Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz Honored with Touch of Class Award

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 1, 2011) – Colleen Rutledge, a mother of three children who is chasing her Olympic dream in the equestrian sport of 3-Day Eventing, today received the Maryland Horse Industry Board’s (MHIB) second “Touch Of Class Award” along with her horse, Shiraz. The award was presented during ceremonies at the Maryland Million horse race at Laurel Park.

“We are pleased to present this award at the Jim McKay Maryland Million, which is a program of races that feature offspring of Maryland-based stallions. The equine industry is an integral part of Maryland’s cultural and economic heritage,” said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Setting. “We commend Colleen Rutledge for her extraordinary achievements and for her dedication to Maryland’s horse industry.”

The Award, named in honor of the Maryland-bred Olympic gold-medal winning horse, Touch of Class, is presented monthly by the MHIB to showcase outstanding horses and people who represent the highest standards of excellence in Maryland’s equine community. The inaugural award was presented last month to Maryland-based Thoroughbred trainer, Graham Motion, winner of the 2011 Kentucky Derby.

Ms. Rutledge and Shiraz recently were the third highest-placed U.S. horse and rider combination at the prestigious Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in England and are under consideration for a berth on the 2012 U.S. Olympic 3-Day Team.

Ms. Rutledge paraded Shiraz, a former racehorse, on the Laurel track before 20,000 fans following completion of the Apple Ford Maryland Million Distaff Race. She then proceeded to the winner’s circle where she was presented the award by Mary Ellen Setting, deputy secretary for the Maryland Department of Agriculture; Maryland State Corrections Secretary Gary Maynard; Maryland Horse Industry Board Chair Jim Steele; and Ashley Valis, representing Governor Martin O’Malley.

“Colleen and Shiraz are among the best of the thousands of Maryland horses and riders who participate in equestrian sports in our state, and who have taken advantage of the amazing opportunities and facilities that we have here to train and prepare to excel at the highest level of international competition,” said MHIB Chair Jim Steele.

Ms. Rutledge, who lives in Frederick, operates the 60-acre Turnabout Farm in Mount Airy in Howard County. She has been riding and competing for over 30 years in Maryland and is a Graduate “A” Pony Clubber from the Frederick Pony Club. She has worked her way up through the eventing ranks to win at local competitions and now participates regularly in international events, all the while raising three young children.

Shiraz, now 13, made 14 starts as a racehorse, but found his real niche as an elite equine athlete as a stellar show and event jumper. He finished with a clear round of over some of the most difficult obstacles in the world on the cross country course at Burghley.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Photos available upon request.

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