Our headline has a double meaning: Not only will some of the world’s top horses be at the Fair Hill eventing competition presented by Brown Advisory — including several big-time contenders from overseas — but you’ll also be able to put your money down on your favorite (or favorites) and perhaps get something back.
The Sport & Entertainment Corp. of Maryland, which puts on the event, is partnering with Crab Sports, a startup sportsbook tailored for the Maryland market, to offer sports betting markets for the Oct. 17-20 event. Spectators can bet on both the 5-star and the 3-star Long, in various classifications, including event winner, top three, top five and top 10.
This marks the first time fans will have the opportunity to engage in sports wagering on eventing in the U.S. An entrepreneur two years ago was working on a betting protocol for show jumping, but never went through with it.
At last year’s event, Maryland’s CEO, Jeff Newman, told me, “We want to continue to create more off-competition amenities, things non-equestrians want to come to. I think eventing is perfect for it.
“It’s something the sport needs. I think socially, it’s something that will help raise the bar and get more people out here.”
Craig Williams, Crab Sports director, commented, “Partnering with local businesses and events is at the core of what we do, and this collaboration allows us to connect with our Maryland customers in meaningful ways, going beyond where others are willing to go. Together, we’re excited to drive even more fan excitement and engagement to the world-renowned 5-Star, right here in our backyard.”
Registration can be done via the Crab Sports website or their free mobile app, available for download through the App Store and Google Play. Those interested in betting can register using the promo code MD5STAR through those platforms for access. All new users will receive a $500 Bet Insurance offer, giving them a second chance if their initial wager does not settle as a win. Full terms and conditions can be found here.
Market lines for the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory will open Oct. 14 and be live through the event’s conclusion Oct. 20. All participants must be 21 or older and physically present in Maryland. For tickets to the event, click this link.
Looking for a good bet? Mai Baum, the first U.S. horse to win the Defender Kentucky 5- star since 2008 when he did it in 2023, will be making his 5-star swan song at Maryland under the guidance of Tamie Smith.
Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Ballaghmor Class, another Kentucky winner who also has a victory in Britain’s Burghley 5-star to his credit with rider Oliver Townend, will be on hand along with additional challengers from England. And New Zealand’s Falco, ridden by Tim Price of New Zealand, also could be in the favorite category.
The USA’s Boyd Martin with have his previous Maryland winner, On Cue in the line-up, along with the promising Commando 3, his Olympic reserve horse, and his old favorite, Tsetserleg, for whom this surely should be the last 5-star.
Click here for the current 5-star entry list.