Turner,” said Jennie today.

Then last weekend at Morven Park, one of Jennie’s rides, Kismet, flipped over in the cross-country start box, leaving Jennie with an injury to her left leg which meant her fellow US rider Phillip Dutton had to step in to trot up FE Lifestyle for her yesterday.

Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle at Maryland 5 Star 2025. (Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

Jennie made a strong start to her test, demonstrating lift in FE Lifestyle’s trot and a good mid-test halt and rein-back. But the chestnut went to offer an extra flying change when the rider straightened him up up after the second half-pass and then didn’t jump through fully behind in the final flying change, so their marks dropped down in those later movements to between four and 5.5.

Jennie gave a shout out to trainer Bettina Hoy after her test, saying she has “brought everything to the next level”.

Britain’s sole competitor at this year’s Maryland 5 Star, Alex Bragg, had quite a tricky time in his test today, with The Roe Family’s Quindiva looking bright and mistakes including swinging her quarters in unsettled halts and striking off on the wrong canter lead. He sits seventh of the 11 starters so far, with a mark of 39.2.

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Low entries at Maryland and bumper numbers at Pau – Pippa Roome considers the autumn five-stars

Pippa Roome — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 09:32:37 +0000

H&H’s eventing editor Pippa Roome takes a look at the upcoming five-stars on both sides of the Atlantic, reviews the Europeans and has a request for event organisers...

This week’s Maryland 5 Star has a small entry, with just 23 on the list, despite the fact the US and Canadians have no end-of-year championship this season.

The event had 46 starters for its first running in 2021 – probably helped by the fact US and Canadian competitors were unlikely to travel for a five-star that year, with Covid lingering and Bicton replacing Burghley. Since then, Maryland has not exceeded 26 starters. This year, there’s just one Brit, Alex Bragg on Quindiva, compared to two to five British riders for previous renewals.

Boyd Martin probably starts as favourite on the Kentucky runner-up Commando 3. US-based New Zealander Monica Spencer also has a chance on the consistent Artist, a good-moving thoroughbred.

Caroline Pamukcu has three horses entered, including 2023 Pan Am Games champion HSH Blake. He hasn’t been prominent since his debut CCI4*-L win in May last year, but he’s still only 10 and should re-emerge to fulfil his promise at some point.

Also in the US, 30 started in the first US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at Morven Park last week, at CCI4*-L. The open is a new competition with showjumping and dressage branches too and US Equestrian awarded $200,000 (about £150,000) prize money for the eventing final, which may have distracted a few would-be Maryland contenders.

Buy-in was available to the final, for those who hadn’t completed a qualifier, at $5,000 – it will be interesting to see if any British or European-based competitors take this up in future.

Meanwhile, the French five-star at Pau Horse Trials, the week after Maryland, boasts a chunky 69 horses. Thirty-four British horses are set to line up, including four-time five-star victor Ballaghmor Class (Oliver Townend) and aspiring winners at this level in Galileo Nieuwmoed (David Doel) and Valmy Biats (Emily King).

Three from Britain’s Europeans squad reappear – Tom McEwen and JL Dublin are perhaps a surprise entry after their individual bronze at Blenheim, while Yasmin Ingham and Bubby Upton look to make amends for their falls with the seasoned Rehy DJ and the five-star debutant, Its Cooley Time, respectively. Bubby also rides Cola and Cannavaro.

If the winner isn’t British, it might well be one of the Prices, who have four rides each. Jonelle’s include 2022 Pau winner Grappa Nera.

Shades of Pratoni

The result at the European Championships at Blenheim last month reminded me of the World Championships in 2022, but we’d swapped the all-pervasive Italian dust of Pratoni for green English parkland. In both cases, Britain started as favourites and the reigning Olympic team champions, and came away without a team medal, but with individual gold – in 2022 for Yasmin Ingham and this year for Laura Collett.

Both times I was left thinking, “Thank goodness that didn’t happen last year” on the team front. Of course, all championships matter and this hurt, but for funding, public attention and prestige, the Olympics matters most of all.

I’ve been lucky to debrief with Laura since Blenheim, so look out for our “How I Won” feature talking through the Europeans week in the magazine dated 13 November, and a look at the ups and downs of London 52’s career on The Horse & Hound Podcast’s 30 October episode.

One name please

A plea to organisers – could we have just one fence name for each combination, even if there are two fence numbers within the complex? Journalists and broadcasters want to help by mentioning sponsors where we can, but having multiple names and sponsors makes things tricky.

That situation hit new heights at the Blenheim Europeans, where a single obstacle was numbered as both 17c and 18ab, with fences 17 and 18 having different names and sponsors. I love a writing challenge, but it’s a struggle to find a succinct way to wrap the “hanging hedge arrowhead (fence 17c and 18ab) at the BE Support Trust Healing Garden and Subaru Splash” into a sentence…

● What factors affect whether you enter an event, at any level? Write to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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Maryland 5 Star dressage times released – find out when Brit Alex Bragg and other top names start

Pippa Roome — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:22:29 +0000

The Mars Maryland 5 Star dressage times for the next two days of action in the USA have been released. With a small field of just 22 coming forward following today’s first trot-up, there are 11 pairs starting each day.

On Thursday, 16 October, the first rider into the arena is three-horse rider Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Tolan King at 2.05pm local time (7.05pm British time). Caroline is also last to go on Thursday, at 3.35pm local time (8.35pm British time) with She’s The One. The first pair in on Friday, 17 October are Australia’s Sophia Hill and Humble Glory at 2.05pm local time (7.05pm British time) and Caroline is the final competitor on Friday at 3.35pm local time (8.35pm British time) on her Paris 2024 Olympic ride HSH Blake.

Maryland 5 Star dressage times: sole British competitor

Alex Bragg on Quindiva (GBR): 3.27pm local time (8.27pm British time)

Other Britain- and Europe-based riders

Tayla Mason and Centennial (NZL): 2.21pm local time on Friday (7.21pm British time)
Jonelle Price and Chilli’s Midnight Star (NZL): 2.45pm local time on Friday (7.45pm British time)
Felix Vogg and Cartania (SUI): 3.03pm local time (8.03pm British time)

Ones to watch

Boyd Martin and Luke 140 (USA): 2.13pm local time on Thursday (7.13pm British time)
Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle (USA): 2.29pm local time on Thursday (7.29pm British time)
Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way (USA): 3.19pm local time on Thursday (8.19pm British time)
Monica Spencer and Artist (NZL): 2.37pm local time on Friday (7.37pm British time)
Mia Farley and Phelps (USA): 3.11pm local time on Friday (8.11pm British time)
Boyd Martin and Commando 3 (USA): 3.19pm local time on Friday (8.19pm British time)
Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake (USA): 3.35pm local time (8.35pm British time)

Maryland 5 Star dressage times: full list

All times and results for Maryland CCI5* competition, plus CCI3*-L and four- and five-year-old young event horse championships
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One late withdrawal, a few bucks and a substitute handler at the Maryland 5 Star first trot-up

Pippa Roome — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:47:44 +0000

Twenty-two horses were presented at the Mars Maryland 5 Star first trot-up today (15 October) and all were passed fit to start the competition.

The horses came before the ground jury, consisting of Britain’s Sandy Phillips and the USA’s Beatrice di Grazia and Robert Stevenson, in bright sunshine but with a brisk breeze blowing.

As usual the horses who have flown in from Europe were presented first at the Maryland 5 Star first trot-up, presented by Dubarry, to keep them separate from the North America-based horses for biosecurity reasons.

This year, four horses have made that trip and the first to trot up was Quindiva, ridden by Britain’s Alex Bragg. The mare, who was third at Badminton Horse Trials in 2024, appeared alert but relaxed and Alex looked smart in cream trousers, a navy gilet, a pale blue shirt and sunglasses.

The other European-based horses competing this year are Centennial (ridden by New Zealand’s Tayla Mason), Chilli’s Midnight Star (ridden by New Zealand’s Jonelle Price) and Cartania (ridden by Switzerland’s Felix Vogg).

The riders with more than one horse in the competition trotted their mounts up next – Caroline Pamukcu with HSH Tolan King, She’s The One and HSH Blake, plus Boyd Martin with Luke 140 and Commando 3. She’s The One had a little buck at the start of the strip but passed the inspection without problems.

A little later Cooley Space Grey, ridden by Brooke Burchianti, was another to show some high spirits with a buck as he began his trot-up, but again it didn’t affect him being passed by the ground jury.

Buck Davidson was also slated to come forward with two horses, albeit a little later in the order, but Sorocaima – the ex-racehorse who was fourth here last year – was a late withdrawal and was not presented at the trot-up. Buck will still start on Cooley Candyman.

Buck Davidson and Sorocaima on the way to fourth at Maryland 5 Star in 2024. (Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

Phillip Dutton trotted up Jennie Brannigan’s ride FE Lifestyle as the rider is recovering from a fall before entering the start box when Kismet showed some “unwanted gymnastics” at Morven Park last weekend.

The five-star dressage starts at 2.05pm local time (7.05pm British time) tomorrow.

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How to watch Maryland 5 Star live from anywhere in the world

Pippa Roome — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 10:04:33 +0000

It’s nearly time for the US autumn five-star, so let’s find out how to watch Mars Maryland 5 Star live.

At a glance

Maryland 5 Star dates: 15–19 October 2025
Maryland 5 Star stream: ClipMyHorse.TV
Maryland 5 Star TV coverage: Maryland Public Television
Watch Maryland 5 Star from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal

How to watch Maryland 5 Star live stream

The five-star action, plus the three-star and the Young Event Horse East Coast Championships, will be shown on ClipMyHorse.tv. Premium membership costs £207.99 if paid annually.

Watch Maryland 5 Star on TV

Maryland Public Television will have a live regional broadcast coverage of the five-star competition, plus a replay of the action each evening on Saturday and Sunday.

The Sunday broadcast, from 1.30pm local time, will include a half-hour pre-competition show highlighting the other activities and attractions are Maryland, including the 4th annual Maryland Corgi Cup, with races featuring some 125 corgis.

Maryland 5 Star timetable

Maryland works on EDT, which is currently five hours behind BST.

The five-star timetable is as follows:

Wednesday, 15 October: first trot-up at 2pm local time (7pm British time)

Thursday, 16 October: dressage at 2pm local time (7pm British time)

Friday, 17 October: dressage at 2pm local time (7pm British time)

Saturday, 18 October: cross-country at 2pm local time (7pm British time)

Sunday, 19 October: final trot-up immediately following the three-star trot-up at 9am local time (2pm British time); showjumping at 2pm local time (7pm British time)

How to watch Maryland 5 Star live from anywhere

While it is not necessary to use a VPN to access ClipMyHorse’s live stream, if you would like to protect your online viewing from being monitored by third-parties, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you do this. A VPN creates a private connection between your device and the internet, such that the servers and services you’re accessing aren’t able to track what you’re doing. All the information passing back and forth is entirely encrypted.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get 73% off, which offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

How to use a VPN

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access.

3. Then head over to ClipMyHorse.TV on your browser or device and enjoy the livestream.

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Follow Maryland 5 Star with Horse & Hound

We will be creating extensive online and magazine coverage from Maryland 5 Star.

To keep reading after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription either to the website or to the magazine. To buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription, visit horseandhound.co.uk/join. Or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com/XHH-brandsite for a magazine subscription that includes unlimited website access plus the digital version of the magazine.

Our full print report from Maryland 5 Star will run in 23 October issue.

