I just love these moments right before cross country, when the air’s full of anticipation of the story that’s about to unfold. Despite all the years (decades) I’ve been following eventing for – the many thousands of events I’ve watched – every cross country day feels like my first. I’ll never get bored of this. Cross country day is officially The. Best. Day. Truly.
And what better best day to be on than the best day at the best weekend all year? Bring on cross country day at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event!
First up, a brief round-up of what went down in the dressage. If you’re craving more, you’ll find EN’s full reports here [Day One] and here [Day Two] and test-by-test reports here [Day One] and here [Day Two].
1️⃣Leading the charge as they head out on course today are last year’s runners-up Tom McEwen and JL Dublin for Great Britain, who kicked off their competition with a super smart test to sit on a score of 24.6 – they go at 3:30pm ET / 9:30pm CEST.
2️⃣ Just 1.4 points behind them are fellow Brits, and 2022 runners-up, Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir, who also delivered the goods for a score of 26 – they’ll get underway at 2:10pm ET / 8:10pm CEST.
3️⃣ Rounding out our top 3 after the first phase – in joint-third place as things stand – we have US combinations Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker and Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus on a score of 30.6 – Lauren will be heading out at 3:18pm ET / 9:18pm CEST and Liz’ll be following her all the way as she sets off right after her at 3:22pm ET / 9:22pm CEST.
First out of the start box today and onto Derek di Grazia’s course will be Sara Kozumplik and Rock Phantom for the USA, who are currently on a score of 35.3 – they go at 1:30pm ET / 7:30pm CEST.
If you want to check out what Derek’s built out there, you’ll find our complete course preview here, and if you want to know the riders’ thoughts on what they’re about to face, we’ve wrangled them together and given them to you here.
The general consensus is it’s big but fair, with questions the whole way ‘round, and I’ll be here for every round, bringing you every second of the action live throughout the afternoon. Keep this page refreshed and enjoy the ride.
If you just can’t get enough of Kentucky, click here for everything you need to know about The Best Weekend All Year – and if you want to follow the form this afternoon, you’ll find EN’s epic Form Guide right here. As if that isn’t enough, we’ve got loads of great IG content happening courtesy of our team on the ground too @goeventing.
So, eventing nerds, let’s do this thang!
If you’re catching up on this later, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️.
Lock on, and go eventing!
EN’s coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for all types of horses. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products.
Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Tickets] [Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
4:16pm
What. A. Day.
After all that stupendousness we have a British 1 – 2 – 3:
1️⃣ Leader of the pack is Tom McEwen with JL Dublin on a score of 28.6 – the only combination on a sub-30 score as we head into show jumping.
2️⃣ Hanging onto their second place after the dressage, less than a fence behind, are Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir on 31.6.
3️⃣ And just 0.2 behind her, rounding out the top three, we have Oliver Townend with Cooley Rosalent on 31.8.
4️⃣ The Kiwis are in 4th with Monica Spencer and Artist – a great round for them sees them on a score of 32.7.
5️⃣ And Mia Farley and Phelps continue their exciting 5* journey as best of the US in 5th on a score of 33.8.
It’s close up there at the top and there’s everything to play for in tomorrow’s showjumping.
I’ll be bringing you the finale of this great event live from 3pm ET / 9pm CEST. Do not miss it!
Click here for all the 5* scores after cross country.
Keep an eye or two out for our full cross country round-up – coming soon. In the meantime, click here for all the Kentucky content you can handle.
My fingers are now considerably shorter than they were this morning after typing faster and furiouslyier (looooong day, OK) than my cat’s lil legs were doing doggy paddle when he fell in the pond. Click here for all that went down in the 4*-S cross country earlier today. I just don’t give a damn about whether I’ll manage to pick up my toothbrush tonight. I’ve been wallowing in the gloriousness of eventing soup for so many hours, I’m so full up of eventing I’ll have a hangover tomorrow.
