All Horses Pass CCI3* and CCI5* Horse Inspection at MARS Maryland 5 Star; One Contender Withdraws Ahead of Jog

Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam. Photo by Sally Spickard.

We enjoyed a rather uneventful First Horse Inspection this afternoon at the MARS Maryland 5 Star, presented by Brown Advisory, though we did see a hold in each division, as well as a key withdrawal from the 5* ahead of the jog.

First up, Boyd Martin announced on social media before the jog that the Turner family’s On Cue, the inaugural winner at Maryland in 2021, will not go forward to competition and is in fact going to step down from competing at the upper levels at the age of 18.

“I have decided to withdraw On Cue from this year’s Maryland 5 Star,” Boyd wrote on social. “While she feels happy and healthy, I felt she was starting to struggle in her final gallops and jump schools. I am incredibly proud of everything On Cue and I have accomplished together, and after discussing it with the Turner family, we have decided to step her down from the top of the sport.

On Cue has been a true champion, finishing in the top 10 at Burghley, Kentucky, and Maryland. She gave me my second ever 5* win at the inaugural #MD5Star and she has also taken National Titles in the USEF 5* Championship at Kentucky and the AEC Advanced Final. Not to mention, being named Mare and Horse of the Year in 2021.

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!”

Grace Taylor and Game Changer. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Moving to the jog itself, one pair — Olivia Miller and Cooley Starstruck — was asked to jog twice and then held. After re-inspection, Olivia and “Aiden” were accepted on to competition. In the 5*, British-based U.S. rider Grace Taylor was sent to the hold box with Game Changer, but was also accepted when she came back to re-present.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Sally Spickard.

We don’t have official ride times just yet, but they will be coming soon to the timing and scoring platform here, so keep this link marked for easy reference.

We’ll see you tomorrow for the commencement of competition!

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