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One British pair among the entries for Maryland 5 Star, plus three others travel from Europe

Pippa Roome — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 11:37:15 +0000

Just one British pair appear among the Mars Maryland 5 Star entries for this year’s event (16-19 October), as Alex Bragg is set to make his debut at the event.

This is not only Alex’s first time competing at Maryland, but his first time eventing in the USA. His ride will be Mike and Naomi Roe’s Quindiva, with whom he was third at Badminton Horse Trials and eighth at Burghley Horse Trials last year. The 15-year-old mare has sat out much of this year, but in September jumped double clears at Cornbury CCI3*-L and Little Downham advanced.

There are 25 pairs on the Maryland 5 Star entries list, including three other riders flying in from Europe.

Swiss rider Felix Vogg will head there with Cartania, owned by her rider and Phoenix Eventing S.a.r.l., having missed out on a planned run at Burghley as Felix injured his arm in a fall during the build-up. The mare has been in the top 15 at British five-stars three times , and also has two top-15 championship placings on her CV, though she had a fall at Badminton this spring. This will be Felix’s first time competing in the five-star at Maryland.

Britain-based New Zealand rider Tayla Mason also re-routes from Burghley, having been unable to compete following a rider fall from a young horse. She will take Centennial – who she owns alongside her mother Sonya, brother Kyle and Sue Rutter – to Maryland for her US competition debut. The pair finished 19th at Badminton this year, after a late call-up from the waiting list.

Jonelle Price, the New Zealand rider who lives in Devon, will also make the trip to Maryland, with Nikki Axon and Merrill Halstead’s five-star debutante Chilli’s Midnight Star, recently sixth in the CCI4*-L at Scone Palace. This will be Jonelle’s second time riding in the five-star at Maryland, after she finished eighth in 2021 with Classic Moet.

An entry from US-based Monica Spencer with the syndicate-owned consistent five-star campaigner Artist takes the New Zealand tally to three.

Full Maryland entries

Strong home-side contenders will include Boyd Martin with Yankee Creek Ranch’s Commando 3 and the syndicate-owned Luke 140, who were second and seventh at the Kentucky Three-Day Event this spring. Caroline Pamukcu has four rides entered, including her Paris Olympic horse HSH Blake, owned by Mollie Hoff and Sherrie Martin. Mia Farley returns to Maryland with David O’Connor’s fast thoroughbred Phelps, fifth here in 2023.

Buck Davidson is also one to watch with his own and Carl Segal’s Sorocaima, who has seven starts and seven finishes at this level, three of them in the top 10. Jennie Brannigan will want to recapture her best five-star form with Nina Gardner’s FE Lifestyle, fifth here in 2022 and 12th at Burghley the following season.

For Canada, Jessica Phoenix has two rides and will catch the eye again with the skewbald Fluorescent Adolescent, an unusual sight at this level. Lindsay Traisnel is also set to start with Patricia Pearce’s Bacyrouge.

Sophia Hill is the sole Australian entry with Humble Glory, the horse with whom she was 22nd at Burghley last year and has bee competing Down Under again this season.

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Ex-racehorse takes fourth at Maryland 5 Star: ‘He raced 60 times and he tries his heart out’

Pippa Roome — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 13:39:26 +0000

Buck Davidson finished best of the US riders at last week’s Mars Maryland 5 Star, landing fourth place on ex-racehorse Sorocaima. The 13-year-old bay gelding, by Rock Hard Ten out of a mare by Pulpit, raced 60 times before turning to eventing.

“It was nice to be sat on a thoroughbred on the cross-country and to have an event where that phase really matters, as that’s the reason we do this sport,” said Buck, who had the third-fastest cross-country round for 5.2 time-faults, and moved up from 13th after dressage.

Sitting with Oliver Townend, Tim Price and David Doel in the final press conference, Buck paid tribute to Sorocaima’s character, saying: “He goes to work every day and tries his heart out. He’s only been doing this sport [internationally] four years and this is his sixth five-star; he’s had a ninth, sixth and now fourth. Hopefully next year he’ll come out a bigger, better, stronger horse and in time we can knock these boys off the table.”

Buck said he was a little disappointed with his final-phase performance as he had the middle element of the treble at six and the first part of the double at 12 down, plus 0.4 of a time-fault, but the showjumping is a work in progress – the horse had 28 faults at his first CCI5*, at Kentucky in 2022.

He explained how he works on this with Sorocaima: “I took him to some jumping shows, but that actually made him more nervous and he jumped worse, so now I take him to facilities and set up courses, just with him there by himself or with one other horse. He doesn’t love other horses coming at him or the warm-up.

“It’s just a case of getting him confident – he tries, he doesn’t have a rail because he’s not trying, but sometimes he gets out of shape [in terms of the position of his body through the jump], so it’s just working on the shape and keeping everything consistent.”

Buck Davidson was also given an award for completing Maryland 5 Star five times – the equivalent of an Armada Dish at Badminton Horse Trials. He is the first person to receive this at the event, which first hosted a five-star in 2021. Three of Buck’s completions have come with Sorocaima, this year and in 2022 and 2023, plus he finished on Jak My Style in 2021 and Carlevo in 2022. Fourth this year is the rider’s best placing at the event so far.

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Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class win Maryland: ‘I wish he could carry on for another 10 years so we could retire together’

Pippa Roome — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 19:58:53 +0000

Oliver Townend topped the Mars Maryland 5 Star results today for Britain, claiming his ninth five-star title and a fourth win at the level for the all-time great Ballaghmor Class.

The 17-year-old grey – owned by Karyn Shuter, Val Ryan and Angela Hislop – could not afford a fence down to hold his spot today and put in one of his best ever showjumping performances, never looking like touching a pole. He becomes the third horse in the history of the sport to win four or more five-star titles.

“He’s just phenomenal and it’s my job to show the world how good he is and luckily I didn’t mess this one up,” said Oliver.

“A lot of rubbish has been spoken about his showjumping over the years – he’s usually in a grass arena in mud going last, when it’s almost an unfair playing field, but when you put him on a surface like Kentucky where he won or here, he’s a different level.”

This was Oliver’s fourth visit to Maryland in four renewals of the five-star and he has finished second once and third twice on his previous visits.

“I was praying not to finish on the podium again. To bring Ballaghmor Class here comes with its own pressure, we expect to deliver, but when you see the other competitors and how good they are – I saw Tim [Price] warm up and thought I could do with swapping horses right now.”

But Oliver’s incredible partner came through for him today and his emotion around this superb horse has been clear all week.

“I just wish he could carry on for another 10 years so we could retire together,” he said. “You’ve seen what he’s done, he’s a monster – he’s a monster at home to look after, but when it comes to doing his job, there’s no better horse in the world.”

Maryland 5 Star results: Doel takes third

Oliver’s compatriot David Doel was the unfortunate loser of today’s showjumping phase. Galileo Nieuwmoed just tapped out the middle part of the treble at fence six to drop one spot to third. This was the pair’s second podium spot at five-star after second at Burghley Horse Trials last year and their sixth top-10 result at the level.

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed finish third at Maryland 5 Star in 2024. (Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

New Zealand’s Tim Price – winner here in 2022 with Coup De Coeur Dudevin – was third overnight with his own and Sue Benson’s Falco and moved up to finish second. The 2021 Pau Horse Trials winner and world double bronze medallist delivered an extremely secure clear today.

Tim Price pilots Falco to second at Maryland 5 Star 2024. (Image credit: Roya Brinkman for Shannon Brinkman Photography)

The riders placed fourth to eighth – all representing the home side except for Britain’s Bubby Upton – held their order in the Maryland 5 Star results through the final phase today.

Buck Davidson, fourth on Sorocaima, knocked the middle part of the treble at six and the first part of the Mars double at 12, as well as adding 0.4 of a time-fault.

He kept his place ahead of Bubby. She and Cola just knocked the last fence, the oxer at 13.

Jennie Brannigan also had the last down, as well as the front rail off the oxer at four, and finished two seconds over the time to land sixth with Twilightslastgleam.

Emily Hamel (Corvett) and Lillian Heard Wood (LCC Barnaby) both jumped clear, with Lillian adding 0.4 of a time-fault, to claim seventh and eighth.

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Small field go forward to final showjumping after Maryland 5 Star final trot-up

Pippa Roome — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 14:43:33 +0000

The Mars Maryland 5 Star final trot-up was uneventful, with all eight pairs still in the five-star competition passed as fit to continue in the showjumping phase later today. All the horses passed on first inspection, without any being sent to the holding box or asked to trot again.

Only these eight pairs of the 21 starters completed yesterday’s five-star cross-country and so came forward to today’s Maryland 5 Star final trot-up in front of the ground jury, Sweden’s president Christina Klingspor, the USA’s Valerie Pride and France’s Xavier Le Sauce.

Maryland 5 Star final trot-up over: on to showjumping

The final showjumping phase starts at 3.07pm local time (8.07pm British time) and as usual, the remaining competitors will jump in reverse order of current standings.

As the leaderboard stands after yesterday’s cross-country, leaders Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class do not have a showjump in hand over compatriots David Doel (Galileo Nieuwmoed) in second or New Zealand’s Tim Price and Falco in third.

According to data analytics experts EquiRatings, Oliver has a 51% win chance, David a 28% win chance and Tim a 21% win chance.

Oliver is bidding for his ninth five-star win and Ballaghmor Class his fourth. If they can take the top spot, Ballaghmor Class will join Ginny Elliot’s Priceless and Michael Jung’s La Biosthetique-Sam FBW as the only horses in eventing who have won more than three five-stars (including Olympics and World Championships as five-stars). Priceless won four and Sam six.

Ballaghmor Class is also lining up his 11th top-five finish at the level, his first being his first Burghley win on his five-star debut in 2017.

The other pairs remaining in the competition and currently placed fourth to eighth are: Buck Davidson (Sorocaima), Bubby Upton (Cola), Jennie Brannigan (Twilightslastgleam), Emily Hamel (Corvett) and Lillian Heard Wood (LCC Barnaby).

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Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class head British top two after Maryland cross-country: ‘We know what he’s done, he’s special’

Pippa Roome — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 20:02:40 +0000

Oliver Townend has taken the lead after the Mars Maryland 5 Star cross-country day, with the extraordinary veteran five-star campaigner Ballaghmor Class.

“It’s a proper five-star – for me Maryland is right up there with Badminton, Burghley, Kentucky, the others are a level less. This is the top, top of the sport and it’s not easy,” said Oliver after piloting the three-time five-star winner round with 4.8 time-penalties.

“I tried to look after him all the way and ended up a bit slow because of it,” said Oliver, explaining he took a calculated gamble in opting for the long route at the second of the Sawmill Slices – brush corners over a ditch – at 18ab. “And then I looked after him all the way home… we know what he’s done, he’s special.”

Reflecting further on his round and Ballaghmor Class’s return to five-star level after a deep-rooted hoof abscess in the spring, Oliver told H&H: “I’m very, very pleased and relieved with ‘Thomas’ and very happy for his owners Karyn Shuter, Val Ryan and Angela Hislop, who’ve been on an amazing journey with him.

“To have him back at what’s turned out to be a very tough five-star is very emotional for all of us as we always want to do the right thing for him and he’s turned up again and put in another amazing performance. He felt keener than ever and it wasn’t the smoothest round I’ve possibly ever had on him as he was really excited and keen early on, but every time I needed him he locked onto the lines and did his job amazingly, as he always does.

