Oliver Townend is celebrating the ninth five-star win of his career following victory at the MARS Maryland CCI5* presented by Brown Advisory in the USA yesterday aboard Ballaghmor Class.

The rider — who will be appearing in the SEIB Main Arena at Your Horse Live next month — was clearly emotional about the result. It is his fourth success at this level with Ballaghmor Class, who is the third horse in history to win four or more five-star titles.

“I wish he could carry on for another 10 years so that we could retire together,” said OIiver about the 17-year-old grey who is owned by Karyn Shuter, Val Ryan and Angela Hislop, and whose other top-level wins were recorded at Burghley in 2017 and 2023, and Kentucky in 2021.

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

Into the record books

Maryland has been a case of ‘so close’ for Oliver in previous years. He finished second in the inaugural fixture in 2021, before consecutive third placings for the last two years.

He now has the same number of five-star titles (nine) to his name as New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson and British rider Lucinda Green.

“Fortunately, I am lucky to ride one of the sport’s great horses and he delivered big time,” said Oliver.

The trio are fifth in the history books for record number of CCI5* wins, behind Ginny Elliot (10 titles), Sir Mark Todd (11), Michael Jung (12) and William Fox-Pitt (14).

Falco finishes second

New Zealand’s Tim Price, the 2022 Maryland winner, piloted 15-year-old Falco into second ahead of Britain’s David Doel, who finished third aboard Galileo Nieuwmoed.

Buck Davidson was best of the host nation in fourth with Sorocaima.

British duo Bubby Upton — who made an emotional return to the competitive fray earlier this year following a serious back injury — and Cola finished fifth.

It was a small field with eight finishers from a field of 23 starters. Of these, 13 horses were retired or eliminated during the cross-country phase.

“[Course designer] Ian Stark’s final cross-country course was beautiful and challenged the sport’s most elite riders and their horses,” said Jeff Newman, event president and CEO.

“The weather was outstanding and the crowds throughout the weekend were incredible to see. Thank you to the FEI riders and officials for coming from around the world to help lay the groundwork for this event, to the staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to get it off the ground, and our fans who continue to show us amazing support every year.”

A good test of fitness

US riders dominated the CCI3*-L competition, with Sharon White, who was part of the US team that took home silver in the Pan American Games last year, securing the win.

Riding the eight-year-old Westphalian mare Jaguars Duende, the pair jumped from ninth place to first after a brilliant clear cross-country round.

“Maryland is a unique place and a good test of fitness and a very proper course,” said Sharon.

“The atmosphere is unreal and special in both the dressage and showjumping, so it’s such a good education for a horse. To me, I want not to overwhelm them and if you really produce them confidently, sometimes you have to be a little patient and I don’t mind being patient.”

Sara Schulman and Cooley Chromatic held onto second place throughout the entire competition.

Two-time Olympian Will Coleman piloted Fahrenheit Addict into third.

View the full five-star leaderboard and three-star leaderboard

Main image of Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class © Shannon Brinkman Photo

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