Olympic gold medallist Ballaghmor Class, the 19-year-old Irish-bred gelding ridden by Oliver Townend, has retired from eventing after a decade of top-level success. The horse, known as Thomas at home, secured four CCI5* victories and team gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Townend announced the retirement, with an official ceremony planned at Burghley Horse Trials in September.
Ballaghmor Class, owned by Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan, began his eventing career in September 2012 and competed until October 2025, amassing 2,845 British Eventing points. The grey gelding, bred by Noel Hickey from Courage II and an I’m A Star mare, excelled in the demanding CCI5* events, achieving 10 consecutive top-five finishes. His victories include two at Defender Burghley Horse Trials in 2017 and 2023, one at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2021, and one at MARS Maryland 5 Star in 2024. He also contributed to Great Britain's Olympic team gold medal in Tokyo in 2021, finishing his final competition at Pau CCI5* sound and happy the previous year. Oliver Townend, who partnered with Ballaghmor Class for 15 years, described the horse as his 'best mate' and 'my Milton', comparing him to the legendary showjumper ridden by John Whitaker. 'He’s enabled me to achieve a lot of my childhood dreams,' Townend told Horse & Hound, noting he never expected to reach the Olympics. The pair's deep bond is evident in the horse's routine, with his stable positioned opposite Townend's bedroom window at their Shropshire base. In retirement, Ballaghmor Class will remain with Townend, engaging in scaled-down activities to maintain his routine and happiness. An official retirement ceremony is scheduled for the Main Arena at Defender Burghley Horse Trials on 6 September 2026. Burghley event director Martyn Johnson praised the horse as epitomizing a true CCI5* competitor, never finishing outside the top three in his runs there. Owner Karyn Shuter reflected, 'To be involved with a horse of this calibre is a privilege... He will never be forgotten.' Townend added that the ceremony at Burghley, site of two victories, will allow fans to celebrate the horse's legacy.
