It’s time to kick things off at the MARS Maryland 5 Star, presented by Brown Advisory! The newest addition to the global CCI5* line-up returns for its fourth running this year, and the weather looks absolutely beautiful for the week ahead.
We’ve been hard at work putting together the official Digital Program for the event, which will be live soon, but in the meantime let’s go ahead and sneak a peek at this year’s field. The Form Guide below will also be included inside the Digital Program for ease of access during the competition.
We’ve included some stats from Equiratings on each pair, and you can view an explainer of these stats and view more for this event here.
Stay tuned for our Ultimate Guide publishing tomorrow, which will contain more information on the event’s schedule and live stream (all of this information can currently be found on the Maryland 5 Star website here).
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Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam
Twilightslastgleam, affectionately nicknamed “Comic” or “Grandpa” for his laid-back barn persona, is a familiar face on the Fair Hill grounds. This 14-year-old Thoroughbred, bred by owners Nina and Tim Gardner, has been with Jennie Brannigan since his start in eventing, even competing here at Fair Hill in the USEA Young Event Horse Championships “back in the day”. Since his CCI5* debut at Maryland in 2022, he’s been on a steady rise, now gearing up for his fourth 5* start. After a 16th place at Kentucky this spring and an identical finish at Maryland in his debut (as well as at Kentucky in 2023, when he finished 17th), he returns with an eye on moving up the final leaderboard.
Expect Comic to land in the low-to-mid 30s in dressage. He’s got clear cross country rounds in spades, a pesky 11 penalties for a frangible pin activation at Kentucky this spring marring an otherwise near-perfect international record in recent seasons. In show jumping, he’s demonstrated the ability to leave the rails up, though he’s had some poles down at the 5* level, something Jennie will have been working closely with her jumping coach, Peter Wylde, to iron out the final touches.
Comic’s American roots run deep; his dam, Royal Child, traces back to the Gardners’ breeding program beginnings in the 1980s, and his sire, National Anthem, retired sound after a nine-year racing career. While he started training on the Fair Hill racetrack, eventing quickly became his true calling, and with his calm demeanor and strong cross-country record, he’s ready to show the Maryland crowd just how far he’s come.
Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl
It’s a homecoming for 2012 Olympian Tiana Coudray, who’s returning to the U.S. to contest the Maryland 5 Star with her pint-sized powerhouse, Cancaras Girl, known as “Cara.” This tenacious mare may be small in stature, but she’s full of grit and personality, proving her mettle with a respectable 29.8 in dressage at Badminton this spring, where she went on to finish 25th in her first completion at the level.
Though Cara is still finding her footing at this level, she has shown flashes of brilliance — a ninth-place finish in Bramham’s challenging CCI4*-L in 2022 is just one example. Tiana, a seasoned competitor and an Olympic rider who last competed at this level about a decade ago with the inimitable Ringwood Magister, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this exciting young horse. A few cross-country hiccups in her final prep runs might make her more of an underdog on paper, but with Tiana’s experience producing young horses, they could easily deliver a standout performance.
This trip marks an important step in Cara’s development as a future star. Her journey from spontaneous Facebook purchase to 5* competitor speaks to her unique charm and tenacity. She might not be the statistical favorite, but if she can reproduce that low-30s dressage score, jump confidently around the cross-country, and leave up most of the rails on Sunday, she’ll certainly leave an impression.
Buck Davidson and Sorocaima
Buck Davidson and Sorocaima, his Kentucky-bred OTTB, are back for another spin at Maryland following a stellar sixth-place finish at Kentucky this spring, where “Cam” finally delivered a clear show jumping round at the 5* level — his first at the upper FEI levels since 2021. This flashy bay has a fascinating backstory, having earned over $80,000 on the track before retiring from racing in 2015 and making his way to Buck’s barn in 2020 via his good friend Jill Henneberg. Since then, Cam has steadily climbed the ranks, debuting at the 5* level in 2022 with solid performances at both Kentucky and Maryland, where he secured a top-10 finish last fall.