“He seems all ok at the moment and finished probably better than he’s ever finished a five-star in terms of freshness. I minded him most of way and saved him as much as I could. It was always the plan to jump the long route at fence 18 because I was told in the warm-up none of the good horses were sighting the second part at all. I was already ahead of time there and I tried to mind him as much as I could down the hills, but he’s finished fresh and very well.

“Tomorrow’s another day, but I couldn’t be happier with the way he is at the minute so fingers crossed we stay that way. I’m very proud of him and the team behind him who’ve got him back to the level.”

Tim Price and Falco at Maryland 5 Star 2024. (Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

The time-faults Oliver Townend incurred over the Maryland 5 Star cross-country left the door open for world double bronze medallists Tim Price and Falco to slip ahead of him. But the New Zealander’s 7.2 time-penalties on his own and Sue Benson’s horse dropped him into third, behind both Oliver and David Doel, who has moved up to second from 16th after dressage with Galileo Nieuwmoed, having posted the only round inside the time today.

Tim said: “It’s a tough track, a beast of thing. My horse has done quite a lot but only one five-star and no offence but Pau is not a patch on what you’ve got here and the terrain.

“I had to think about my horse – the old adage of riding the horse before the course – and I know the more you hold in reserve at the start, the more you can spend on the way home. He felt fantastic coming home and it’s not just about today, it’s about tomorrow too. Hopefully that’s left us in good stead for a good three phases.”

The last on course, Colleen Loach, could have claimed overnight second for Canada had she gone clear in the time, but FE Golden Eye ran-out at the arrowhead off a bounce distance out of the YANMAR Sunken Road at fence 7abcd and was eliminated after two more problems further round the track.

Bubby Upton has only slipped two places to fifth with Cola, despite incurring 11 penalties for a broken frangible and 12.8 time-faults today, while home side rider Buck Davidson (Sorocaima) sits fourth having had 5.2 time-faults.

Harry Meade was the only Brit to have an unsuccessful day – he pulled up his first ride Away Cruising and then took a fall from five-star debutant Et Hop Du Matz at the triple brush arrowhead out of the Irish Horse Board Coffin Question at fence 12abcd.

Eight pairs of the 21 starters finished today over Ian Stark’s cross-country course – the last one the Scot will design as he is retiring from the role.

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No fairytale retirement win for Mai Baum as Maryland 5 Star cross-country proves influential

Pippa Roome — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 19:17:45 +0000

Tamie Smith has pulled up Mai Baum on the Mars Maryland 5 Star cross-country course, ending hopes of a fairytale win on his retirement from top-level eventing.

The US pair were the dressage leaders and were going well today until the hill up to fences 17 and 18ab, the Sawmill Slices, when the 2023 Kentucky Three-Day Event winner suddenly looked tired. Tamie didn’t really even try to make the turn to the fence, putting her hand up to call time on the 18-year-old world team silver medallist’s five-star career.

Other well-placed riders besides Tamie Smith have also had problems on the Maryland 5 Star cross-country course, which has proved extremely influential.

Bubby Upton and Cola, third after dressage for Britain on their Maryland debut, suffered a broken frangible for the second time at five-star this season when they incurred 11 penalties at the rail into the Irish Horse Board Coffin at 12a. They then took a couple of long routes, but held it together to complete with 12.8 time-faults.

Canada’s five-star debutante Lindsay Traisnel (eighth after the first phase) was held on course because Grace Taylor had a fall from Game Changer. Lindsay then had two run-outs with Bacyrouge before retiring.

Boyd Martin took a fall when Commando 3, seventh after dressage, hit the first table oxer at fence 3a, the Select Event Group Locust Log Pond, and came down in the water on landing. Both walked away.

Britain’s David Doel went clear inside the time earlier over Ian Stark’s track with his own, Mary Fox and Gillian Jonas’s Galileo Nieuwmoed and has the best score on the board of those pairs who have completed. He will finish the day in fifth or better.

End of day update: David Doel finished the day in second place and Bubby Upton in fourth.

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One Brit goes inside time and another pulls up as Maryland 5 Star cross-country gets underway

Pippa Roome — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 18:34:48 +0000

David Doel has put in the first round inside the time on Mars Maryland 5 Star cross-country day.

The British rider piloted his own, Mary Fox and Gillian Jonas’ Galileo Nieuwmoed round the track in 10min 51sec, finishing 24sec inside the time. There is a question mark over his finishing score currently, as he may have incurred 15 penalties for a missed flag at either or both of the big brush corners over water ditches, the Sawmill Slices, at fence 17 and 18ab. These will be reviewed by the ground jury. Update at 7.45pm British time: David’s flag penalties have been removed from the scoreboard, so he stays on his dressage score.

“It definitely wasn’t the most straightforward of rides or the prettiest at times – I really had to work for that one, but he’s a phenomenal horse,” said David.

“The undulations really changed what stride I thought I was coming on. At a few fences I got there a bit quicker than I thought I was going to, at others we were standing off a bit, but he’s a super athletic horse and made it happen.”

Asked about coming in so comfortably under the time, David said: “Galileo is a phenomenal galloper and jumper. He was 10sec up at the 7min mark and felt like he kept on cruising. I just let him gallop underneath me and he’s so smooth to ride, I don’t need to do too much on top. He really felt he was phenomenal in his assessing of the flags today and really tried to jump between them.

“It’s almost a bit embarrassing going that quick. He just was within his stride, I never really felt like I was pushing him or going to his limits. It felt like he had a few more gears in there.

“I was using the undulations, letting him cruise down the downs, then I’d put my leg on and keep travelling up the ups. He just makes it feel so easy. He’s an absolute privilege to ride, a bit of a freak and a one-off horse.”

The Maryland 5 Star cross-country course, a final flourish from retiring designer Ian Stark, is causing plenty of problems in the early part of this competition.

Another Brit, Harry Meade became the pathfinder when Jessica Phoenix withdrew Fluorescent Adolescent. He was going well round the first part of the course with the experienced Away Cruising, but he took the long route to avoid the second brush corner at 18ab, the second of the Sawmill Slices, and then the alternative at fence 20abc, the first part of the Mars Sustainability Bay. Obviously feeling the grey wasn’t quite right, Harry then pulled up.

Update on Sunday: Harry reported that Away Cruising “was clear and fast but just before we reached the final water I didn’t feel he was travelling as well as usual so pulled him up. He’d lost a shoe in front and was sore after, but he’s comfortable this morning. Thank you to the super veterinary team at the event.”

Cosby Green, the young US rider who is based in Dorset with Tim and Jonelle Price, was sixth after dressage, but dropped out of contention when Highly Suspicious refused twice at the chunky hanging log on a mound at fence 12c, the Irish Horse Board Coffin Question. She was eliminated when she then had a further refusal at fence 17, the first Sawmill Slice.

US rider Lillian Heard Wood bids for an 11th five-star completion this weekend with 18-year-old LCC Barnaby and she came through the finish today, but there are some question marks over flag penalties for them too. Another home side rider, Buck Davidson with Sorocaima, is in a similar situation.

Their compatriot Emily Hamel completed the track with 20 jumping penalties because Corvett ran out at fence 25d, the triple brush arrowhead which forms the final element of the Fair Hill International Roller Coaster and Drop.

Northamptonshire-based US rider Grace Taylor had a fall at the Foxcatcher Flyer, a chevron hedge behind a big ditch, and there was a short hold on course, but action is now underway again.

End of day update: David Doel finished the day in second place.

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When do Oliver Townend and Bubby Upton go cross-country at Maryland 5 Star? Check out the times

Pippa Roome — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 10:05:54 +0000

The Maryland 5 Star cross-country times for today’s action (19 October) have been released. The five-star class starts at 1.35pm local time (6.35pm British time), when Canada’s Jessica Phoenix is first out on course with the skewbald mare Fluorescent Adolescent.

The combinations start at five-minute intervals and there are 23 starters, with another Canadian, Colleen Loach on FE Golden Eye, the last to go at 3.25pm local time (8.25pm British time).

Maryland 5 Star cross-country times for British riders

Oliver Townend on Ballaghmor Class (second): 2.45pm local time (7.45pm British time)
Bubby Upton on Cola (third): 2.30pm local time (7.30pm British time)
Harry Meade on Away Cruising (ninth): 1.40pm local time (6.40pm British time)
Harry Meade on Et Hop Du Matz (12th): 3.15pm local time (8.15pm British time)
David Doel on Galileo Nieuwmoed (16th): 2pm local time (7pm British time)

Other top competitors’ times

Tamie Smith (USA) and Mai Baum (first): 2.40pm local time (7.40pm British time)
Tim Price (NZL) on Falco (fourth): 3.05pm local time (8.05pm British time)
Boyd Martin (USA) on Tsetserleg TSF (fifth) 3.20pm local time (8.30pm British time)
Cosby Green (USA) on Highly Suspicious (sixth): 1.55pm local time (6.55pm British time)
Boyd Martin (USA) on Commando 3 (seventh): 2.25pm local time (7.25pm British time)
Lindsay Traisnel (CAN) on Bacyrouge (eighth): 2.15pm local time (7.15pm British time)
Tiana Coudray (USA) on Cancaras Girl (ninth): 2.35pm local time (7.35pm British time)

The optimum time over Ian Stark’s track is 11min 15sec, so there will generally be two or three horses on course at a time, depending on how long it takes riders to get round, as well as horses leaving the course early due to elimination or retirement.

Full times

PDF of times
Times and live leaderboard
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Two Brits poised behind leader in Maryland 5 Star podium positions as dressage concludes

Pippa Roome — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 20:38:01 +0000

Oliver Townend holds second at the conclusion of the Mars Maryland 5 Star dressage, with fellow Brit Bubby Upton just behind him in third after her test on Cola. Tamie Smith holds the lead on Mai Baum for the USA.

Oliver and Ballaghmor Class – the 17-year-old three-time five-star winner owned by Karyn Shuter, Val Ryan and Angela Hislop – put in a thoroughly professional test today, hitting the high marks throughout.

The highlights of the Maryland 5 Star dressage test for Oliver Townend included the extended canter and final centreline, with both movements earning eights across the board from judges Christina Klingspor (Sweden), Valerie Pride (USA) and Xavier Le Sauce (France).

He was awarded one outlier mark of four, from Xavier at B, for his rein-back where Ballaghmor Class seemed to sort of crouch at the end of the movement and perhaps kicked the white board. The other two judges gave a seven for this movement.

Oliver has finished on the podium on all three occasions that this event has run – he was second in 2021 on Cooley Master Class, then third on As Is in 2022 and third on Cooley Rosalent last year. He returns after a tricky season for Ballaghmor Class, who missed out on Badminton and the Olympics after a deep-rooted hoof abscess in the spring.

“It’s a special venue and for Cecil County and Maryland to put on a five-star is something always be grateful for,” said Oliver. “Anyone that puts on such a standard of event with such great prize money deserves to see Ballaghmor Class here.”

The rider choked up when asked to pay tribute to his super partner, who must be nearing the end of his career at 17 years old, although his rider doesn’t think retirement is imminent.

“He’s naturally a fit horse and he enjoys his job immensely – sometimes it’s keeping the excitement working for you rather than against you,” he said. “He’s an incredibly tough, incredibly sound horse and has been throughout his whole career.

“With his enthusiasm for his job, I don’t know what we’re going to do with him when his job as an event horse is finished because I can’t see him doing too many other jobs. So we’ll keep him going as long as he’s able because he isn’t going to be a happy hacker for somebody to go round the roads and I can’t see him in hunting field or doing anything under this level.

