Cooley Rosalent (ISH) Clinches Four-Star Victory at Burnham Market International
Irish Sport Horses were in top form at Burnham Market International Horse Trials in the UK, with Cooley Rosalent (ISH) taking a standout victory in the prestigious CCI4-S* class. Bred in Co Armagh by Woods Rosbotham and expertly ridden by Britain’s Oliver Townend, the 2014 mare delivered a flawless performance to finish on her dressage score of 25.6, claiming the top spot in a competitive field.
Townend also secured third place aboard his Olympic gold medal-winning partner Ballaghmor Class (ISH), bred in Co Limerick by Noel Hickey, further underlining the dominance of Irish breeding at this year’s event. This win marks Townend’s 16th title in the flagship class at Burnham—a remarkable achievement.
“I’m as thrilled as I could be with both Ballaghmor Class and Cooley Rosalent,” Townend said. “Burnham Market is always a great stepping stone to Badminton.”
Irish horses also swept the podium in the CCI3-S* class. Victory went to Cushlas Indigo (ISH) (bred by J.P. Finlay) with Katie Magee (GBR) in the saddle. Shades of Sligo II (ISH) (bred by Martin Kenirons) placed second with Max Gordon (GBR), and Shannondale Aldo (ISH) (bred by Shannondale Stud) completed the Irish clean sweep in third with Alex Bragg (GBR).
BREEDING
Cooley Rosalent (ISH) – 2014 mare by Valent (KWPN) out of Bellaney Jewel (TB) by Roselier (TB). Breeder: J W Rosbotham (Armagh). Rider: Oliver Townend
Ballaghmor Class (ISH) – 2007 gelding Courage II (HOLST) out of Kilderry Place (ISH). Breeder: Noel Hickey (Limerick). Rider: Oliver Townend (GBR)
Cushlas Indigo (ISH) – 2017 gelding by Imperial Heights (ISH)[TIH] out of Olovo’s Love me Do (AES) by Animo Eliter (AES). Breeder: J P Finlay. Rider: Katie Magee (GBR)
Shades of Sligo II (ISH) – 2017 gelding by Sligo Candy Boy (ISH) out of Bouncing Molly (ISH) by Grange Bouncer (ID). Breeder: Martin Kenirons, Rider: Max Gordon (GBR)
Shannondale Aldo (ISH) – 2016 gelding by Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan (BEWB) out of Annie Shannondale Z (ZANG) by Andiamo Z (NRPS). Breeder: Shannondale Stud (Clare). Rider: Alexander Bragg (GBR)