Eventing legend Ballaghmor Class was given a hero’s send-off at Burghley Horse Trials on Sunday (6 September), as the four-time five-star winner officially retired from the sport in front of a packed and emotional main arena.

Known affectionately as Thomas, the 19-year-old owned by Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan, was given a standing ovation as he entered the arena with Oliver Townend, the only rider he has known throughout his illustrious international career.

This retirement ceremony came ahead of Thomas making a special appearance at this year’s Your Horse Live, where he will officially begin his retirement tour between 6 and 8 November. He will join long-time rider Oliver Townend at Stoneleigh Park for what promises to be a memorable celebration of an extraordinary career.

The ceremony at Burghley began with a tribute to a horse who has played a defining role in British eventing. A compilation of Ballaghmor Class’s career highlights was shown to the crowd, who were reminded of his remarkable record – including two victories at Burghley, wins at the Kentucky and Maryland five-stars, and 10 further top-10 finishes at five-star level.

He was also a member of the British team that won Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, adding one of the sport’s greatest honours to a career already packed with success.

As Oliver brought Thomas into the arena, the reception was deafening. The pair completed a final lap of honour, with Oliver repeatedly patting his long-time partner as the horse took in the atmosphere.

Oliver then brought Thomas to the centre of the arena, where he joined his owners before dismounting and removing the saddle for the final time. After one last rub of his neck and a kiss on the nose, a basket of apples and carrots was brought into the arena for the wonderful grey.

Thomas with his groom Jess McKie

Asked by commentator Hugh Lochore what the horse meant to him, Oliver could only reply: “No,” prompting laughter from the crowd.

But the emotion of the moment soon became clear.

“Firstly, well done to everyone who’s looked after him over the years,” Oliver said. “As you can see, he’s finished extremely sound – and fat!”

He began to explain what Thomas had meant to him, but was briefly overcome with emotion.

“Kids have dreams,” he continued. “And because of him, my dreams came true.”

It was a poignant acknowledgement of the extraordinary partnership that has taken Oliver and Ballaghmor Class to the very top of the sport.

Their partnership has included not only two Burghley triumphs, but Olympic glory and victories on three continents. Yet Thomas’s importance to Oliver goes beyond the results sheet – he has been the horse who helped turn a young rider’s ambitions into reality.

After another standing ovation, Ballaghmor Class was led from the arena and into the next chapter of his life.

He will remain with Oliver, living out his retirement after a career that has established him as one of the most successful and admired event horses of his generation.

“He’s made a nation believe in what we can produce here in Great Britain,” Hugh Lochore told the crowd.

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