We can expect Cam to score in the mid-30s on the flat, having previously logged a 37 at Kentucky, and a 34.2 at Maryland most recently, but it’s cross country where this horse really shines. In 21 FEI starts, he’s only picked up jumping penalties on cross country thrice. While time penalties are usually on the docket for this powerful OTTB, that’s more a function of his sheer power than any lack of pace – and he did jump around Kentucky with just 0.8 time added.
Show jumping has historically been Cam’s trickiest phase, but with his Kentucky clear round this spring, there’s reason to believe he’s turned a corner. He kept it to a single rail in last year’s Kentucky, which was a massive improvement over 2022. If Buck and Cam can repeat their form in the show jumping here, they’ll be well-positioned to make another strong run at the top of the leaderboard.
David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed
Galileo Nieuwmoed, known as a finish-on-his-dressage specialist, returns to the U.S. with Great Britain’s David Doel after a solid season that saw them finish ninth at Luhmühlen in June, adding just two rails and two time penalties to a dressage score of 36.5. This seasoned gelding, now heading into his ninth 5*, has a stellar record, placing outside the top 10 only once, at Pau in 2021. Last year, he nearly clinched the Burghley title, finishing a close second, just 0.7 points away from the winners.
After a bumpy start in his first 5* at Bicton during the Covid hiatus, Galileo proved his potential with a standout performance at Pau, where a clear cross-country run put him in contention for the win before a few poles dropped him to 15th. Since then, he’s gone from strength to strength, finishing sixth at Badminton as the highest-placed first-timer in 2022 and following that up with a clear inside the time at Pau, missing the podium by a whisker in fourth.
David and Galileo have demonstrated an uncanny ability to finish on their dressage score, achieving this feat six times in FEI competition since 2022. Their Kentucky run last year landed them in eighth, and their Burghley performance reinforced their status as a formidable duo at the level. They’ll be traveling to Maryland this weekend with the aim of finally claiming that elusive top spot. With Galileo’s knack for fast and clear cross-country rounds and David’s myriad experience, this is a pair well-positioned to take on the Maryland 5 Star – and potentially secure a podium finish.
Cosby Green and Highly Suspicious
Cosby Green brings forward a CCI5* debutant in the 14-year-old Highly Suspicious, a horse who went over to the UK with her when she relocated to train with Tim and Jonelle Price. Cosby now has loads of experience at the CCI5* level thanks to her veteran partner, the ageless Copper Beach, which now gives her the preparation to build on for this new-to-the-level horse.
Even so, don’t count this pair quite out for a competitive showing here. They’ve got back-to-back podium finishes in 4* competition this year, including a second place at Millstreet’s 4*-L in May. This horse has been competing at the Advanced and 4* level for a few years now, and Cosby will have ticked every box en route to this debut to ensure the step up doesn’t feel like a leap up.
This weekend is a homecoming for Cosby, who’s been based in the UK ever since she graduated from college and received supportive funding from the USEA Foundation. Expect to see plenty of friends and family from her hometown of Lexington, KY, where we’re sure their uproar will follow her around cross country.
Emily Hamel and Corvett
Emily Hamel and Corvett, known to his fans as “Barry,” return to Maryland with a wealth of experience and an impressive track record at the 5* level. At 17 years old, Barry has become something of a spectator’s favorite with his eye-catching jump and Emily’s remarkable stickability, which has made them a viral sensation more than once. This pair comes off a solid 15th place at Luhmühlen in June, along with a podium finish at Stable View Oktoberfest’s CCI4*-S just last month, where they claimed third.
Barry’s flamboyant jumping style may cost them a few seconds on the cross-country clock, and they typically land in the mid-30s in dressage, but what they bring to the table is invaluable 5* mileage, having tackled the likes of Badminton, Burghley, Luhmühlen, Maryland, and Kentucky, finishing in 10th at the latter in 2023. Earlier this season, they also contributed to Team USA’s silver medal at Millstreet’s CCIO4*, showcasing their dependability in team settings.
