An application by Select Event Group to run the Maryland 5-star in October 2027 is “actively” being prepared, with Paris Olympics 2024 cross-country course designer Pierre Le Goupil on board for the eventing competition, as he was for the 2025 edition.
David O’Connor, the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s chief of sport, said the group in May will be presenting a proposal to the organization for resumption of the event next year. The FEI also would have to approve it.
The 2026 competition was cancelled after key personnel departed the organization and the state of Maryland indicated funding would not be available for it.
The event, the first autumn 5-star held in the U.S., ran for five years at a new facility, the Fair Hill Special Event Zone, which also hosts horse racing. The organizing team now is headed by Marissa Melzer, who was the number two person in charge of presenting the 5-star previously.
Boyd Martin, Felix Vogg and Monica Spencer on the podium at the 2025 Maryland 5-star.
“Select is eager to build on the momentum created over the past several years and to thoughtfully broaden what this event can be,” said Alex Corgan, president of Select Event Group, which is the lead organizer for the effort to “reimagine” the event. Select has been involved with the Preakness Stakes, Maryland’s leg of racing’s Triple Crown.
“Our goal is to expand the aperture of supporters and participants — from longtime equestrian fans to new community partners — creating more opportunities for people to engage, contribute, and feel invested in the event’s success. By bringing together a strong team and welcoming all those willing to help make this a success, we believe that we can deliver at Fair Hill an experience that is both world-class in sport and deeply rooted in community.”
He added, “Select intends to expand opportunities for participation from other regional jurisdictions, partners, and organizations both within and beyond Maryland.”
Select already has submitted to USEF an application for presenting the 3-star and Young Event Horse competition that ran with the 5-star. If approved, those fixtures would be held this October as Select partners with Cecil County on the project.
The iconic crab fence has become a symbol of the Maryland 5-star.
County Executive Adam Streight said, “Cecil County is pleased to see the 3-star event continue this year, ensuring the tradition of world-class eventing at Fair Hill remains strong.
“We look forward to working with Select Event Group, who understand the importance of including Cecil Countians and local businesses, along with our partners, to deliver a successful 2026 competition and welcome the return of the Maryland 5 Star in 2027.”
Tim Gardner, a member of the organizing team, said Select is “very motivated to keep this event as an asset for Maryland and believes in it as a business opportunity.”
He noted Corgan “sort of rallied some of the other Maryalnd vendors.”
His involvement, “gets it into the hand of a professional event producer and gives us a really bright future not dependent on state money. It’s a great solution. We’re pretty optimistic.”
