Buck Davidson and The Apprentice. Photo by Sally Spickard.
It was a dramatic day for the CCI3* riders here on Ian Stark’s course at Rebecca Farm, and we’re heartbroken for dressage winners Jordan Linstedt and RevitaVet Capato, who had a spill at fence 23, the Stone Oxer. From what we have heard both Jordan and Capato are ok, but their unfortunate elimination has slotted Buck Davidson and The Apprentice into first place.
“(The Apprentice) actually did it easier than I thought he was going to,” Buck said. “I found the time to be quite easy. I was a little worried about the last water, but he dug in and tried there. I’m very happy with him.”
Buck was quick to thank the Broussards as well as the hard workers who have been making improvements to the ground and who have done so much to promote the sport. “As transportation gets easier, the country gets smaller,” he commented. “We can’t have ‘East Coast eventing,’ ‘West Coast eventing,’ and ‘Texas eventing’ — it has to be USA. It’s a benefit for the sport that everybody gets to see everybody, and for me to come out and ride different courses, it’s good for me.”
Buck showed every ounce of experience he possessed during a very hairy moment at a big, airy oxer at fence 14. The gathered spectators held a collective breath as Buck and “Dirk” got the job done and kicked on for a double clear round. When asked about that moment in this afternoon’s press conference, Buck just laughed and said he was trying to keep things exciting for the spectators watching. Mission accomplished!
Additionally, this is a particularly exciting day for this horse, owned by Sherrie Martin, as it’s the first time he’s made the time at this level. Well ridden, Buck!
Kurt Martin and Delux Z. Photo by Sally Spickard.
A good number of the riders had no trouble making the time today, and Kurt Martin with Delux Z was one such. I saw the riders come through the intense water complex here at Spectator Hill, and it’s a very technical series of questions that Kurt did quite well with. He said yesterday that he was looking out for his horse, and he certainly did a great job managing his ride as Delux Z looked full of run at the finish.
“(Delux Z was focused and went around really smoothly,” Kurt said. “I think it was as good as he’s ever gone. I think it’s all coming together.”
James Alliston and Parker. Photo by Sally Spickard.
James Alliston and Parker moved up to third with another of the double clear rounds. This is another experienced pair who had no trouble making the time and looked smooth everywhere I saw them. Parker looks fighting fit and quite ready to continue his season after finishing 15th at Rolex in April.
“I probably went a bit too quick really,” James said. “But (Parker) did it easily. He’s a very fast horse. He’s been super sound and he’s a really great horse for me.”
Bella Mowbray and Star Vision. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Bella Mowbray and Star Vision also had a great run, moving up to fourth place despite picking up some time at the water by taking the alternate route. I plan to try to catch up with Bella at some point this week — we must get to know our new Aussie friend!
As with the CCI2*, the final water at fence 22 caused a lot of issues. One rider, JM Durr with Esprit de la Danse, was eliminated on refusals here, where others picked up 20s. James Alliston retired Tivoli here after picking up one refusal. Buck Davidson also pulled Petite Flower up shortly after starting — he said yesterday that she has been dealing with some shoulder discomfort, so he will save her for another day.
I have much more commentary to add from this division, as well as press conference comments, but the CIC3* is about to begin so I will have to return to this this afternoon!
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