Credit: Shannon Brinkman
Back for the third consecutive year and coming off a highly successful second edition, the MARS Maryland 5 Star presented by Brown Advisory returns to the iconic Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Elkton (Cecil County), MD, October 19-22.
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 over 25,000 spectators and 185 competitors that featured five of the top ten world-ranked eventers in 2022, with New Zealand’s Tim Price (World ranked No. 1), aboard Coup De Coeur Dudevin taking top honors with a finishing score of 28.2, outlasting second-place finisher Tamie Smith (USA) aboard Danito at 29.8, and World No. 3 Oliver Townend (GBR) with a score of 29.9, riding John Peace’s 11-year-old Spanish gelding As Is.
The prestigious CCI5*-L (5 Star) designation is the pinnacle of the Olympic sport of Eventing, often described as an equestrian triathlon, providing the ultimate test of horse and rider. 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, the event also features a CCI3*-L (3 Star) competition, 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.
“On behalf of the Maryland 5 Star Event Committee, an affiliate of the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, we are thrilled to again host this elite international competition at Fair Hill,” said Jeff Newman, President & CEO of the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill. “We’re eager to put forth an exciting third event this October that not only showcases world-class Eventing and provides entertainment to attendees of all ages, but reflects proudly on the Maryland Horse Industry, Cecil County and the State of Maryland, continuing the rich horse and equestrian tradition at its highest level.”
Named “Best Returning Event” of 2022 (Pressbox), excitement is at an all-time high for what is to come in 2023. 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 MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory is produced by the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland 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.