“He pretty much keeps himself going the way he is, he’s naturally a top-class event horse and we’ve been hugely privileged to have him as part of our team for so long.”

Et Hop Du Matz makes five-star debut

Also for Britain, Harry Meade is now ninth on Away Cruising, who did his test yesterday, and 12th on his second ride, five-star debutant Et Hop Du Matz, owned by Mandy Gray.

“He’s a young horse and I’ve always said he’s a bit behind and to give him plenty of time as he’s a very tall, weak, gangly spider of a horse, but having gone that softly softly approach, actually he’s been very uncomplicated and he’s at his first five-star at 10 so he’s not behind, but he still has lots of improvement to come,” said Harry.

“The flying changes are a work in progress and we had mistakes in two which are costly. But overall I’m thrilled – he went like he was working at home not in the main arena on Friday afternoon at a five-star and the main thing was he took a positive experience away from here. He’s doing all the right work, I’m still pleased with his mark and there will be more to come so I hope he’ll be a really good horse.”

David Doel, who performed his test yesterday on Galileo Nieuwmoed, holds 16th going into tomorrow’s cross-country.

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Top horse kicks off his swansong event by floating to Maryland 5 Star lead: ‘It’s bittersweet’

Pippa Roome — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 19:32:17 +0000

Tamie Smith has taken the lead in the Mars Maryland 5 Star dressage, kicking off Mai Baum’s final five-star with a score of 25.3.

The 18-year-old US eventing legend, who belongs to his original rider Alexandra Ahearn and her parents Ellen Ahearn and Eric Markell, will step down from top-level sport after this weekend.

Tamie pulled off a mistake-free test today and earned the first 10 of the competition, from ground jury president Christina Klingspor at C, for her final centreline.

Mai Baum is a slender, extremely elegant black gelding by Loredano 2. He and Tamie Smith put in a Maryland 5 Star dressage test which was rhythmic and fluid, with flying changes so silky smooth onlookers barely even noticed them.

“That was probably his best test – he’s just getting better with age and so strong,” said Tamie, referencing the fact that the horse won the CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) here in 2015, his first season with Tamie, and now returns to do the five-star as his final event at the top level.

“It’ll be his last five-star, so it’s a bit bittersweet but it felt really good to feel that test after all the hard work we’ve been putting in. He feels like he’s a 10-year-old.”

Tamie and Mai Bau ended a 15-year drought for the home side in the other US five-star at Kentucky Three-Day Event when they won there last year and were also team silver medallists at the 2022 World Championships. The horse has won 13 times internationally in his career – once with Alexandra before she handed over the reins and 12 times with Tamie – and has become renowned for his first-phase prowess, so his lead today is no surprise.

Tamie said today that Mai Baum will still be out and about when he steps down from the top level – he may do some short format and showcase competitions and she is also interested in the hunter derby circuit.

She said: “He is only 30% blood and while he’s very athletic, he doesn’t have a lot of thoroughbred in him. It takes a tremendous amount to get him and keep him in that peak performance. ‘Lexus’ could do anything – he could do pure dressage, he could just do showjumping, he could go on the trail with Alex [Ahearn, his owner], he’s a very all-around type horse when he’s not five-star fit. We’ll keep enjoying him.”

Brits hold the other two podium places with just a few more tests to go. Oliver Townend lies second on 26.5 with another veteran, three-time five-star winner Ballaghmor Class, and Bubby Upton is third on Cola, just 0.2 of a penalty behind Oliver.

Tim Price has moved into fourth for New Zealand with his double world bronze medallist Falco on 27.4, while Dorset-based home side rider Cosby Green, the overnight leader on Highly Suspicious, is now in fifth on her mark of 28.

End of day update: Tamie holds her lead, with Oliver second, Bubby third and Tim fourth. Boyd Martin piloted Tsetserleg TSF into fifth at the conclusion of the phase and Cosby Green is now sixth.

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Bubby Upton continues comeback from ‘turbulent year’ with super Maryland 5 Star dressage: ‘I owe Cola everything’

Pippa Roome — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 18:49:05 +0000

Bubby Upton has blasted into third place in the Mars Maryland 5 Star dressage, having been the first rider into the arena on the second day.

The British rider and her mother Rachel’s Cola scored 26.7, which put her 1.3 penalties ahead of Thursday’s leader, Dorset-based US rider Cosby Green with Highly Suspicious. However, her lead was overtaken two horses later by the home side’s Tamie Smith (Mai Baum), who now holds the lead on 25.3, and then again by her compatriot Oliver Townend (Ballaghmor Class), who sits second at this stage on 26.5.

Bubby Upton demonstrated her trademark laser focus in her Maryland 5 Star dressage test and provided the ground jury – Sweden’s Christina Klingspor, the home side’s Valerie Pride and France’s Xavier Le Sauce – with a test which was accurate, energetic and elegant.

She and the 14-year-old Cola, by Catoki, started with punchy, accurate trot-work and then scored the first nines of the competition, from all three judges, for their mid-test halt.

Her marks did drop down with some errors in the first and third flying changes, both from right to left lead, although the rest of her canter work scored well.

“He was such a good boy – I know him inside out, I’ve had him eight or nine years now. He’s a horse I owe everything to, my horse of a lifetime, and it feels beyond special to be here,” said Bubby.

Bubby’s Maryland debut is part of her continuing comeback after suffering serious injury in a fall last August. She underwent major back surgery and initially had a very uncertain prognosis in terms of whether she would even walk again, let alone ride at the top level. She defied the odds to compete at Badminton Horse Trials in May, finishing 10th with Cola.

“We’ve had a turbulent past year and that makes it even more special and I’m so grateful to have a horse like him,” she added.

“After Badminton I created a plan in my head. I thought Cola has done Burghley and Pau – he was incredible at both – so if ever there was an opportunity to go to Maryland I’d do everything possible to make it possible. It was quite a lot of phone calls and hustling and it’s thanks to Howden Insurance Brokers and Brown Advisory that I’m able to be here.”

Bubby and Cola have been partners dating back to young rider days, when they won individual silver and team gold, and have since scored four top-15 placings at five-star together.

“Every time I went to go and see him after my accident, which was what I looked forward to every day when I got out of hospital, he was so gentle with me and would never nudge me or push me or anything like that – he definitely knew I was a bit fragile,” she said.

“I’m just so lucky still to be doing what I love at the top of the sport. I know how how quickly things can change – the line is so thin and I was the lucky one to be the right side of the line. My perspective on life has definitely changed, I just enjoy every minute, particularly with this horse who’s done so much for me – we did young rider teams together and I never thought in a million years we’d get to five-star, let alone be fighting at the top.

“My recovery was long and slow and I definitely wouldn’t be here today without the team around me. I did rehab at the Injured Jockeys Fund centre in Newmarket and that was all supported and take care of by the British Eventing Support Trust Charity, so the only thing I had to focus on was getting better and stronger.

“Day by day it got better, I learnt to move my right leg again, eventually I learnt to walk again. Three months later I got back on a hores but it was a very different type of riding to what I knew. My horses were very tolerant of the not so good rider they had on their backs all of a sudden. We never stopped dreaming, never stopped pushing, It’s beyond special to be back at the top of the sport and I never take it for granted.”

End of day update: Bubby still holds third place at the conclusion of the dressage phase.

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British rider aims to finish ‘frustrating season’ on a high at Maryland 5 Star

Pippa Roome — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:28:06 +0000

David Doel finished last year on a high with second at Burghley Horse Trials on his top horse, Galileo Nieuwmoed, who starts at Mars Maryland 5 Star this week. After such a result, which followed a consistent record of placings at five-star, a rider could reasonably expect more success the next season.

But horses rarely follow a script, and David has had a “really frustrating season” with the 13-year-old horse, who belongs to his rider, Mary Fox and Gillian Jonas.

“He started the year well at Kronenberg,” said David, who was fourth at the Dutch CCI4*-S. “Then he went to Badminton Horse Trials and really wasn’t feeling himself – he was very lethargic and not interested in life, which isn’t like him – so he did the dressage and we took the tough decision not to run him across country.”

David re-routed to Luhmühlen Horse Trials, where he finished ninth, having had an uncharacteristic two showjumps down and two time-faults on Sunday.

“He ran super there and I think he was almost over fresh on the last day – he was really perky and a little tight in his jumping,” said David.

“He came back and went out in the field for a couple of quiet days and managed to cut his hock, which got really badly infected. He ended up having about six weeks off, which is why he didn’t make it to Burghley this year, because he lost so much work.

“We managed to squeeze in one run in the advanced at Wellington, where he felt fab and back on form.”

As Galileo has contested Pau three times, David Doel and his connections then decided to target Maryland 5 Star.

“Everyone said Maryland was a little bit Burghley-esque with the terrain and what Ian Stark designs for the cross-country, so obviously I was very lucky his owner Gillian Jonas funded the trip over here. It’s definitely very like Burghley in terms of having a lot of terrain and a lot of big fences to jump. Hopefully that will suit us and we’ll see what happens.”

David started his Maryland campaign with 34.5 in the dressage yesterday (17 October).

“I was happy enough with our test,” he said. “It was a little bit frustrating as it was one of the most rideable tests he’s done, but he just got a few too many sixes and six and a halves. But we are not far off the top and it’s definitely going to be a cross-country competition. It’s a big old track out there, similar to last year or probably even tougher.”

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‘It’s surreal’ – Dorset-based young star claims lead on first day of Maryland 5 Star

Pippa Roome — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 21:04:33 +0000

Rising star Cosby Green has claimed top spot after the first day of Maryland 5 Star dressage, scoring 28 with the grey Highly Suspicious.

US rider Cosby, 23, is based in Dorset with New Zealand’s premier eventing couple Jonelle and Tim Price. She makes her Maryland debut, having completed Pau Horse Trials, Badminton Horse Trials and Burghley Horse Trials over the past year with her five-star schoolmaster Copper Beach. She was 16th at Burghley last month.

Cosby Green and the elegant grey pulled in plenty of eights for their Maryland 5 Star dressage work. The only error in their test came when the horse jogged in the walk section, which resulted in them scoring a four, a three and a two for that movement.

“Overall I thought it was some of his best work in ring so far. It’s hard not to be frustrated with the walk and we know that’s his weakness, but he went in there and did a great demonstration of all the work we’ve been putting in and that doesn’t always happen, so I’m thrilled with him,” she said, adding “it’s surreal” when she held her lead until the end of the day.

Cosby added that it means a lot to her to return to home soil and compete here, saying: “I came to the first Maryland 5 Star, so I’ve always had my eyes on it and now I’ve been in a programme that’s meant it’s able to become a reality. I have the support of my family and it means the world for them to be here.”

The 14-year-old Highly Suspicious, owned by Cosby’s parents’ Edie and Clay’s Highly Suspicious, makes his five-star debut after two second places at four-star this year.

She explained: “I’ve had him for about seven years. I probably had no business buying him when I did at 16. I couldn’t ride one side of him, we scored consistently in 40s, had lots of 20s. In the past couple of years moving to England, we’ve found a system that works for him. He’s always had talent and ability. It’s been a matter of getting his body and mind right to put in his best performance and be consistent at it.

“There have been so many times when I was doing anything I could to give him to someone else or sell him and everyone kept telling me to stick with it because he is phenomenal, so it’s not been a smooth road but a day like today makes it worth it.”

