Magnificent Irish-bred Ballaghmor Class adds to legacy with five-star Maryland triumph

Ballaghmor Class (ISH) and Oliver Townend (GBR) Photo: Shannon Brinkman

The Irish-bred gelding Ballaghmor Class (ISH) has cemented his place as one of the greatest horses in Eventing history, after claiming his fourth five-star competition victory in the early hours of this morning at MARS Maryland, Fair Hill in the USA.

The 17-year-old grey, bred by the late Noel Hickey and owned by Karyn Shuter, Val Ryan and Angela Hislop, had moved into the lead following Saturday’s Cross Country and could not afford a fence down in the final Show Jumping phase. He delivered a foot perfect Show Jumping performance with his British rider Oliver Townend, to take victory on a score of 31.3 ahead of New Zealander runner-up Tim Price with Falco on 34.6.

Ballaghmor Class (ISH) and Oliver Townend (GBR) Photo: Shannon Brinkman

Townend, who finished second in the inaugural MARS Maryland 5 Star in 2021 and had consecutive third place finishes the last two years, finally pushed his way to the top of the podium. “I fully expected that Tim would go clean and keep the pressure on me,” he said. “Fortunately, I am lucky to ride one of the sport’s great horses and he delivered big time.

“I wish he could carry on for another 10 years so we could retire together,” continued Townend, whose ninth five-star win ties him with Andrew Nicholson and Lucinda Green for fifth all-time behind William Fox-Pitt (14), Michael Jung (11), Sir Mark Todd (11) and Ginny Elliot (10). “He’s (Ballaghmor Class) just phenomenal and it’s my job to show the world how good he is. Luckily, I didn’t mess this one up.”

Oliver Townend pictured with one of Ballaghmor Class’ owners Karyn Shuter whom Ollie thanked after his win and said ‘Karyn is a massive part of my life and I wouldn’t still be an event rider without her’

The win for Ballaghmor Class (ISH) at Maryland 2024 adds to his five-star wins at Burghley (GBR) in 2017 and again in 2023 and Kentucky (USA) in 2021.

Irish Horse Board Director General Alison Corbally said:
“Ballaghmor Class is in a class of his own. To win four five-star events from 2017 to 2024 is an incredible achievement and spectacularly demonstrates the talent and longevity of Irish horses at the highest level of international Eventing.”

Just eight of the starting field managed to compete all three phases of the competition in Maryland with LLC Barnaby (ISH), bred by Martin Collins, finishing in eighth place with Lillian Heard (USA).

BREEDING
Ballaghmor Class (ISH) – 2007 gelding Courage II (HOLST) out of Kilderry Place (ISH). Breeder: Noel Hickey (Limerick). Rider: Oliver Townend (GBR)

LCC Barnaby (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Guy Cavalier (ISH) out of Lady Tanjour (ISH) by Rafael (KWPN) Breeder: Martin Collins (Meath). Rider: Lillian Heard (USA)