MARYLAND 19–22 October
@pipparoomeorkyle
Maryland, USA
“THE end result of a lifetime’s work,” was how Irishman Austin O’Connor described claiming his first five-star title at Maryland.
Before Badminton this year, the 48-year-old’s best top-level result was rising 63 places to finish fourth in a wet year at the British spring classic on Simply Rhett. In tricky conditions again this spring, he and The Salty Syndicate’s Colorado Blue moved up from 34th to finish third with the fastest cross-country time.
“I did say when I looked up at the podium at Badminton, tongue-in-cheek, that it wouldn’t be long before there was an Irish winner and I hope you’re looking at him,” said Austin.
The rider remembered that in 1999, the Badminton winner was Maryland cross-country course-designer Ian Stark, on Jaybee. Like Austin this week at Maryland, Jaybee was number one to go.
“I was kind of hanging on to that all week in my own head,” said Austin.
MARYLAND CC15*
1st Austin O’Connor (IRL) on Colorado Blue
2nd William Fox-Pitt (GBR) on Grafennacht
3rd Oliver Townend (GBR) on Cooley Rosalent
Much as the other two podium riders would have loved to win, there was genuine delight for Austin