Cosby paid tribute to the role Jonelle Price has played in the pair’s development: “She has just changed my entire perspective on the sport, how to look at success and how to look at learning opportunities and to believe in myself, which is something I really struggle with. My horse is super sensitive to that and quite anxious as well, we’re quite similar people really. I think we’ve flourished from just having Jonelle believe in me and changing the programme.”

The rider also spoke about the role five-star schoolmaster Copper Beach has played in her career: “It’s such a privilege to be able to have done my first few five-stars on Copper Beach. He knows the job and has been such a life changing horse for me. He’s given me so much confidence, I’m able to come here and not be too overwhelmed. Having that experience behind me means so much. I hope I can carry that over to ‘Puff’ and give him a really good experience and pass along the knowledge.”

Boyd Martin praises Commando 3 after their Maryland 5 Star dressage test in 2024. (Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

Another horse at his first five-star is snapping at Cosby’s heels, although under a more experienced rider, with Boyd Martin and Commando 3 scoring 28.5 to sit just 0.5 of a penalty in arrears.

The smart bay with three white socks, owned by Yankee Creek Ranch LLC, is a beautiful stamp and showed some super work today with marks up to 8.5. Had he not lost concentration for a few paces in the walk, he’d have taken the lead.

“I’m very pleased with him. He has amazing quality, but he’s such a big mover it’s hard to keep him balanced. But he went in there and did all the tricks really well and I think he’s going to get better and better,” said Boyd.

The rider described Commando 3 as one of the most talented horses he has sat on, but adds that he is high energy and can get “nervous and spooky in glitzy rings”. He has benefited from Boyd’s wife, grand prix dressage rider Silva, taking him with her to a big dressage show at Devon recently.

Boyd said: “For him to stay at Devon for three or four days, be around all the chaos there and go in the ring – he competed in tests with tempi changes and stuff like that, I struggle doing one change and Silva did seven in one test day after day – it’s a huge benefit to have a horse go through an experience like that day after day. I’m very lucky and grateful to marry a really good-looking girl and a good dressage rider so I’m very appreciative!”

Canada’s Lindsay Traisnel holds third on 30.7. She makes her five-star debut this week with Patricia Pearce’s Bacyrouge, who was an individual bronze and team gold medallist at last year’s Pan American Games.

“It was awesome. He just performs every time for me and is always the same, so I’m really happy with him, he’s such a good boy,” she said after her consistent test.

“We bought him as a four-year-old to sell and decided there was no way we could sell him. My husband rode him a bit when I was pregnant so it’s really been a family affair.”

This was one of Bacyrouge’s best tests, which Lindsay attributed to him becoming stronger in his body, paying tribute to her team at home, and more confident in his flying changes.

“He used to get a bit nervous about those and anything he ever does wrong is because he wants to do it too well. He’s a little bit exuberant so it’s just really putting it all together but I knew he had it in him,” she said.

Harry Meade put in the best of the two British tests today to hold fourth overnight on Away Cruising.

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Brit makes a strong start in Maryland 5 Star dressage: ‘I didn’t want to make the mistake of trying too hard’

Pippa Roome — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 20:28:42 +0000

Harry Meade has made a strong start in the Mars Maryland 5 Star dressage, scoring 31.2 with Away Cruising to sit in fourth overnight.

The 17-year-old grey, who belongs to Jane Dear and Charlotte and Peter Opperman, put in a fluent, consistent test which was only marred by the occasional loss of rhythm.

The British rider said he was aware of losing rhythm in the trot as a potential flaw with this horse: “I thought he put in a solid test – sometimes that loss of rhythm can come from asking too much, so I thought I’d just go in there and try to nail some solid marks and not make the mistake of trying too hard.

“In the canterwork after the first medium canter, he just switched legs behind as he came back, but he got all his changes. I was pleased with him, it was a good, solid test – not his best ever, but one to be pleased with and hopefully sets him up for a good week here.”

Harry added that he knows how to ride the movements correctly for this veteran five-star campaigner so he doesn’t overcomplicate his build-up.

“It’s more about the preparation and overall picture, so rather than where each brush stroke goes, you have to remember what the subject you’re trying to paint is,” said Harry. “Part of that is softness over his back, so I didn’t do any movements outside. We went on the side of the hill doing trot and canter to limber him up, to get him really soft over his back, and then trusted that all the years with the movements would work.”

He also said Away Cruising is a lazier horse rather than a fresh one, so he did minimal work with him yesterday, just bringing him into the arena familiarisation.

“Character-wise, he is a real trier, loves his job, loves the crowds,” he said. “He’s very secure in own skin, very happy, and has never really had a bad experience in his life. He’s living his best life, he’s a real optimist.”

Harry joked that he has come to Maryland because he couldn’t run five horses at Burghley, but added that he loves this US event, having ridden in the first two editions in 2021 and 2022 with Superstition. He mentioned the welcome given to visitors and his enjoyment of riding Ian Stark’s tracks, saying, “We have a shared philosophy of what eventing and cross-country should be.

“The track is one I’m looking forward to getting my teeth stuck into. This is what makes me do the sport, what makes me want to keep going and going. For me, it’s all about the five-stars and I’ve always been very focused on the end goal and what we’re trying to achieve. For me it’s nothing on the way, it’s producing happy, fit, sound, confident horses that can cope when the conditions are the toughest.”

Harry Meade starts on his second ride, Et Hop Du Matz, in the Maryland 5 Star dressage tomorrow at 3.27pm local time (8.27pm British time).

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed at Maryland 5 Star 2024. (Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

Fellow Brit David Doel completed his test at Maryland today too, with his own, Mary Fox and Gillian Jonas’s 13-year-old Galileo Nieuwmoed, who was second at Burghley Horse Trials last year and has a strong five-star record. The pair scored 34.5 for eighth overnight.

The pair started out well with 7.5s across the board for their first centreline and showed some good work, but their marks dropped down a touch due to a slight lack of connection. In the canter, they had issues in the two flying changes going from the left to right lead, with fours from every judge for the final change particularly expensive.

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Maryland 5 Star dressage times released: when do Harry Meade, Bubby Upton, Oliver Townend and David Doel start?

Pippa Roome — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 20:52:24 +0000

The Mars Maryland 5 Star dressage times have been released for the next two days of competition.

The dressage action at the US autumn five-star starts at 2.05pm local time (7.o5pm British time) tomorrow, Thursday 17 October, and concludes with the final test at 3.35pm local time (8.35pm British time) on Friday 18 October. Each day’s competitors are split into two blocks, with one break in the middle.

British riders’ Maryland 5 Star dressage times

Harry Meade and Away Cruising: 2.13pm local time Thursday (7.13pm British time)
David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed: 2.45pm local time Thursday (7.45pm British time)
Bubby Upton and Cola: 2.05pm local time Friday (7.05 British time)
Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class: 2.29pm local time Friday (8.29pm British time)
Harry Meade and Et Hop Du Matz: 3.27 local time Friday (8.27 British time)

Other top pairs’ times

Boyd Martin and Commando 3 (USA): 3.35pm local time Thursday (8.35 British time)
Tamie Smith and Mai Baum (USA): 2.21pm local time Friday (7.21pm British time)
Tim Price and Falco (NZL): 3.11pm local time Friday (8.11pm British time)
Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF (USA): 3.35pm local time Friday (8.35pm British time)

Twenty-three horses are set to start at Maryland, having all passed the first trot-up today. There was a late change in the line-up when Boyd Martin decided to withdraw his 2021 Maryland winner On Cue and swap in Commando 3, a three-time four-star winner and five-star debutant, instead.

Tamie Smith starts as favourite with world team silver medallist Mai Baum, who is contesting his final top-level competition this weekend.

The dressage will be judged by the ground jury, consisting of Christina Klingspor (Sweden), Valerie Pride (USA) and Xavier Le Sauce (France).

Full times

Thursday times
Friday times
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Five-star winner withdrawn from Maryland 5 Star and retired from top-level eventing

Pippa Roome — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:33:46 +0000

Boyd Martin has withdrawn the 18-year-old mare On Cue from this week’s Maryland 5 Star and retired her from top-level eventing.

“While she feels happy and healthy, I felt she was starting to struggle in her final gallops and jump schools,” he said shortly before today’s first trot-up. “I am incredibly proud of everything On Cue and I have accomplished together, and after discussing it with [owners] the Turner family, we have decided to step her down from the top of the sport.”

He added: “On Cue has been a true champion, finishing in the top 10 at Burghley, Kentucky, and Maryland. She gave me my second ever five-star win at the inaugural Maryland 5 Star and she has also taken national titles in the USEF five-star championship at Kentucky and the American Eventing Championships advanced final, not to mention, being named mare and horse of the Year in 2021.

“She’s one of a few special horses that changed my career. I am especially proud that her last competition was a win at Tryon. It would not do her justice if I tried to take advantage of her good nature by asking her to do something I was not sure her body was capable of.

“I am deeply grateful to the Turner family for their unwavering support of On Cue over the years. What we have achieved together has been remarkable. I look forward to continuing to bring her offspring up through the levels in the near future!”

On Cue was bred in Yorkshire, from the “On” dynasty raised by Alyse Clancey and her daughter Jolyse Bell-Syer (née Clancey). She is by the Selle Français showjumper Cabri D’Elle and a great granddaughter of the Clanceys’ foundation mare Augermist, who Alyse competed at the top level.

Boyd started competing On Cue in 2017 and she won six times internationally, including at the first five-star held at Maryland in 2021. She was 10th at Burghley Horse Trials last year and fourth and best of the home side at Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2021.

Having retired On Cue, Boyd will now pilot Commando 3 and Tsetserleg TSF at Maryland this week.

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One horse from Europe sent to holding box at Maryland 5 Star first trot-up

Pippa Roome — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:53:12 +0000

Northamptonshire-based US rider Grace Taylor was sent to the holding box with her mother Ann’s Game Changer at the Mars Maryland 5 Star first trot-up today (16 October).

Twenty-three horses came before the ground jury of Christina Klingspor (Sweden), Valerie Pride (USA) and Xavier Le Sauce (France). Game Changer was the only one they wanted to see again, but happily the 12-year-old gelding passed when re-presented.

As usual at US five-stars, the horses who have travelled from Europe were all inspected first at the Maryland 5 Star first trot-up so they can be kept separate from the North America-based horses, for biosecurity reasons.

These included Grace, Dorset-based US rider Cosby Green’s Highly Suspicious and Wiltshire-based US pair Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl, as well as the British entries.

Four British riders are on the start list this week – Harry Meade with Away Cruising and Et Hop Du Matz, David Doel riding Galileo Nieuwmoed, Bubby Upton on Cola and Oliver Townend with Ballaghmor Class.

In a nice touch, the commentator name-checked each groom as their horse trotted up, with the sunshine showing their work to best effect, and also mentioned that it is the birthday of Canadian rider Jessica Phoenix, who pilots Fluorescent Adolescent and Wabbit.

Although this is a small five-star field – and with the trot-up conducted at a brisk pace, it took just 22 minutes – there is plenty of quality in the top ranks of the line-up.

Data analytics experts EquiRatings put last year’s Kentucky Three-Event winners Tamie Smith and Mai Baum as the favourites, with a 35% win chance, followed by Oliver Townend with three-time five-star winner Ballaghmor Class at 24% and double world bronze medallists Tim Price and Falco at 16%.

