Three New Zealand and one Australian combination are among the 25 entries for the 2025 MARS Maryland at Fair Hill CCI5* (16th - 19th October).
Australia’s Sophia Hill and her off the track gelding Humble Glory, who just missed out on a 5* win as Adelaide Equestrian Festival this year and successfully tackled Burghley CCI55* and Bramham CCI4*-L last year, are making the big trip to the USA. The US-based New Zealander Monica Spencer also has her thoroughbred entered once again and she will be joined by compatriots Jonelle Price riding the 5* debutant Chilli’s Midnight Star and Tayla Mason with Centennial.
Jonelle’s 11-year-old by Chilli Morning has had a good prep in the lead-up to this, with sixth place at Scone Palace while Tayla is re-routing from her intended start at Burghley, unfortunately having to withdraw after she took a tumble from a young horse and incurred a badly-timed injury. Tayla and her home bred Centennial finished in the top 20 at Badminton this year.
Alex Bragg and Quindiva are the sole entry from the UK while Europe is represented by Switzerland’s Felix Vogg riding Cartania. Canada has three combinations in Jessie Phoenix riding everyone’s favourites in Wabbit and Fluorescent Adolescent and the in-form Lindsay Traisnel riding Bacyrouge, winners of the CCI4* at the recent Tryon and Bromont events.
The USA’s Boyd Martin, Caroline Pamukcu and Jennie Brannigan each have multiple entries with Boyd bringing Commando 3 and Luke 140 while Caroline will be a very busy lady, doing a Harry Meade and riding four here (HSH Double Sixteen, HSH Tolan King, HSH Blake and She’s The One).