With seven 5* completions under their belt at five of the seven events in the world, Emily and Barry are among the most seasoned combinations in the Maryland field. Armed with this experience and Barry’s boldness on cross country, they’ll be looking to make the most of their return to Fair Hill, aiming for another strong performance as they continue to impress fans with their unique style and grit.
Lillian Heard Wood and LCC Barnaby
Lillian brings her longtime partner LCC Barnaby to Maryland for an incredible 15th 5* start, making him the most experienced horse in the field. At 18 years old, Barnaby has seen it all, having made his 5* debut at Kentucky back in 2016 and since competing across the U.S. and British 5* events, including multiple appearances at both Badminton and Burghley,. Though his 2023 season has included a few unexpected moments — such as an elimination in dressage at Kentucky and an unusual cross-country blip at Bromont in August — he capped it off with a career-best finish just outside the top ten here at Maryland last fall, underscoring his enduring form.
Barnaby’s strength has always been his cross country prowess, and it’s where he truly shines. With just a handful cross country jumping penalties in his 45 FEI competitions, he’s a consistent performer who knows his job inside and out. While dressage is typically their most challenging phase, usually in the upper 30s, Lillian has shared how much more rideable and agreeable Barnaby has become, even as he gets older. His enthusiasm hasn’t waned, and he still approaches each event with eagerness and energy.
Though he often picks up double-digit time penalties on cross-country, Barnaby’s reliable both there and in the show jumping phase, where he averaged just one rail in each of his 5* completions last season. This Maryland run promises to be a celebration of Barnaby’s remarkable career, and fans will be delighted to watch this senior statesman of the eventing world attack the course with his trademark enthusiasm.
Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z
Ema Klugman, riding for Australia, brings Bronte Beach Z to Maryland after the mare’s successful 5* debut at Kentucky, where they finished 21st. Ema, known for her partnership with the late, beloved Bendigo, now looks to continue her 5* journey with Bronte, a bay mare whose name reflects her Australian heritage: pronounced “Bron-tee,” not “Bron-tay.”
Bronte has been a steady, consistent partner for Ema, boasting a solid FEI record with just one elimination due to a rider fall in 2022. She tends to start with dressage scores in the low to mid-30s and often adds time faults on cross-country, thanks to her careful, thoughtful approach and the fact that to this point, Ema’s been primarily concerned with education and building that all-important base of fitness needed to be properly competitive at this level.
Show jumping can be their trickiest phase, where Bronte may pick up a couple of rails, but she typically places within or just outside the top ten at the 4* level. The forever-studious Ema will have been working hard on fine-tuning Bronte’s skills ahead of this second 5*, where she’ll look to be that much more competitive as the mare continues to gain experience.
Allie Knowles and Morswood
Allie Knowles brings her seasoned partner Morswood back to the 5* level for the seventh time, aiming to put a challenging Badminton run behind them after an early parting of ways on cross country this spring. The pair quickly regrouped, finishing a strong 11th in the Bramham CCI4*-L as part of their reroute. Lexington, KY-based Allie has honed Morswood’s skills on both sides of the Atlantic, with the gelding bringing valuable experience from his early days competing under Piggy March and Susie Berry at British events like Burnham Market and Barbury Castle.
Now 16, the Irish Sport Horse chestnut affectionately known as “Ginge” has proven to be a consistent performer under Allie’s guidance since 2018. Dressage is not always his favorite phase, but he typically scores in the low-30s or high-20s, with a personal best of 28.8 at the 5* level earned at this event in 2022. Morswood’s cross country abilities are where he truly shines, tackling big tracks with confidence. Although he usually accumulates a few time faults, he’s reliable when it comes to jumping clear. Show jumping remains a bit of a wildcard for this pair, with Morswood sometimes prone to a rail or two, but on a good day, they’re more than capable of keeping it tidy.
