EVENTING legend Ballaghmor Class (ISH) got a fitting send off at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials last week, with an adoring crowd cheering the 19-year-old into his retirement.

The four-time five-star winner and Olympic gold medallist received a standing ovation in the main arena on Sunday, as he officially stepped down after a stellar career.

“We’re going to be honouring a very special horse, who was part of an Olympic gold,” the crowd was told, before a reel of Ballaghmor Class’s career highlights was shown.

‘Thomas’, owned by Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan, won at Burghley twice, as well as the CCI5*s at Kentucky and Maryland. The Irish Sport Horse (Courage II x I’m A Star), who was bred by Noel Hickey and initially produced in Ireland by Katherine Charlton, is one of the most successful event horses of all time.

During the course of the eight years he spent competing with Townend at the very top of the sport, he finished in the top five at CCI5* level an incredible 11 times. The combination were part of the British team crowned Olympic champions in Tokyo. At Badminton, they placed second twice and fifth twice.

Oliver Townend, who rode him throughout his career, brought Thomas into the arena, to huge applause. As the crowd got to its feet, he cantered his final lap of honour, patting his partner of so many years. Thomas, turned out beautifully, looked ready to take on the five-star test as he had before.

Townend then brought Thomas into the middle of the arena, joined his owners, dismounted and took his saddle off as a basket of apples and carrots arrived for the star of the show.

“Oliver, this horse means so much to so many people, so many eventing enthusiasts around the world; can you explain to us just a little bit about what this horse means to you?” asked commentator Hugh Lochore.

“No!” Townend joked. “Firstly, well done to everyone who’s looked after him over the years; as you can see, he’s finished extremely sound - and fat!” he added. “Kids have dreams,” he went on. “And because of him, my dreams came true.”

Ballaghmor Class was led out of the arena to another standing ovation. He will live out his days at Townend’s Gadlas Farm in Shropshire. “Not only for Oliver, but he’s made a nation believe in what we can produce here in Great Britain,” Mr Lochore said. “Thank you very much, Oliver, for sharing him with us.”