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Find out who’s the pathfinder and when the Brits start as Maryland 5 Star draw revealed

Pippa Roome — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 13:07:21 +0000

The Mars Maryland 5 Star draw for this week’s competition (17-20 October) has been revealed and the first ever winner of the US autumn five-star will be first up the centreline on Thursday.

Boyd Martin and On Cue took top spot at Maryland in 2021 and the 18-year-old British-bred mare will be number one on the start list this year.

US Olympian Boyd is one of three riders in the competition with two horses and he also starts last on his faithful five-star campaigner Tsetserleg TSF, another veteran at 17.

Britain’s Harry Meade returns to Maryland, where he has been placed previously, and starts as number three on the experienced grey Away Cruising and also number 22 on five-star debutant Et Hop Du Matz.

The third two-horse rider is Canada’s Jessica Phoenix, who has the characterful skewbald mare Fluorescent Adolescent at number two and ex-racehorse Wabbit as number 21.

Three other Brits also compete besides Harry, with David Doel wearing number seven on last year’s Burghley Horse Trials runner-up Galileo Nieuwmoed, Bubby Upton continuing her comeback from serious injury at number 13 with Cola and Oliver Townend starting as number 16 with triple five-star winner Ballaghmor Class. David and Bubby both make their Maryland debuts, while Oliver has finished on the podium before but seeks a first win here.

Full draw

This week also marks a final run at the top level for last year’s Kentucky Three-Day Event winner and world team silver medallist Mai Baum, who is number 15 with home side rider Tamie Smith.

New Zealand’s Tim Price, who won Maryland in 2022 with Coup De Coeur Dudevin, will start as number 20 with double world bronze medallist Falco.

There are 23 starters in the five-star competition at Maryland this week, which runs alongside a three-star and young horse championship.

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Meet the striking skewbald mare – with a fantastically fun name – making her five-star debut next week

Pippa Roome — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 07:32:35 +0000

Who doesn’t love a coloured horse? It always shakes up the run of more humdrum bays and chestnuts when one hits the top level of horse sport and when the mare in question also has a fantastically fun name, the joy is doubled. The skewbald mare Fluorescent Adolescent – also the name of a song by the Arctic Monkeys – is ridden by Canada’s Jessica Phoenix and will be heading to Mars Maryland 5 Star for her five-star debut next week (17-20 October).

“One of my students Makayla Rydzik competed ‘Lacey’ up to three-star and did young riders with her,” says Jessica. “Then she was starting to move into real world things and she just didn’t have time to compete at that level anymore, so she said: ‘This horse is so amazing – is there any way you want to keep going with her?’ And I said: ‘Absolutely, I’d love to’.”

The now 16-year-old mare was bred by Jessica’s first eventing coach Kelly Plitz and her husband Ian Roberts, Canadian Olympians who are based at Dreamcrest Farm in Ontario. She was named, and trained and competed from a four-year-old up to the current two-star level, by another Canadian rider, Hannah Rankin.

Fluorescent Adolescent is by the coloured stallion Gaudy, a son of Fidermark NRW (by Florestan I), out of a mare called Amelia (by Ali Baba) who Kelly and Ian both competed up to current three-star level.

“I always thought Lacey was striking and a beautiful horse – the first horse I evented was actually a coloured horse and she stands out anywhere she goes,” says Jessica.

“Her colouring definitely matches her personality – she is a really competitive mare and always just had so much vibrance in all three phases. She is larger than life, like a queen, and super smart.”

Fluorescent Adolescent stepped up to four-star in 2023 and has spent the past two years gaining experience at that level, as well as showjumping up to 1.35m level. This year her results have included sixth in the CCI4*-S at Bromont.

The pair have also completed the tough CCI4*-S at Kentucky Three-Day Event twice with jumping clears across country, performances which Jessica says were important in showing her the mare could be a five-star horse.

“I remember the first time she was just so focused – laser focused – it didn’t matter she had never seen crowds that big, she didn’t mind about the beautiful presentation of the fences which makes everything look bigger,” she says.

“She left the start box with her game face on and I thought then she’d be a candidate for the five-star level. The biggest thing was getting her stronger in her own body for flatwork. She certainly has the desire to want to do it, but would lack a bit of strength in her step at combinations. Now she feels strong in herself and confident in her body, so it felt like a good time to step up. I can’t wait to see what she makes of five-star level.”

Goals for Maryland with Fluorescent Adolescent

Asked about her aims for the week, Jessica says: “I want her to have a really great experience. I feel like the first time you take a horse round a five-star you go one jump at a time. That said, she runs cross-country one way and that’s forward, so when you leave the start box on Lacey all she’s wanting you do to is show her the flags – sometimes it feels like she can count herself. I want to give her a confident run round her first five-star and knowing her, she’ll be close to the time.

“I have taken her round a bunch of tracks and never found one she suits more than another. She lives for cross-country. But the footing and preparation at Maryland, the fact they are such open, galloping tracks gives horses such a good run. Generally they can see the questions in front of them and there aren’t things that are tricky and catch them off guard. It should be a good five-star for her to go out and get forward and confident at the level.”

Jessica also rides Jim Phillips’ and her own experienced Wabbit at Maryland, where he was 19th in 2022. The ex-racehorse was 11th at Burghley Horse Trials last year and 30th at Badminton Horse Trials this spring.

“He feels amazing and I’m so excited for him to be at Maryland,” she says.

Luckily Jessica says she is fit and has “the best crew I could ask for to be on top of things in the barn” as the Maryland 5 Star field is small, so she is likely have a fairly tight turnaround between horses on cross-country day.

“I’m blessed to be able to ride a lot of horses. It’s nothing for us to do six horses at a one-day, so doing two at a five-star shouldn’t be physically a massive effort at this point in the season,” she says.

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Brits, five-star winners, and an eye-catching skewbald among Maryland 5 Star entries

Becky Murray — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:42:37 +0000

Four Brits, former five-star winners and an eye-catching skewbald mare are among the Mars Maryland 5 Star entries.

There are 23 combinations entered for the US event, which takes place at Fair Hill on 17-20 October.

Harry Meade, who jumped three clear cross-country rounds at Burghley last month, will fly across the pond with two rides; Charlotte and Peter Opperman’s experienced 17-year-old Away Cruising and 10-year-old Et Hop Du Matz, whom Harry co-owns with Mandy Gray. Away Cruising has seven five-star completions under his belt, his most recent at Badminton this year, when he and Harry were 20th. Et Hop Du Matz is making his five-star debut.

Oliver Townend returns to Maryland 5 Star, this time with Tokyo Olympic team gold medallist and three-time five-star winner Ballaghmor Class, owned by Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan. The 17-year-old gelding missed the spring season owing to a hoof abscess followed by a “minor issue”, but made his comeback at Cornbury last month, when he and Oliver were second in the open intermediate. On Saturday (28 September) they topped the Little Downham CCI4*-S.

Bubby Upton will be making her Maryland debut with her mother Rachel’s 14-year-old Cola III. Bubby came back from serious injury at the beginning of the year to finish 10th at Badminton with Cola, and the pair won the Hartpury CCI4*-S in August.

David Doel is making the trip with Gillian Jonas and Mary Fox’s 13-year-old gelding Galileo Nieuwmoed. The consistent pair have five top-level completions under their belt, of which four were top-10 placings, including second at Burghley last year.

Other Maryland 5 Star entries

New Zealand’s Tim Price brings forward 2021 Pau five-star winner and world team bronze medallist Falco, owned by Sue Benson.

For the home side, all eyes will be on Tamie Smith and Ellen Ahearn’s 18-year-old Mai Baum. Maryland 5 Star will be the 2023 Kentucky Three-Day CCI5 winners’ last top-level competition together; Tamie told Eventing Nation Mai Baum will retire from top-level eventing.

Former Maryland 5 Star winners Boyd Martin and On Cue will hope to reclaim their 2021 crown, while Boyd is also entered with his Tokyo Olympic ride and world silver medallist Tsetserleg, and five-star debutant Commando 3. Bruce Davidson Jnr is entered with Sorocaima, with whom he was ninth last year.

Canada’s Jessica Phoenix has two rides; Jim Phillips’ 14-year-old gelding Wabbit, and Jessica’s own 16-year-old skewbald mare Fluorescent Adolescent, who is making her five-star debut.

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‘It was like learning to ride again, but I never lost faith’: Bubby Upton on her ongoing recovery from serious injury

Pippa Roome — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:00:20 +0000

“It felt like I was learning to ride all over again,” says Bubby Upton, recalling her first experiences of being back on a horse after her major back surgery following a serious accident in August last year, which could have left her unable to walk.

Bubby says that as soon as she regained “basic function” and was able to carry out day-to-day activities again, in her head she wanted to ride, although no one knew if that would be possible: “I guess I had come to terms with the fact that I might never do the level of riding that I used to do. But for me, I had accepted that just being back on a horse in whatever capacity was enough for me.”

When she went for an appointment with her surgeon three months after the accident, everyone around Bubby Upton was managing her expectations – saying she was too weak and wouldn’t be given the go ahead to ride. She therefore hoped that she’d be given a date when she could ride, as a goal to work towards and help her stay mentally focused.

In an interview on episode 157 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, Bubby explains: “He looked at my scans, and he turned around and said that I could ride again. The World Class athlete health lead Ash Wallace was there and she was quite shocked. I just burst into tears. The surgeon was really happy with how it healed and how mobile I was – I think he was expecting me barely to be able to walk still, and I kind of strutted in and was showing off how much I had improved since he last saw me. He genuinely couldn’t believe it.

“Ash straight away was like, ‘That’s great that he said that you could ride again, but I don’t think he has any idea what level of riding we’re talking about here. So we’ll just start off in walk for a few weeks, and see how that goes. You just need to take it easy, provide us with feedback, let us know how you feel.’ Ash has obviously seen this before and I think she already knew how weird it was going to feel, whereas for me, it was just an overriding emotion of excitement.

“When I actually did get back on, reality sank in of how far I still had to go.”

Bubby describes her first experiences back in the saddle: “I had this big slip down to the left side. And it was just bizarre riding again because basically my mid-back down to my sacrum, the top of my glutes, is now all metal work, so it’s completely fixed. When you ride, obviously that’s all meant to move with the motion of the horse. So getting back on the horse and that movement wanting to happen, but not being able to happen, was the weirdest feeling ever.”

Gradually, Bubby built up what she could do and somehow, stayed mentally strong.

“If I’m being honest, reflecting back on it, it was incredibly demoralising – having been at the level that I was, and then being a complete shell of myself. It was hard, hardish, to remain positive, but I just did. I never lost faith that I would get back to what I was. Don’t ask me why, because if you came to watch me, you’d be like, ‘Oh my god. This is really bad’. I think everyone around me was thinking, ‘She has totally lost it’. But I kind of felt the improvements, the slow improvements each week.”

Bubby is always very keen to emphasise in interviews how lucky she has been to be able to return to the career she loves and she never wants to complain. But the reality is that she is also in constant pain.

She says: “Before, I never had to think about riding causing me pain – I just did it and I never got tired. I could ride as many horses as I liked in a day and and that was fine, whereas now there’s never not pain, but I really don’t ever want to sound like I’m sitting here complaining – I’m not whatsoever.

“But that would be the biggest difference, just having manage that and tolerate that, and listen to my body. Before I just pushed through the hours in the day and kind of squeezed it all in, whereas now there is very much a physical limitation of what I can and can’t do.

