Showjumping world champion mare dies aged 26
Dermott Lennon’s multiple gold medal-winning ride Liscalgot has died aged 26.
The Irishman partnered the mare to individual gold at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain, and European team gold in Arnham, Holland, in 2001.
Known as “Shirley” at home, Dermott took on the Irish sports horse as a four-year-old.
He confirmed on social media today (Tuesday, 6 December) that Shirley died “peacefully at home” on Saturday (3 December).
“Shirley had many talents and qualities, but the one that always stroke me as quite exceptional was her intelligence,” said Dermott.
“It is what made her stand out from the rest. To me and my family Shirley truly was the horse of a lifetime.
“We feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a special friend for over 20 years. Thank you, Shirley, for everything.”
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Together the pair enjoyed victories in young horse classes and at both national and international level, including several grand prixs and nations cups.
In the spring of 2002, the partnership’s future together was secured after a consortium of three Irish owners teamed together to buy the mare from former owner Terence Harvey for a “substantial sum”.
When Mr Harvey revealed the horse was for sale, some huge international offers were made. There were also rumours the Irish government may step in to secure the horse for the Irish team.
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But it was Woods Rosbotham, Sam Thompson and James Acheson who stepped in to buy the daughter of Touchdown, securing her future with Dermott.
Following her successful jumping career, Shirley went on to become a broodmare and currently has offspring competing up to CSI4* level.
These include Calgot Pleasure, who is being campaigned by Thai rider Janakabhorn Karunayadhaj; Calgot Hero, who is with Aoife Dooley; and Class Of Touch Hero, who competed in his first four-star show at Bolesworth with Dermott this year.
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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.