As they tackle Ian Stark’s final course at Maryland, Allie and Morswood will be looking to draw on their wealth of experience and settle any unfinished business from earlier in the season. Aiming for a confident, clear round, they could very well find themselves in the mix for a top 10 finish (or better!) if all goes to plan.
Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye
Canadian Olympian Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye are a midnight-hour addition to the field here this weekend, actually choosing Maryland 5 Star as a reroute from the Morven Park CCI4*-L last weekend after they retired early on cross country there. “Goldie” may be diminutive in size, but he’s a big powerhouse jumper that also spends time in the pure show jumping ring with Colleen throughout the season. They picked up 20 penalties at Morven Park simply due to the fact that Colleen couldn’t quite get back in the tack after a major jump down a “Leaf Pit” drop, missing her line to the C element. Not a huge cause for concern, and this horse is one with a veritable amount of 4* experience to deem him as prepared as possible for what will be a 5* debut.
Goldie has been competing at the Advanced and 4* level since 2020, also representing Canada at the 2019 and 2023 Pan American Games, contributing to a team gold in 2023. This pair has a CCI4*-S win under their belt earlier this year at Tryon International, and Colleen has made sure to tick off some of the tougher preps in the U.S. en route to this debut, including Bromont, Morven Park, and the Lexington 4*-S.
Boyd Martin and Commando 3
Boyd Martin brings his Paris reserve horse, Commando 3, to Maryland after successful early going at the 4* level highlighted by wins at both the Morven Park CCI4*-L and Stable View’s 4*-S. Known as “Connor” in the barn, this striking gelding has rapidly proven himself as a reliable and competitive partner for Boyd after being acquired from former Swedish rider Louise Romeike. A consistent performer with an impressive FEI record, Connor demonstrated his versatility this year by delivering top-tier dressage scores averaging in the mid- or low-20s, and backing them up with bold, fast cross country rounds that have become his hallmark. Since joining Boyd’s string in 2022, Commando 3 has grown more confident with each outing, excelling in the jumping phases. In fact, Boyd’s called this horse one of the best potential championship horses he’s ever sat on.
As they take on this CCI5* debut, Boyd will be looking to capitalize on the experience that has made Connor his direct reserve for the Olympics. While this is a debut, one shouldn’t expect Boyd to rest on his laurels – he’ll be out to test the horse’s 5* mettle, and while he could wind up taking some more time on cross country to ensure a good experience, we can still expect to see this duo come out with a competitive edge and a game plan as Boyd looks to round out his season with a strong finish at the 5* level.
Boyd Martin and On Cue
Boyd Martin also brings On Cue, his Maryland 5 Star winning partner from 2021, back to Fair Hill for what may be one of her last 5* appearances. Known for her powerful cross-country prowess and ladylike demeanor in the barn, On Cue has established herself as one of Boyd’s most beloved partners. At 18, this seasoned mare has been lightly campaigned this year, earning a fifth-place finish at the Bromont 3*-S in August after retiring on cross country at Kentucky in April when Boyd felt she wasn’t quite herself.
With a storied career that includes clinching the inaugural Maryland 5 Star title and breaking a long U.S. drought at the top level, On Cue brings a wealth of experience and a knack for delivering under pressure. Boyd will be drawing on their years of partnership to navigate Ian Stark’s tough track, leveraging her maturity and consistency to aim for another solid result.
Beyond her accomplishments in competition, “Cue” has also made her mark as a broodmare, producing three foals via embryo transfer who are now starting their own eventing journeys – one of which, Rubix Cue, is even competing this weekend in the Young Event Horse 4-Year-Old Championships here at the Maryland 5 Star. With her impressive legacy both on the course and in the breeding shed, Cue’s Maryland appearance is as much a celebration of her career as it is a competitive endeavor. Boyd and Cue will undoubtedly attract plenty of attention as they return to the venue where they made history, aiming to finish their season on a high note.
Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg
Boyd’s longtime partner Tsetserleg, known worldwide as “Thomas,” needs little introduction to most eventing fans. This diminutive gelding brings an impressive depth of experience to this year’s Maryland 5 Star. This will mark Thomas’s ninth 5* start, but if you count his appearances at the Tokyo Olympics, the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, and the 2022 FEI World Championships in Italy, he’s making his 12th appearance at the highest level. As one of Boyd’s most trusted campaigners, Thomas has consistently shown up for the big moments, with highlights that include multiple top-10 finishes and a fourth-place finish at Kentucky in 2021.
At 17, this U.S.-bred Trakehner gelding is as reliable as they come, known for his smooth dressage work where he regularly scores in the low 30s, and his cat-like agility on cross country. While he’s not always the fastest horse on course, Thomas’s precision and composure make him a formidable competitor over technical tracks. Show jumping can often be a touch unpredictable, with the occasional rail, but on a good day, Thomas is more than capable of leaving the jumps intact, and Boyd’s got a stellar not-so-secret weapon in this phase in show jumping Olympian Peter Wylde (as well as superstar dressage rider Silva Martin in the wings as dressage coach… and wife).
Having represented the U.S. on the world stage, Thomas brings a full passport of international experience to Maryland. With his deep bond with Boyd and years of partnership, they’ll be looking to draw on that familiarity as they tackle Ian Stark’s final course and aim for another top finish. Thomas’ consistency and grit make him a fan favorite, so he’ll no doubt be one to watch as he takes on yet another major event with Boyd by his side.
Harry Meade and Away Cruising
Harry Meade returns to Maryland with his experienced partner in Away Cruising, fondly known as “Spot,” for their 10th 5* start. This accomplished pair finished 20th at Badminton earlier this year, adding to their impressive resume, which includes three Burghley completions and solid performances at Luhmühlen and Badminton. Spot’s best 5* result came at Burghley in 2018, where they claimed sixth place, showcasing their cross country expertise and consistent form.
At 17, Spot is known for his reliability across the country, where he typically delivers clear rounds with just a few time penalties due to his deliberate, balanced approach. A cross country specialist, he rarely has a jumping penalty on his FEI record. While his dressage tends to be competitive, often landing in the high 20s to low 30s, show jumping can occasionally cause a slip in their final placement, as was the case at Badminton this year when a few rails dropped them down the leaderboard.
Harry has produced Spot from a young age, developing him into a stalwart at the top level, and there’s a sense that this talented gelding has yet to fully realize his potential on the 5* stage. With his sights set on Ian Stark’s course, Harry will no doubt be aiming for a smooth and efficient trip around, hoping to add a Maryland completion to their extensive record. After a successful and steady career, it would be fitting to see Spot round out his season with a strong showing and perhaps a well-deserved place in the prize giving.
Harry Meade and Et Hop du Matz
Harry Meade brings forward his exciting young talent, Et Hop du Matz, for the 10-year-old’s CCI5* debut at Maryland. This impressive Selle Français gelding, making waves on the international circuit, has already proven himself on big, tough courses, including a top-10 finish at the Bramham CCI4*-L this summer, where cross country was also designed by Ian Stark. Last fall, he tackled the notoriously challenging Blenheim CCI4*-L and finished comfortably in the top 20, a testament to his scope and maturity at this level.
This trip to Maryland is set to be an educational one for “Hoppy”, but Harry’s careful production of this horse
suggests he’s ready for the challenge. His prowess at Blenheim and Bramham show a strength for preferring a beefy track over something flatter and more technical such as Pau (the other late-season CCI5* on the calendar), this gelding is primed to tackle the Maryland terrain and questions Ian Stark has laid out. Though Harry may not be expecting a win this weekend, the smaller field and Hoppy’s ability to finish on his dressage score could set them up for a surprise result.
