Elkton, Md.—Oct. 16— A field of 23 horses were presented before the ground jury of Christina Klingspor (SWE), Valerie Pride (USA), and Xavier Le Sauce (FRA), during the first horse inspection today at the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill. The number dropped by one after Boyd Martin announced the withdrawal and upper-level retirement of his and Christine, Thomas, and Tommie Turner's 18-year-old Anglo European mare On Cue (Cabri D'Elle x On High) prior to the first inspection.
"I have decided to withdraw On Cue from this year’s Maryland 5 Star," said Martin in a Facebook post. "While she feels happy and healthy, I felt she was starting to struggle in her final gallops and jump schools. I am incredibly proud of everything On Cue and I have accomplished together, and after discussing it with the Turner family, we have decided to step her down from the top of the sport."
Martin and On Cue were the winners of the five-star here in the event's inaugural year in 2021.
British-based U.S. rider Grace Taylor's 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Game Changer (Cassidee x Storm Chaser), owned by Ann Taylor, was sent to the hold box after his first trot up but passed upon second inspection.
Dressage will get underway on Thursday morning with the CCI3*-L beginning at 9:00 a.m. EST and the five-star at 2:00 p.m. EST.
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