Team USA Holds Steady Atop Dubarry Nations Challenge

Lauren Kieffer, Boyd Martin and Phillip Dutton. Photos by Leslie Threlkeld. Lauren Kieffer, Boyd Martin and Phillip Dutton. Photos by Leslie Threlkeld.

Despite losing one of their teammates to Derek di Grazia’s course, Team USA still clinched the top spot and a hefty lead following today’s cross country thanks to three clear rounds. With just time added on to their scores, the team of Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin and Lauren Kieffer will take a team score of 151.5 into the grand finale tomorrow to conclude Rolex and the $20,000 Dubarry of Ireland Nations Team Challenge.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter unfortunately had a fall late in the course — they’re both reported to be ok — but luckily their score can be dropped as per the usual team format, leaving the team intact otherwise.

Team New Zealand had a bit of a rough day out there, with Tim Price sadly falling just two fences from home and resulting in the drop score. Blyth Tait and Xanthus III picked up one refusal after the Head of the Lake and Mark Todd and Jock Paget brought their horses home with just time penalties added. The Kiwi team score rests at 222.0 — barring any absolute disasters tomorrow, it seems the win is fully in Team USA’s pocket at this point.

In bronze position is the mixed team of Australia, Germany and Great Britain. Ryan Wood will be the drop score with Frankie after he had an early dismount on course, but Michael Jung and James Alliston helped carry the team with clear rounds. Panda Christie, riding for Great Britain, is also a member of this team.

We’re all gearing up for the exciting finish tomorrow, and looking to our Dubarry Fantasy League, it’s Team Buck leading the way on a score of 198.5 before his dropped score is applied. Unfortunately, Kyle is in a tough spot with one of his riders, Tiana Coudray, retiring on course and another, Allison Springer, incurring 20 jumping penalties.

As we look ahead to the final day tomorrow, we wish all of our Fantasy League competitors good luck and are also eagerly anticipating the finale of the Dubarry of Ireland Nations Team Challenge. Stay tuned!