A look at his record shows Harry’s methodical approach to producing his horses, with a focus on building experience and confidence rather than chasing the clock. That said, Hoppy has already achieved double-clear rounds at both 4*-L events he’s completed, proving he’s more than capable of performing under pressure. With his keen eye for potential and a strategy focused on building up for the long term, Harry has brought this horse along intentionally, and Maryland will be an exciting step in what promises to be a bright future. Keep an eye on this pair as they test their mettle on a true 5* course and take one step closer to joining Harry’s top-level ranks.
Joe Meyer and Harbin
New Zealand Olympian Joe Meyer returns to the 5* level with Harbin, following a solid first 5* attempt at Kentucky earlier this year. Harbin, originally purchased as a two-year-old racehorse for €40,000, may not have found success on the track, but he’s certainly come into his own in the eventing world. Since Joe took over the ride in 2021 from Rebecca Brown, who brought the gelding up to the 3* level, Harbin has tackled ten 4* events, making steady progress with each outing.
Joe’s approach has been to carefully develop Harbin’s confidence and consistency at the upper levels, making the most of each competition to build toward big tracks like Kentucky and now Maryland.
With his experience and Harbin’s tenacity, Joe will be looking to tackle Ian Stark’s final international course with a game plan centered around the gelding’s strengths: bold cross country and clean jumping phases. While they may not be expected to top the leaderboard, the duo has the potential to deliver a strong finish in a smaller field. Maryland will be another important milestone in Harbin’s growing career, and Joe’s steady guidance could set them up for a solid performance on this big stage.
Joe says this horse reminds him strongly of his former top horse, Snip, another flea-bitten gray Thoroughbred who stole many eventing fans’ hearts with his tenacity and athleticism. To see Harbin on cross country is a bit of a déjà vu experience, and we know Snip would be proud.
Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent
Three-time Olympian Jessie Phoenix brings Fluorescent Adolescent, her eye-catching skewbald mare, to Maryland for a much-anticipated 5* debut. Known around the barn for her distinctive coloring and bold personality, this mare has been meticulously produced by Jessie, who recognized her potential early on and went on to take the reins over from her student, Makayla Rydzik, when she was heading to college. Originally not necessarily touted to become an eventing star, “Lacey” has steadily impressed as she’s risen through the levels, showcasing both bravery and agility over the toughest of tracks.
Their FEI record reveals consistent performances at the 4* level, with finishes including a solid completion at the Bromont CCI4*-L, where they finished in the top 20. At the notoriously tough Bromont and Blenheim courses, she demonstrated an impressive clear cross-country run with just a handful of time penalties. Known for her reliability on cross country, Lacey has only picked up a couple of cross country jumping penalties throughout her FEI career, proving that she’s up for the challenge of big, beefy tracks like Ian Stark’s Maryland course.
While her dressage scores have typically hovered in the mid-30s, she brings natural athleticism and a powerful jump to the cross country phase, where she often recovers ground. Show jumping has occasionally brought a rail or two, but Jessie’s careful management and focus on developing the mare’s confidence have shown tremendous progress. For this debut, Jessie and Fluorescent Adolescent aim to finish on their dressage score, a task well within reach for this duo.
Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit
Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit the OTTB return to the 5* level at Maryland, marking the 14-year-old gelding’s fifth attempt at this level. This Canadian-bred former racehorse has gained a reputation for his boldness and stamina, essential qualities that have helped him successfully navigate the world’s toughest courses. With four 5* completions, including a 30th place finish at Badminton earlier this year and an 11th place finish at Burghley in 2023, Wabbit has steadily proven his mettle in top-level competition.
Wabbit typically starts with dressage scores in the mid-to-upper 30s, which put him mid-pack going into cross country, but he more than makes up for it with his dependable performance across the country. His FEI record boasts a perfect scorecard for cross-country jumping penalties at the 5* level, with just one frangible pin penalty on his record through his FEI career. While he sometimes accumulates time penalties, Wabbit and his adorable ears consistently demonstrate sharp instincts and a willingness to tackle even the toughest combinations.
