IRISH SPORT HORSE WINS ROLEX KENTUCKY THREE DAY EVENT

AN IRISH Sport Horse, Bay My Hero, has won the prestigious Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event after the final show jumping phase this evening (Sunday), with two others in the top eight.

Ridden by Britain’s William Fox Pitt, the Bryan Maguire-bred Cult Hero gelding moved up to first place after the cross country phase yesterday, but had to go clear in show jumping today to ensure victory.

Afterwards Fox-Pitt, who has now won the Rolex Kentucky trophy on three occasions, said of Bay My Hero after his foot-perfect round: “I’m so proud of him. I’ve had him since he was a six year-old, and he just jumped superbly today. I’m very happy with him.”

Breeder Bryan Maguire said from Wexford this evening: “I’m as proud as punch. I sold Bay My Hero, who is fully Irish, when he was a four year-old after he came second at Tattersalls. His owner Catherine Witt has brought him along slowly and carefully without any pressure, and I believe that’s the way to produce winners. The proof was seen today. Catherine and William have been a great team, and Catherine keeps me in touch with every step of his progress. I’m delighted for them.”

Third place today went to the USA’s Buck Davidson Jr and the Ramiro B bay gelding Ballynoe Castle RM, bred in Ireland by Sylvester Cullen, while in eighth was Trading Aces, sired by Coevers Diamond Boy, bred by Ireland’s Patrick Minogue, and ridden by the USA’s Phillip Dutton.

Mr. Medicott, sired by the famous Irish Sport Horse Cruising, bred by Dr. D. Geaney and also ridden by the USA’s Phillip Dutton, was unfortunately withdrawn before show jumping today, having been in third place after cross country.

GBR’s William Fox-Pitt and Bay My Hero (ISH) in action at Kentucky