I can’t watch the livestream, what happened?
McLain and Azur had two down early and retired.
It looked like Azur seemed distracted once she got in the ring…I’m wondering why he didn’t ride Callas, who was going so well. I guess that’s a challenge with being so good. There are lots of choices, lots of decisions.
I agree. So disappointing.
Part of me wonders if she was a little short of match practice. I’m sure McLain tried his best to prepare her, and is going to be asking himself what he could have done otherwise.
Wow. Watching Marcus Ehning and Stargold was like watching a work of art in action. What a horse! Does anyone know his breeding? From Big Star?
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Sire Stakkato Gold
I really liked Stargold in the first round… now of course he’s easier to love!
Staccato Gold/Lord Weingard
https://horsetelex.com/horses/pedigree/1588361/stargold
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Interesting to me it appeared in the close ups that four of the top five finishing horses went in plain snaffles. Does this suggest more of a flatwork emphasis or a general rideability that leads to success at the highest levels? Or perhaps both?
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I was also comparing those last 3 or 4 pleasant rides in the jump off, to the Belgium horse whose rider was sawing at the poor horse’s mouth all the way around the course in the 2nd round and ended up with one time penalty. There was nothing enjoyable about watching that ride.
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Was thrilled with Marcus’ win. What a class act.
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From Mclain’s FB page:
Dear Annie,
I knew this day would come but somehow you always were able to reach deep inside and achieve greatness time and time again. We all know there comes a time when your mind and body disagree but it is still hard to let go. You have given all of us so much but it’s time to say goodbye to our sport and retire in good health.
I knew from our beginning you were better than me and that it would take every bit of my ability to not let you down. Your wings carried all of us who’s lives you have touched on an incredible journey that is the epitome of why we seek such lofty goals and pursue them with such passion.
You are the very definition of a queen. It was a privilege to have been the one to ride on your wings, to be your partner and to be part of your life.
McLain
Special thank you to Lee, Erica, Virginie, Kirstie, The Mathy family, The Harrison family and all of our incredible team.
I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in Annie and my journey. Without each and every one of you the story we’ve written would not have been possible. I’m forever grateful for your contributions and I have no doubt Annie has touched your life in a positive way as she has everyone’s.
Happy retirement my Queen !
Sounds like Annie was more than just distracted and Mclain feels like it’s time to give her a well-earned retirement.
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Good for him. I’m sure she could produce some spectacular babies if they choose to go that route with her.
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His comment about her in a sunset time left me wondering if he was psyching out the competition or he was ready for this. In hindsight there are no secrets in the schooling ring so he was speaking truth. I was absolutely certain she was retired when I heard that first rub. What a great mare with a great career!
@MHM I assume she already has offspring since she’s 17, but I don’t know for sure.
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I’m glad Mclain is retiring Annie. Those early rails down made me wonder if she was ready.
In terms of mares on the rise, I do love Killer Queen. She and Daniel Deusser make a great team.
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Killer Queen and Daniel Deusser made 1.6 m look like an equitation round.
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McLain talks about Azur in this article.
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Boy anything anyone could say about Azur would be an understatement. She should have won the Spruce Meadows Masters last year as well, her first round was head & shoulders above the rest. Wish I had that video! It is a tough year when you have Azur, Ludger & for all intents & purposes Beezie taken out of the rotation. So grateful to the Castle Hill & HH team for the brilliant care they gave to that superb mare.
One of the all time greats. I’ll never forget the way they went around 1.60 like an equitation course. Kudos to Mclain for retiring her on top.
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