In show jumping, Wabbit’s performance can vary, with a mix of one-rail and multi-rail rounds on his record, as is often found with Thoroughbreds who aren’t bred for hind-end push and power like pure show jumpers. In 2023, however, he showed marked improvement with just a single rail at Burghley (and on grass, to boot), indicating that his progress in this phase may yet yield a strong result in Maryland.
Tim Price and Falco
Tim Price, former World Number 1 and three-time Olympian who also won here at Maryland with Coup du Coeur Dudevin (2022), brings his Paris partner, Falco, to Maryland for another shot at a 5* title. This doughty gelding, known for his love of doughnuts and nicknamed “Mr. Nice Guy” by his team, has established himself as a serious competitor at the championship level, with impressive accolades to his name. Falco clinched the win at Pau in 2021 and more recently represented New Zealand with distinction at the Pratoni World Championships in 2022, earning team silver and an individual bronze. After a strong showing in Paris this summer, where he finished 6th individually, Falco has returned to full form, also leaving behind a scare with emergency colic surgery last year, which unfortunately kept him from competing in Maryland in 2023.
Falco’s career trajectory has been a steady climb, with Tim describing him as a horse who never makes the same mistake twice. Known for his natural talent in all three phases, Falco pairs flair on the flat with nearly faultless show jumping, having last knocked a rail back in 2021. Cross country has historically been the most challenging phase for Falco, but his increasing consistency has validated Tim’s faith in him. Over the past few years, he’s developed into a reliable partner across even the toughest tracks, shedding the occasional run-out that once characterized his early outings. With the winter show jumping season under his belt alongside his wife, Jonelle, Tim will be looking to apply their shared competitive edge to Maryland’s 5* course.
Tamie Smith and Mai Baum
Tamie Smith brings her celebrated partner, Mai Baum, to Maryland for his final 5* appearance, marking the end of a storied career at this level. Known as “Lexus” in the barn, this striking gelding has delivered countless highlights, including a historic win at the Kentucky 5* in 2023, where they became the first U.S. pair to claim the title since 2008. This year has brought its share of highs and lows for Tamie and Lexus; initially touted as a shoo-in for the Paris Olympics, the pair had to step back from those plans after Lexus sustained a minor injury earlier in the season. However, Tamie kept her chin up and set about preparing Lexus, who she said felt “better than ever” this year, for a meaningful Plan B here at Maryland.
Lexus, who was originally brought to the U.S. by Michelle Pestl and was competed through the Intermediate and CCI3* level with his owner, Alex Ahearn, has consistently been a standout in dressage, earning low-20s and even high-teens scores that give him a competitive edge from the start. His agility and boldness on cross country, combined with his nearly flawless show jumping record, have made him one of the most reliable 5* horses in recent years. Despite the numerous setbacks that have dogged them, Tamie and Lexus have cultivated a deep partnership, handling each challenge with resilience and grit.
As they prepare for their final 5* together at Maryland, Tamie will be looking to celebrate everything that makes Lexus such a remarkable partner. With Ian Stark’s course awaiting, this farewell run is sure to be a special one for the duo. Fans will be watching as they aim to put in a polished, clear round to honor Lexus’s legacy, bringing his career to a fitting conclusion on American soil. This Maryland appearance marks the end of an era, and it’s a final chapter that promises to be as memorable as the incredible journey that brought them here.
Grace Taylor and Game Changer
Grace Taylor, daughter of British team selector Nigel Taylor and U.S. eventing Olympian Ann Sutton, brings Game Changer to Maryland for a shot at 5* redemption. Originally slated for a Kentucky run this spring, Grace made a last-minute switch to stay on home soil and tackle her first Badminton, where they completed the event with valuable experience. Their 5* debut came at Burghley, where they made an immediate impression, scoring a career-best 28.9 in dressage to sit top ten after the first phase. They followed that with a steady, clear cross country round, incurring some time faults, but ultimately had to withdraw before the final horse inspection, leaving them hungry for a full completion.
