Phillip Dutton’s Rolex Kentucky CCI**** winner Connaught was euthanized today, Sept. 17, due to complications from old age. He was 21.  

Connaught, an Irish Sport Horse (Ballysimon—Broomehill Rogue, Royal Rogue) owned by Bruce Duchossois, started his advanced career with Julie Richards before Dutton took over the ride in 2004. The pair’s partnership didn’t come easily from the start. Connaught’s lofty jumping style meant the horse grew fatigued on longer courses, and the gelding didn’t initially understand sunken roads. Dutton had to build one at his True Prospect Farm.

“It’s very rewarding because he has not been an easy horse,” Dutton said after winning Rolex Kentucky in 2008. “He’s super talented, but a lot of people have put a lot of effort in, and Bruce has been very patient. Persistence is the key. We’ve stuck with him and had faith in him.”

Dutton and Connaught competed at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games (Germany) and the 2008 Hong Kong Olympic Games, but their best events always occurred at Rolex Kentucky. There “Simon” was fourth in 2006 and second in 2007 before winning the four-star in 2008. He returned in 2009 to finish seventh.

After his retirement in 2010, Simon enjoyed his days at owner Duchossois’ farm in Aiken, S.C. Duchossois died earlier this year after a long battle with cancer. 

“Simon did so much for me, most notably winning Rolex in 2008 and taking me to the Beijing Olympic Games that year,” said Dutton on his Facebook page. “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.”