“Sitting trot is my biggest challenge and my body’s ability to adapt and bend and absorb. I was watching someone the other day on a horse that kind of whipped round, and their body was able to bend and absorb that change in direction, whereas mine doesn’t really do that any more. So I definitely come off a lot more than I used to, which frustrates me a lot.”

Bubby will have another surgery at the end of this year, with the hope this will reduce the pain. Before then, she is set to tackle the Mars Maryland 5 Star with her top horse Cola.

Hear Bubby Upton talk more about her accident, her ongoing recovery and her plans for Maryland by tuning in to episode 157 of The Horse & Hound Podcast here, or search “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your favourite podcast app.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Maryland, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Paris Olympic course-designer to take on five-star job as Ian Stark retires

Pippa Roome — Wed, 01 May 2024 15:50:53 +0000

France’s Pierre Le Goupil will be the cross-country course-designer at Mars Maryland 5 Star from 2025 and will hold the role until at least after the 2027 event.

Ian Stark, who has been the designer since the inaugural five-star at the US venue in 2021, retires from designing at end of this year.

New Maryland 5 Star course-designer Pierre Le Goupil, 61, competed at the top level for 30 years before retiring from eventing in 2002.

He began organising events in 1995 and is the course-designer for the Olympics this year in Paris. He was also responsible for the track at last year’s European Championships at Haras du Pin and at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.

Ian said: “I’m thrilled for the event that Pierre will be the new man. He has the talent, the imagination and the flair to succeed and I look forward to following his plans for the future of the course.

Pierre said he is “filled with gratitude towards the organising committee for their trust”.

“It’s a fabulous opportunity for me, and it’s also a great honour to succeed Ian Stark, who in less than three years, has greatly contributed to the event’s reputation,” he said.

Jeff Newman, president and CEO of the event committee, said: “We’re thrilled that Pierre has agreed to be our cross-country course-designer starting in 2025 for the Mars Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory building upon the incredible foundation that Ian Stark has created through this year.

“There is no position more important in eventing than the course-designer as it’s paramount both to ensure horse and athlete safety and the entertainment of our fans globally. We’re so fortunate and honoured to have two of the very best supporting Maryland as we continue to build upon our legacy as a world-class event at the highest level of the sport.”

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British world number one becomes third rider to contest 100 five-stars

Pippa Roome — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 17:04:19 +0000

Oliver Townend has hit the milestone of 100 five-stars this week at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event.

The world number one joins fellow Brit William Fox-Pitt and New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson as the only event riders to reach this landmark.

“We all know how hard it is to get a horse to five-star numerous times, so it’s an achievement for my team more than anything and most of them have been with me from the word go,” said Oliver after yesterday’s cross-country.

“It’s 20 years of myself and Karyn [Shuter] and all the girls that travel and everybody that holds the fort at home – I’d love to name them all but quite a few have been there for 15 years now. It’s a credit to them as I’m the lucky one that comes out of the start box every time.”

Badminton final scores

Karyn has multiple roles in Oliver’s team, acting as his manager, as well as being an owner, friend and his eyes on the ground.

Oliver Townend: 100 five-stars

Data analytics company EquiRatings have listed out Oliver’s five-star starts, which begin at Burghley Horse Trials in 2004 on Weston Justice.

He has made 30 starts at Burghley, 23 at Badminton Horse Trials, 17 at Luhmühlen Horse Trials, 11 at Kentucky, 10 at Pau Horse Trials, three at Maryland 5 Star, three at World Championships, two at the one-off five-star at Bicton Horse Trials and one at the Olympics.

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Youth and experience blend as British riders claim two podium places at Maryland 5 Star

Pippa Roome — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 21:07:47 +0000

A mix of youth and experience led to two British podium finishes in the Mars Maryland 5 Star results today.

William Fox-Pitt claimed second on Grafennacht. At 54, William was the second oldest jockey in the competition – topped only by 60-year-old Phillip Dutton – and has the most five-star wins of any event rider, at 14.

This result, on Amanda Gould’s 11-year-old mare, marks the Dorset-based competitor’s first podium finish at five-star since his second Badminton Horse Trials win in 2015.

That autumn he suffered a serious head injury in a fall at Le Lion d’Angers. He returned to fitness to ride Chilli Morning at the Rio Olympics the following year, but has never quite recaptured the form and formidable string of five-star horses he had in his glory years.

Grafennacht is currently William’s only top-level campaigner, following the death of Oratorio in March and with Little Fire out of action this year, and he has made no secret of the fact it is talented horses like her and competing at five-star which keep him in the game. The pair put in a super performance this week, with a competitive 26.1 dressage score, one of the fastest cross-country rounds and just one showjump down.

“She’s a great horse, she loves the sport, she finds it quite easy, she always says yes, she always has a go – I think anyone could ride her. I’m the lucky one to have her and she keeps me going,” said William.

Asked about his future in the sport, William said: “I’m coming to my senses quietly. I’ve not got many horses now – she’s my only five-star horse and then I’ve just got two six six-year-olds so there is more time in my life now, which is quite nice, but I’ve got to decide could she give me a bit more fun and do I do her well enough?

“I think as an older rider you’re worried about looking like an idiot. Normally you’re out there on cross-country doing your best and you attack, nowadays I’m thinking, ‘I hope I don’t look like an old man today’ because everyone will think, ‘Oh for God’s sake just give up.’ It’s getting close, but she’s keeping me in the game, she’s a lot of fun.

“Yesterday morning I was thinking, ‘What the hell am I doing?’ but by yesterday evening I was thinking, ‘That’s what I’m doing.’ As we all know eventing is a drug and it’s a good one. I’m enjoying her and goodness knows, I probably need to come to my senses but I’m not sure I’d enjoy watching anyone else ride her yet.”

Oliver Townend claimed third in the Maryland 5 Star results on Paul Ridgeon’s Cooley Rosalent. She was the youngest horse in the competition, just nine years old, and this was already her second five-star.

Luhmuhlen Horse Trials in June was very much an experience building competition for her, with 20 jumping penalties across country and an uncompetitive dressage score of 37.4.

Here, she improved on that first-phase mark by 14.3 penalties and was fast across country (and Oliver said could have been faster). She had two down on the final day but hopefully that will improve with practice and strength – she already looks considerably stronger than last year.

“I felt she really came up a level at Blenheim where she won the eight- and nine-year-olds and I think she’s learnt an incredible amount this week,” said Oliver.

“I honestly don’t believe she came out of fourth gear yesterday in the cros-country. She’s fresh, she’s a little bit mad fresh actually, she’s very happy with herself. H0pefully she’ll learn from the experience and we’ll see an even higher level of performance next time.”

Oliver has not been short of a ride at the top level for a long time, but it has not been clear who his next team horse might be, with Tokyo hero Ballaghmor Class now in the twilight of his career. The answer could be another grey, a plucky mare who showed her mettle in Maryland this week.

‘The result of a lifetime’s work’: an emotional Maryland 5 Star win amid leaderboard shake up

Pippa Roome — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 20:16:09 +0000

Austin O’Connor claimed his first five-star title when he topped the Mars Maryland 5 Star results today, calling the victory the “end result of a lifetime’s work”.

The 48-year-old Irish rider went into the arena in fourth place overnight and showjumped clear on his own and The Salty Syndicate’s Colorado Blue, despite one wild moment when the grey took off well away from the USEA oxer at fence seven. When the three ahead of him all had at least one fence down, he claimed Ireland’s first five-star title since Major Eddie Boylan and Durlas Eile took Badminton Horse Trials in 1965, 58 years ago.

“People like me – we’re not supposed to win five-stars, but it’s just happened, I think,” said an emotional Austin. “It’s the end result of a lifetime’s work really. Ultimately it’s all about the horse – he’s unbelievable, he’s been a champion for years and privately I was prepared to give him to somebody better because thought he deserved to win a five-star and I didn’t think I could win one with him, but here we are.”

Austin and the 14-year-old “Salty” have always excelled in the jumping phases since the horse moved up to five-star. They finished third in the tough conditions at Badminton this spring, with the fastest cross-country time of the day. After pulling up following an early run-out at Burghley Horse Trials in September, Austin decided to take the leap of faith and fly the horse out to the US for Maryland.

“It was actually Maryland committee member Tim Gardner – when I was having a bit of a down moment at Burghley, he put his arm round me and said, ‘You’ve got to bring Salty to Maryland’, because Pau would have been the obvious choice. He was the man that convinced us we should come here, I believed him and I’m delighted I did.”

Talking about his showjumping round today on Colorado Blue, Austin said: “I wouldn’t have come to Maryland if didn’t feel there was a strong possibility of him jumping a clear round, but the last couple of three-days he’s done, he’s ended up with a couple of cheap rails. It happens, but there was nothing really obvious and today I made a horrendous mistake and he got me out of jail.”

Austin has been involved with the horse from before he was conceived – he is by Jaguar Mail out of a mare by Rock King.

“I owned his dam and a great supporter of mine [Kate Jarvey] bought her from me. We had a breeding programme together and 20 years later here we are,” he said.

“He always looked a good horse but I guess a bit like myself, with age he’s got better – or luckier, whichever way you want to put it. He’s 85% thoroughbred, he’s all blood, he’s all class, he’s all heart, and he’ll try and try and try to the bitter end. From day one he looked a proper, proper horse.”

Maryland 5 Star results: two Brits on podium

Brits filled the other two places on the podium in the Maryland 5 Star results.

William Fox-Pitt held onto second with Amanda Gould’s Grafennacht, who just had the back rail off the oxer jumping into the Mars treble combination at fence nine.

He said: “She was great today –she can knock a jump or two or jump a clear. She’s not a showjumper although she’s by Grafenstolz – she’s not Lordships Graffalo, though we’re living and aiming for that. She can be a little bit economical and today she really could have jumped a clear round but she didn’t.

“I’m still delighted with one down – she’s the sort of horse she might lose an event with one down, could win one with a clear. There is a clear round in there, she’s great to work with and we can go on working. I’m glad I did have one down for Austin, we’re thrilled for him.”

Overnight leader Oliver Townend finished third with Paul Ridgeon’s nine-year-old Cooley Rosalent. He started out his round with a fence in hand and used up his life at 9c, but it was all over when the Buckeye green upright at fence 10 also came down.

“She was giving me an amazing feeling today,” said Oliver. “It was a baby mistake coming out of the combination – I felt everything was right going in. Then I felt it was me getting a bit too desperate at the next one, so perhaps she had one down and I had one down.

“For the future I’m not concerned about the showjumping phase – I thought she jumped a beautiful round and we had two mistakes. I can’t tell you how happy I am at the same time – I nearly cried for Austin. Austin is a good man and has been a good friend to me in fairly tough times the last few years.”

Austin’s round was the only clear inside the time today. Hannah Sue Hollberg just had 0.4 of a time-penalty on Capitol HIM to finish best of the home side in fourth, while her compatriot Mia Farley had eight faults to drop from third to fifth – still a very creditable first five-star result.

New Zealand’s Caroline Powell jumped clear with 0.8 of a time-penalty on Greenacres Special Cavalier to claim sixth.

Two riders leave competition at Maryland 5 Star final trot-up, including one Brit

Pippa Roome — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 14:06:19 +0000

Piggy March is one of two competitors to leave the five-star competition at the Mars Maryland 5 Star final trot-up.

The British rider’s mount, John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn’s five-star debutant Brookfield Cavalier Cruise, was sent to the holding box and Piggy then decided to withdraw. The pair had been fifth overnight.

