Austin O’Connor takes catch ride in $100,000 US eventing showcase

Maryland 5 Star results 2023: Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue — Austin O’Connor claps his hand to his mouth after his showjumping clear at Maryland 5 Star 2023 on Colorado Blue.

(Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

Five-star winner Austin O’Connor has jetted back across the Atlantic to take a catch ride in a $100,000 (£79,148) eventing grand prix.

Austin, who delivered Ireland’s first top-level eventing victory in 50 years at Maryland 5 Star aboard Colorado Blue in October, is contesting the Conceal Grand Prix Eventing Showcase in South Carolina (1 to 2 March).

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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.

Irish five-star winner heads stateside for catch ride in $100,000 showcase

Dressage and showjumping take place today (1 March), and competitors will tackle the Mark Phillips-designed arena cross-country track tomorrow.

Austin has caught the ride on Carlson 119, a 14-year-old advanced horse usually ridden by Amanda Beale Clement and owned by the Get Ready Syndicate.

“I’m lucky to be given the opportunity to ride a horse like him,” said Austin. “The main thing is not to irritate him, to make sure he’s happy, and that I don’t change his system. I’ve got to adapt to him, more than him adapt to me.

“He seems happy and confident, so I’m not going to change things instantly. It’s a case of keeping him confident and feeling, ‘I quite like this new guy on my back!’”

He said the venue at Bruce’s Field lends itself very well to the showcase, adding: “I can imagine it’s going to be a real crowd-pleaser. It’s almost a case of one seat sees all; I think it’s an excellent format and a great slight variation of the sport.”

The cross-country track covers multiple arenas and comprises 29 efforts over 2,275m. Many of the fences are jumped in both directions.

Liz Halliday-Sharp, who was based in Britain for many years, has three horses among the starters. Others exciting names include leading five-star performers Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan, as well as New Zealand’s Monica Spencer with Artist.

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