THE Irish-bred gelding Ballaghmor Class (ISH) has cemented his place as one of the greatest horses in eventing history, after claiming his fourth five-star competition victory last Sunday at Mars Maryland, Fair Hill in the USA with Britain’s Oliver Townend.

For the 17-year-old grey gelding by Courage II, bred by the late Noel Hickey and owned by Karyn Shuter, Val Ryan and Angela Hislop, it was his 12th run at five-star level and a fourth win means he has won one out of every three events he has done at the highest level. Only two-time Olympic champions Michael Jung (GER) and La Biosthetique Sam have won more five-stars, their number being six.