WITHOUT doubt, top British international event rider Oliver Townend is playing his part for Irish Sport Horse, riding the Ramiro B-sired Cooley SRS to a close second at the famous Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, just days after he clinched the Land Rover Kentucky four-star on the Irish-bred Cooley Master Class, also by Ramiro B.

Cooley SRS, now 11, is owned by Angela Hisplop and was bred by John Fitzhenry in Wexford. By the British-based sire Ramiro B, he is out of Ballynattin Pride by Kiltealy Spring x Kings of Diamonds. Produced by Oliver from his early days, he was his ride at the 2017 European Championships when winning team gold although Badminton was the horse’s first four-star.

The Badminton success followed celebrations a week earlier when the Ramiro B-sired Cooley Master Class and Oliver Townend took the 2018 Land Rover Kentucky CCI4* title. Ramiro B is ranked fourth on the WBFSH sire rankings for eventing stallions.

Nina Barbour of Harthill Stud said: “The last two weekends have really shown what a fantastic sire Ramiro B is when producing talented and tough sport horses that move well, jump well and have the stamina to compete at the highest level.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the results, well done to Oliver and his team and it is a great to see Ramiro B in the spotlight this season, he really is one on his own.”

For stud fee information, telephone Stephanie Hecker on (01948) 666295 or visit www.stallionai.com.