Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry.
We’re halfway through the first day of dressage here at WEG, and Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST are holding the lead at the lunch break on a score of 40.7. And though we’re likely to see a number of scores in the 30s over the next day and a half, don’t think that 40.7 will rule Michael out of medal contention. With the amount of rain that continues to fall at Haras du Pin turning the grounds into a mud pit, this is very quickly becoming something far from a dressage show.
But Team USA still needs good scores to be in medal contention, and Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM did exactly what we needed them to do as the first pair out this morning, scoring 48.7 to hold second place. The U.S. drew the first slot for the second major championships in a row — as we also drew first for the 2012 London Olympics — and it’s not the best place to go but certainly not damning either. And keep in mind that with muddy conditions expected for cross country, going early is a good thing.
Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville, who are competing as individuals, were on track to either pass or sit just behind Buck, and they were gaining great ground in the canter work when they picked up an unfortunate error. The look of disappointment on Sinead’s face at the final halt said it all, but she put on a big smile anyways — especially when the French Princess paused to take a bow in front of his hometown crowd.
Sinead and Tate’s score of 50.8 puts them in fourth place in the early going, just behind Mark Todd and Leonidas II, who scored 49.2 for third place. Little bobbles here and there whittled away at the score, and that’s exactly the type of scenario that will ultimately giving breathing room for Team USA to go for a medal. Zara Phillips and High Kingdom, the first out for strong contenders Great Britain, also had some bobbles in the extended trot and changes — and that’s leaving an open door so far.
Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Of course, it’s still early, and it’s still anyone’s game. Looking at the afternoon schedule, we have a large number of heavy hitters still to come, including William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning, who scored an unbelievable 33 at Rolex last year and could absolutely bring down the house this afternoon.
Though conditions are far from pleasant, with the rain ranging from a drizzle to a downpour, everyone is in great spirits here in Normandy, just happy to be here supporting their countries. We have a large contingent of American owners and supporters here, and they’ve been cheering loudly for our riders, as well as Canadian Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott, the first out for the Canucks this morning. Peter and Eddie scored 60.7 for 16th place.
Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Phillip Dutton and Trading Aces are first out after the lunch break as the second American team pair to go. It’s a good spot to be going, as the judges should be feeling warmed up and more generous — especially after getting some coffee to fuel the afternoon session. Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti will also go this afternoon for Team Canada.
There’s a six-hour time change between France and East Coast time, so most of you are probably just now starting your day and trying to catch up on the morning rides. Lucky for you, Leslie and Sally have been running a gangbusters open thread all day, complete with photos, GIFs and the best of social media here at WEG. Click here to get caught up on everything you need to know. Go WEG!
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