Austin O’Connor wins at Maryland CCI5*

Corkman becomes first Irish rider to win a five star since 1965 Austin O’Connor followed up from his podium finish at Badminton earlier this year and ended his 2023 eventing season on a high winning the prestigious MARS Maryland CCI5*-L. Cork native O’Connor got off to a strong start with his Tokyo Olympic mount Colorado Blue. He completed his test along with the first half of the 26-competitor strong field on Thursday. Riding The Salty Syndicate-owned 14-year-old gelding, he scored 33.7 to sit just outside the top ten. Ian Stark’s cross-country course proved challenging with nine combinations not completing and only one combination – Mia Farley and Phelps – coming home clear inside the optimum time. O’Connor was the second fastest round of the day, picking up just 1.2 time penalties. The competition ended in spectacular style. O’Connor was in fourth place heading into the final phase. With the riders […]