An emotional Oliver Townend after back to back wins in Kentucky on Cooley Masterclass
Photo: Samantha Clark
Oliver Townend says he is ‘Very emotional to announce the retirement of Cooley Master Class today. We bought him as a four-year-old and he has for the last 13 years been a fantastic competition partner but moreover a very dear friend’
Cooley Master Class’ competition highlights include back-to-back Kentucky CCI5* wins (2018 and 2019), second place at the Maryland CCI5* in 2021, team silver at the 2019 European Championships and 16 international top 10 placings throughout his career
“He’s now 17 years old and although still fit and well, we’ve always said it’s important that he retires from competition on his own terms, and we feel that the time has come” says Oliver on his social media
“Cooley is a huge character and has always made sure to be a yard favourite, so he will retire to a hacking lifestyle where he’ll continue to be treated and looked after like the king he is.
I could not be more grateful to have had the honour of partnering Cooley for all these years. He’s achieved more than we could have dreamt of, and we’ve literally travelled the world together with memories that’ll last a lifetime! Huge thanks to Angela Hislop, who has co-owned him with me, and who’s just down the road from his retirement home to make sure he stays spoilt rotten!”
We’ve enjoyed watching this horse’s great career and his partnership with Oliver, especially after meeting them both at home in Shropshire in 2016 and enjoying these special moments with them
Click here to watch the full video interview with Oliver and Cooley Master Class
