Credit Shannon Brinkman
After making its spectacular debut last year and being named the Best New Event of 2021 (PressBox), the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory is set to return to the Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Cecil County, MD, October 13-16.
The MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory, one of only two 5 Star level equestrian events of its kind in the United States and just the seventh worldwide, welcomed a total of 20,886 spectators and 184 competitors that featured four of the top eight eventers in the world for its debut in 2021, when three-time U.S. Olympian Boyd Martin (World ranked No. 8) and On Cue made history by claiming the first American victory in any CCI5*-L since 2008.
Among Martin’s fellow competitors were World No. 1 rider Oliver Townend (GBR), who traveled to the U.S. following his Olympic Team Gold in Tokyo, and Martin’s U.S. Olympic teammates Philip Dutton and Doug Payne. New Zealand’s Olympic couple Tim (World No. 2) and Jonelle (World No. 7) Price also vied for top honors. Other Olympic veterans representing Australia, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand and the U.S. included: Clayton Fredericks (AUS), Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jessica Phoenix (CAN), Zara Tindall and Leslie Law (GBR), Joe Meyer (NZL), Lauren Kieffer Nicholson and Will Coleman (USA).
The MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory’s prestigious 5 Star (CCI5*-L) designation is the pinnacle of the Olympic sport of Eventing, often described as an equestrian triathlon. The four days of eventing competition feature Dressage (Thu.-Fri.), Cross-Country (Sat.) showcasing Ian Stark-designed courses, and Show Jumping (Sun.).
In addition to the 5 Star competition (CCI5*-L), the event also features a 3 Star competition (CCI3*-L), which serves as the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship. The Maryland 5 Star is also honored to host The Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships Presented by Dubarry of Ireland on Thursday and Friday, showcasing divisions for 4- and 5-year-old horses in what is best described as an equestrian talent search.
“We were overwhelmed with the incredible support the inaugural event received last year from spectators, competitors, sponsors, volunteers and more despite the pandemic, and the enthusiasm is even greater for this year’s event,” said Jeff Newman, President & CEO of the Maryland 5 Star Event Committee. “We are proud to showcase the highest caliber of eventing competition across multiple levels in beautiful Cecil County, Maryland, and look forward to again providing the opportunity for three-star athletes and horses to compete on the same grounds as our elite CCI5*-L competitors.”
Tickets for the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill Presented by Brown Advisory – including reserved tailgate spots – are on sale now at Maryland5Star.us/tickets. A variety of single and multi-day ticket packages along with exclusive Club and VIP Hospitality packages, General Admission tickets starting at just $15 and much more are available.
The event has also welcomed back several returning sponsors, including the new Title and Presenting Sponsors MARS EQUESTRIAN™ and Brown Advisory. The new Title Sponsor of the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, MARS EQUESTRIAN is one of the biggest and most significant sponsors in equestrian sport. The sponsorship will continue to showcase Mars, Incorporated’s leading brands in Horsecare, Petcare, Veterinary Services, and Confectionery across the grounds at many events.
As the event’s new Presenting Sponsor, Brown Advisory has also strengthened its partnership with the event and its ties to the Maryland community. Brown Advisory is an independent investment management and strategic advisory firm committed to delivering a combination of first-class performance, strategic advice and the highest level of client service.
The MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory is produced by the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, in partnership with Fair Hill International, and hosted in beautiful Cecil County, MD. Cecil County is a place of opportunity for all, known for economic vitality, quality education, and safe communities. The county is ideally located halfway between Baltimore and Philadelphia, and halfway between Washington DC and New York. Cecil is also #1 in the state for equine value and home to the largest Standardbred horse farm in Maryland.
Discover Cecil County Maryland!
Escape to Cecil County! Mid-way between Philadelphia and Baltimore on I-95, vibrant small towns, 200 miles of shoreline, outdoor recreation, foodie destinations, and scenery provide the perfect backdrop for memorable adventures. Experience dining at eateries with a Chesapeake Bay flair. Try local beer, wine, baked goods, homemade ice cream, an old-fashioned candy store, and more! Shop, fish, and explore trails. Take a boat ride, visit farms, enjoy the zoo, step back in time at history attractions, and rent a kayak to explore Cecil’s waterways. Cecil County…. Just a Daydream Away!