This pair’s journey reflects a thoughtful progression through the levels, with a top-ten finish at Bramham CCI4*-L further underscoring their capability. Game Changer generally lands dressage scores in the mid-30s but has shown that he can rise to the occasion, as he did at Burghley. Cross country is a strong phase for the pair (dare we say… a “game changer”?), with Game Changer’s steady, bold style and Grace’s strategic approach helping them handle tough questions with confidence. In show jumping, they may add a rail or two, but their focus this week will be on putting together a complete 5* performance.
Grace has also benefited from a wealth of education throughout her career, at one point working for Oliver Townend as well as Karen O’Connor and Marilyn Little.
Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class
Oliver Townend returns to the 5* stage with his seasoned campaigner, Ballaghmor Class, an outright legend of the sport with a string of impressive results and victories. Known for their exceptional partnership, this pair has three CCI5* trophies to their name (Burghley 2017, Kentucky 2021, Burghley 2023). As one of the most decorated combinations in the field, Oliver and “Thomas” bring with them a weight of expectation that they will repeat the consistent success seen in their nine previous CCI5*s. It’s a weight Oliver carries proudly; this has been a true horse of a lifetime for him, also earning him a team gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
At 17, Ballaghmor Class remains a formidable competitor, particularly in dressage, where he consistently produces strong scores, often breaking into the mid-to-low 20s. Cross country is where this pair shines; Ballaghmor Class is known for his efficient gallop, massive scope, and confidence over technical questions, and Oliver’s aggressive yet precise style makes them a perfect match. +
Show jumping has been another reliable phase for Ballaghmor Class, with a record of clear rounds in the final phase that keeps him competitive among the best in the world. With so many 5* wins already under their belt, this pair will be looking to add another top result at Maryland – and a win or a podium here would be a poignant one, as at 17 this year, it’s not impossible to think that the amount of 5* starts where we’ll see this incredible horse are numbered.
Lindsay Traisnel and Bacyrouge
Canadian eventer Lindsay Traisnel brings her talented partner Bacyrouge to Maryland for their first 5* challenge – and Linsay’s first since 2012. Based in Ontario with her husband, Xavier, Lindsay has built an impressive career on both sides of the Atlanti thanks to some time spent based in Europe, where she found “Dreamy”. Originally intended to be a resale project, Bacyrouge has now proven to be an exceptional partner, with highlights including a team gold medal and individual bronze won at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
Bacyrouge’s FEI record shows a consistent performer, with clear cross country rounds that showcase his athleticism and boldness over challenging combinations. While dressage isn’t always his strongest phase, with scores typically in the mid-30s, he makes up ground in the jumping phases. On cross country, Bacyrouge is capable of catching or getting close to the optimum time, though we may not see that skill on full display this weekend as Lindsay will prioritize a positive experience for a 5* debut. For the final day, Bacyrouge is also coming off of a hot streak of clear rounds in FEI competition that stretches back to 2023.
Bubby Upton and Cola
British rising star Bubby Upton returns to the 5* level with Cola, determined to make her mark after a challenging year. Last summer, Bubby’s season took an unexpected turn when a major accident left her with multiple broken bones, including several vertebrae, just weeks before Burghley. The injury required her to withdraw from the event she’d been eagerly preparing for and set her back in her competitive plans.
Now, after a remarkable recovery, Bubby is back in action, riding with a renewed sense of purpose, especially after being left off the insanely deep British squad for the Paris Olympics. Maryland presents the perfect stage for her to showcase her resilience and Cola’s talent.
Cola has been a consistent performer at the 5* level, with an impressive track record across all three phases. Known for their competitive dressage scores, typically landing in the high 20s, Bubby and Cola often start with a strong position. Cola’s a generally reliable jumper, with just some freak penalties spotting their ultra-competitive FEI record. It’s very much been a story of “almost, but just not quite” at this level for Bubby and Cola, and a big finish here would mean an infinite amount to this resilient pair.
