In the lead-up to Sunday's main event at the American Gold Cup, McLain Ward's beloved and legendary partner, Rothchild, owned by Sagamore Farms, was retired in a special ceremony honoring his incredible career with Ward. 

Together, Ward and Rothchild won countless of top level competitions all over the world: Aachen, Antwerp, Bridgehampton, Devon, Hickstead, Rome, Spruce Meadows, Toronto, Valkenswaard and Wellington were just some of the many major venues where the chestnut gelding recorded big wins.

In 2014, the pair won team bronze at the World Equestrian Games in Caen and in 2015 the individual gold as well as team bronze at the Pan-Am Games in Toronto.