The United States Equestrian Federation mourns the loss of champion eventing horse Connaught, who was laid to rest on September 17, 2014 due to complications from old age. With longtime rider, Phillip Dutton, the 1993 Irish Sport Horse gelding represented the United States at the 2008 Olympic Games, in addition to representing Dutton’s native Australia at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games.
Connaught was twice named Rolex/USEF National CCI4* Champion after earning a second-place finish at the 2007 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and then winning the competition in 2008. With his victory in 2008, Connaught provided Dutton with the first CCI4* win of his illustrious career.
“Simon” was much beloved by his owner Bruce Duchossois, who passed away in July of 2014, and all his connections at Dutton’s True Prospect Farm and Duchossois’ HnD Stables, where he lived out his retirement.
“Simon did so much for me, most notably winning Rolex in 2008 and taking me to the Beijing Olympic Games that year. He had an incredible record at Kentucky; he never had a rail down there. We take comfort in knowing that Bruce and Simon are together again now,” said Dutton. “Thank you, Simon, for all the memories.”
The USEF extends its deepest condolences to Dutton, the True Prospect Farm, and the HnD Stables teams.
You can see a video of Connaught in his prime, winning at Rolex in 2008, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDmWmNvQGE4
