WORLD number two event rider Jonelle Price made the emotional announcement this week that she would retire her two five-star winning mares Classic Moet (19) and Faerie Dianimo (17).

Classic Moet, better known as ‘Molly’, is hailed as one of the greatest cross-country horses of all times; in her 12 starts at the highest level, she has jumped clear every time and is renowned from her incredible speed.

Bred in Britain by Classic out of Gamston Bubbles, she was produced by Karen Dixon, Darrell Scaife, Elizabeth Power and then Caroline Powell before finding her perfect match in Jonelle in 2013. A year later, they finished fourth individually at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy over a cross-country course that caused carnage.

The pair won Badminton in 2018, after moving up from 22nd place after dressage, marking Jonelle’s first five-star success. There were 11th at the venue on their last outing this year, once again clear inside the time.

They also competed three times at Burghley, finishing fifth in 2015, third in 2016 and fourth this year.

The grey Faerie Dianimo has spent her entire international career with Jonelle and won the five-star at Luhmuhlen in 2018, finished second in 2015 and third in 2022, her final event. Described as a “pocket rocket”, she was her mount for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

Both mares will return to their owner Trisha Rickards for breeding duties. Writing on social media, Jonelle said: “With the season drawing to a close, sadly the time has come to officially call time on these two incredible mares careers and break the news to Molly that she won’t be going to Badminton!

“They have done so much for my career - taught me how to compete on the world stage and together made many dreams a reality. I will miss them hugely and forever be indebted to them for all that they did for me. I owe them everything.”