Piggy March with Brookfield Cavalier Cruise and groom Amy Phillips, at the final trot-up at Maryland 5 Star 2023. (Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

Piggy reported that “Fletcher” gave her a super ride yesterday.

“The course was much the biggest he’s tackled but he really rose to the occasion and finished great – I couldn’t have been more proud of him,” she said. “Very sadly he is not quite right this morning and we decided to withdraw from the holding box so no showjumping for us today.

“Absolutely gutting for his owners John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn and Amy [Phillips] who has looked after him so well. It wasn’t to be for us this week but we will get him home and live to fight for another day. He’s a very special horse.”

The ground jury also sent Erin Kanara’s ride Campground, owned by Marnie Kelly and eighth after yesterday’s cross-country, to the holding box. The US competitor re-presented, but Campground was eliminated.

Maryland 5 Star final trot-up: 14 progress

The other 14 cross-country finishers were all passed by the ground jury, consisting of president Judy Hancock (Britain), Robert Stevenson (USA) and Andrew Bennie (New Zealand), at the Mars Maryland 5 Star final trot-up.

Data analytics company EquiRatings say overnight leader Oliver Townend now has a 68% chance of winning the event on Paul Ridgeon’s Cooley Rosalent. William Fox-Pitt sits second and has a 27% win chance with Amanda Gould’s Grafennacht.

Cooley Rosalent is only nine years old. The last nine-year-old to win at five-star was Oslo, William’s ride, who took the Blenheim Horse Trials eight- and nine-year-old class and then Pau Horse Trials in 2011. Cooley Rosalent has already won that Blenheim young horse class this autumn and now bids to emulate Oslo’s five-star triumph.

Should William win, he will extend his record of five-star victories – he currently tops the all-time leaderboard with 14 and he has won every northern hemisphere five-star except Maryland.

The five-star showjumping starts at 2.30pm local time (7.30pm British time).

Brit on young superstar leads after Maryland 5 Star cross-country: ‘She’s a privilege to ride’

Pippa Roome — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 20:56:06 +0000

Oliver Townend holds the lead after today’s Mars Maryland 5 Star cross-country.

The British world number one came home with six time-faults after a great round on Paul Ridgeon’s Cooley Rosalent, who is just nine years old – young for horse to be competing at five-star, let alone leading going into the final phase.

The pair were notably smooth through the Kelso Question in the main arena (fence 5abc) and only really had one risky moment, when the mare took off with all four feet simultaneously at the drop at the Fair Hill International Rollercoaster & Drop (fence 25abcd).

“She’s so honest and loves her job – as long as I get her nearly in front of the fences she looks for the flags and jumps them really well,” said Oliver. “She’s been very keen all day and she’s a privilege to ride.

“It’s huge thanks to Paul and Diana Ridgeon – they’ve been so good to myself and Andrew Nicholson, supporting us in the sport, and for them to get a superstar like this later on in life, after owning horses for so many years, is very special for the whole team.”

Oliver’s time-penalties mean he maintains his dressage lead but doesn’t have a fence in hand over the chasing pack going into tomorrow’s showjumping.

William Fox-Pitt and Amanda Gould’s Grafennacht got a little close to the final element of the main arena combination, the Kelso Question (fence 5abc), but aside from that it was an assured performance.

The pair had to cope with a hold on course and William then decided to go the long way coming out of the Mars Equestrian Crab Water (fence 21abc), although he did it more quickly than most as he took a short cut by hopping over an extra obstacle. They came home with 5.2 time-faults and have moved up to second overnight, having been third after dressage.

“I thought if I had a run-out at that water everyone would say, ‘Why didn’t you go the long way?’ but I would have been tempted to go straight there,” said William, adding that the mare was “easy but it was a bit of a weird round” because of his hold.

William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht at Maryland 5 Star in 2023. (Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

Piggy March’s 13.2 time-faults on Brookfield Cavalier Cruise drop her from second to fifth overnight, just behind Austin O’Connor (Colorado Blue) in fourth. Austin’s round, for 2.4 time-faults, was the second fastest of the day.

Ian Stark’s Maryland 5 Star cross-country course was criticised by some last year because the time proved easy to get, but he had upped the challenge to prevent that this year, with just the one fault-free performance. US five-star first-timer Mia Farley put in the only clear inside the time on David O’Connor’s Phelps to move up from 10th after dressage to third.

“Phelps has proven us all that he’s the world – he’s just a special horse,” said an emotional Mia. “It was fun.”

Mia Farley and Phelps go clear inside the time at Maryland 5 Star 2023. (Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

US rider Hannah Sue Hollberg is the second best of the home side, holding sixth with Capitol HIM, having finished with 7.2 time-faults.

New Zealand’s Caroline Powell, sixth after dressage on Greenacres Special Cavalier, was another held on course and she finished with 12.8 time-faults to slip one spot to seventh. The mare did take a look at the big drop down at the Fair Hill International Rollercoaster & Drop, but she was not penalised.

Boyd Martin held fifth after dressage on Contessa, but he fell off on the landing side of the oxer out of the first water combination at fence 3ab, the Maryland Sports Commission Splash.

Irishman leads after early stages of Maryland 5 Star cross-country plus one fall

Pippa Roome — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 18:55:10 +0000

Austin O’Connor holds the lead after the early stages of the Mars Maryland 5 Star cross-country.

The Irish rider was the pathfinder on his own and The Salty Syndicate’s seasoned campaigner Colorado Blue. He had a great round, finishing three seconds over the time having had to take a longer line to the final angled hedge element at the Mars Equestrian Crab Water (fence 22abcd).

No one else has come near to equalling Austin’s time over Ian Stark’s Maryland 5 Star cross-country track, with US rider Hannah Sue Hollberg the next fastest (7.2 time-penalties) on Capitol HIM.

Piggy March took the long route out of the Mars Equestrian Crab Water (fence 22abcd) on John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn’s five-star first-timer Brookfield Cavalier Cruise, finishing with 13.2 time-faults. Having been second after dressage, she is now second behind Austin on the leaderboard of completed riders, with Hannah Sue third.

New Zealand’s Monica Spencer, fourth after dressage, demonstrated how to take on the direct route out of the Mars Equestrian Crab Water with Artist, but still came home with 15.2 time-faults.

The home side’s Phillip Dutton had a fall with Azure when they didn’t get the stride they wanted into the second big corner at the Cecil County Corners (fences 18 and 19ab). Both were quickly up on their feet.

Fellow US rider Booli Selmayr had a couple of problems in the first half of the course and was pulled up by the ground jury at fence 24 with Millfield Lancando.

The leader after dressage, Oliver Townend (Cooley Rosalent), starts at 3.25pm local time (8.25pm British time).

End of day update: Austin holds fourth overnight, Piggy fifth, Hannah Sue sixth and Monica ninth.

British one-two-three at conclusion of Maryland 5 Star dressage

Pippa Roome — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 20:09:03 +0000

Oliver Townend has seized the lead at the conclusion of the Mars Maryland 5 Star dressage.

The British rider looked delighted as he completed his test, giving Cooley Rosalent big pats on her neck at the final halt. The mare showed super work throughout the performance, with an uphill outline and impressive movement. Her scores dropped down only for her final flying change, which was late behind and earned a four and two fives.

Oliver received plenty of eights and 8.5s from the ground jury to land a final mark of 23.1. His only nine came from US judge Robert Stevenson at M for his entry, though Brit Judy Hancock at C was less impressed, giving 6.5 for this movement.

“It’s a great start and we couldn’t be happier with Cooley Rosalent – Rosie to her friends,” said Oliver. “She’s only nine but she’s got plenty of experience at the levels below so fingers crossed she’s up to the cross-country challenge, but it looks like a serious course out there.

“I think a few riders were saying too much that it’s a four-and-a-half-star or a kinder five-star, but that isn’t the case this year. It’s pretty huge and there are lots of questions – all fair questions, but there are plenty of them and I think the time will also play a part.”

Oliver has finished second and third at Maryland the past two years and said he couldn’t give enough credit to the Maryland team.

“Everything is as you’d wish a five-star to be,” he commented.

Although Paul Ridgeon’s Cooley Rosalent is only nine years old, this is already her second five-star as she ran round Luhmühlen Horse Trials in June. She won Blenheim Horse Trials’ eight- and nine-year-old class in September. If she could also triumph here she would emulate William Fox-Pitt’s ride Oslo, who won that young horse class and then a five-star (Pau Horse Trials) the same autumn in 2011.

Oliver’s impressive performance means the three Brits who have made the trip to the US hold the top three spots after the Maryland 5 Star dressage. Piggy March (Brookfield Cavalier Cruise) is in second and William Fox-Pitt (Grafennacht) in third.

It looked like 2021 Maryland winner Boyd Martin, the last rider in, might have challenged the top three during his trot work with the light, elegant mare Contessa, but messy flying changes meant he finished the day in fifth on 28.8. He is the best placed US rider.

Monica Spencer (Artist) and Caroline Powell (Greenacres Cavalier Cruise) have claimed fourth and sixth for New Zealand, with five-star first-timer Jacob Fletcher in seventh on Fabian.

Leaderboard shake-up at Maryland 5 Star as experienced rider and first-timer impress

Pippa Roome — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:11:45 +0000

William Fox-Pitt has slotted into second place at the break during the second day of Mars Maryland 5 Star dressage.

William showed off Amanda Gould’s Grafennacht even going around the white boards before his test, pushing her into a lovely trot extension. The inexperienced 11-year-old mare wanted to look around in the first halt but the rider quickly corrected her.

She resisted slightly in the rein-back and the flying changes were less expressive and precise than some, but her consistent work was well rewarded with a score of 26.1. This puts William and Grafennacht second at this stage behind the overnight leaders, fellow Brit Piggy March and Brookfield Cavalier Cruise.

“I am very pleased with ‘Lillie’ today – she did a very good test, and was very composed,” said William. “She was quite excited and quite forward going, so did well to contain herself. There were a couple of things obviously which could have been better, as always, but she is up there and she has got every chance.”

Grafennacht is by Grafenstolz and out of Nachtigall, who was a prolific winner at British Eventing national level for Susan Eggleton, who then bred Grafennacht from her.

Willliam is one of the most experienced riders here, with a record 14 five-star titles to his name. But a five-star debutant has impressed today too – the home side’s Jacob Fletcher, 29, was the first rider into the arena and scored 29.3 to hold fifth at this stage. Riding the attractive light bay Fabian, Jacob rode a confident consistent test, marred only by slightly sub-par first and third flying changes.

“My five-star debut has been a long time coming – I’ve had several horses get qualified and it just hasn’t worked out, so it’s really exciting to get here,” said Jacob.

“It’s the first show I’ve not cared how the dressage went after walking the cross-country. Maybe that was a good thing, I was less nervous. He was really good and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

The second in was New Zealand’s Caroline Powell, who piloted Chris Mann’s neat, compact mare Greenacres Special Cavalier to a mark of 29. They fumbled their transition up to canter and the mare did not show much of the required stretch on the canter circle, but overall this was a strong performance from a young horse and Caroline currently sits fourth.

“I’m really pleased with her – there’s a bit of atmosphere and she got a wee bit tight, but she kept her cool and did all the movements. She’s only 10 and she can only improve on that,” said Caroline.

Oliver Townend will be the third and final Brit to perform in the Maryland 5 Star dressage when he takes to the arena at 3.27pm local time (8.27pm British time) riding Cooley Rosalent.

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