The decision was made recently to retire one of the best event horses in the world. Phillip wrote about Connaught’s retirement on his first Rolex blog, and I recently spoke with with him about his thoughts about the decision and Simon’s career. Phillip told me that Connaught “Simon” is retired from upper level competition but will still do some lower level competitions with his step daughter LeeLee Jones. Phillip spoke about the many incredible people who helped Simon achieve so many successes:
“Throughout his career Simon gathered some people around him that truly loved and believed in him. Carol Gee in Ireland to this day still checks in to see how he is. Julie Richards imported him and always believed in him even when things weren’t going well. His two grooms, Sara Richardson and Emma Ford, both dealt with his idiosyncrasies and always kept him at his best. Bruce Duchossois, his owner, was so loyal and committed to Simon even in the first year together when nothing seemed to go right for both of us.”
[Connaught (right) with groom Emma Ford]
Connaught, a 1993 Irish Sport Horse, should probably be remembered as the ‘King of Rolex.’ He placed 4th in ’06, 2nd in ’07, won in ’08, and was 7th at Rolex in 2009–4 straight years of top 10 Rolex performances including a win. As Phillip said, “April seemed to be Simon’s month.” Connaught also represented the US at the Beijing Olympics and, together with Phillip, he was part of one of the most formidable eventing pairs over the last 6 years.
I know that all of Eventing Nation is disappointed that we won’t get to see those fabulous gaits in the dressage or that absolutely incredible jump at Kentucky this year. I’ll always be grateful for the many wonderful performances I got to watch from Simon and to have known him in the barn at home as well as at competitions. Phillip was clearly saddened by the retirement, as we all are, and told me:
“I truly believe Simon loves to compete. I think this really shows in his exuberant jump especially on cross-country. I will never forget that feeling, and I’m now looking forward to watching Simon with LeeLee.”
Go eventing.