And so the sun sets on the best day of the best weekend all year. What a day of sport we’ve had. Eventing is the best.
Until tomorrow ENers, go eventing!
4:08pm
Our final combination of the day, Phillip Dutton and Azure are away. Azure made her 5* debut last season at Maryland but an unfortunate fall means she’s looking for her first top-level completion here this week. That was surely a blip though – this lovely mare has had jumping penalties just once – and that fall at Maryland – in 24 starts! Phillip comes to the first water at 5 and Azure’s got her ears pricked and she hunts for the flags, she really is a picture. Oh, it seems Doug is pulling up with Camarillo. She looks pretty tired and it’s her first time at the level. They’re between fences 20 and 21 and will walk home. Good decision and a clear show of horsemanship from Doug. It’s just Phillip and Azure out there now. They’re coming to the new Walnut Bank at 10 AB and make nothing of it. They gallop down the hill to the ditch brush at 11 and Azure’s traveling so easily. They fly over the Wofford Rails and come down to the Head of the Lake. Oh! Azure takes a great leap over the A element and swan-dived into the water. A heart in the mouth moment for sure. But she’s clever and Phillip’s brilliant and they get themselves together and go straight through this really difficult combination. They come to the big drop at 15A and Azure really looks like she’s enjoying this course. She’s brave off the drop and easily makes the line through the two skinny triple brushes. They run up the hill to Pete’s Hollow at 16. It’s caused some problems today but not for this pair – Phillip holds Azure on her line and they sail on through. They’re a little down on their minute marker as they come through the Rolex water at 18 but Azure’s full of running as they come to the Normandy Bank at 20 ABC and they’re textbook through there. Just one really big, big question left – the Park Question coffin complex at 23. Azure’s ears are pricked and she’s hunting for flags, a real beautiful expression. The crowd goes wild as they’re clear through that really difficult combination. They’re on their way home now. We have news before we finish up with Phillip – Mia Farley’s flag penalty has been reviewed and has been taken away – she’s clear inside the time now. Back to Phillip and Azure as they fly the Lucky Horseshoe – a beautiful clear round to wrap up the day – 7.2 time penalties for them. Azure’s ears are still pricked as her team surround her to congratulate and care for this lovely mare.
3:56pm
No. 2 on the USEA leaderboard and and World No. 3 Boyd Martin gets the penultimate round of the day underway with On Cue. This pair were 4th in the 5* here in 2021 and then won at Maryland, where they finished on their dressage of 25. They were top 10 at Burghley last season. On Cue has just a single XC jumping penalty on her record from 22 FEI competitions. James and Karma have finished their round with 11.6 time penalties. Tom and Dubs are still clear on the live scoreboard. He takes a bit of a chance at the corner at the Fox’s Den brush at 22 and they make their way towards the coffin complex. They go long – Tom goes to set up and Dubs isn’t really taking him forward so that’s a sensible call there. Meanwhile, Doug and Camarillo are clear up to the Head of the Lake. We haven’t seen Boyd yet but he’s clear up to fence 10, the Walnut Bank. Tom is really putting his foot down as he nears the end of his round – he comes to the Lucky Horseshoe and finishes with 4 time penalties to add. They remain under 30 penalties and will go into the final phase in the lead. We’re seeing that Boyd’s retired at fence 11, a ditch brush. We don’t know what happened there sorry, we really didn’t see anything of Boyd on the livestream.
3:52pm
We’re into the final three rounds of the day now as Doug Payne and 5* first-timer Camarillo head out onto cross country. This 10-year-old gelding finished top 10 in the 4*-S here at Kentucky last season. Tom and Dubs are at the Head of the Lake and easily through clear – such a beautiful line through there, so easy for them. They’re looking good on time. We finally get to see some of James and Karma as they head down to the coffin complex at 23. Ah, they scramble a bit over the upright rail, taking a real chance with those MIM pins. And oh my goodness! Dubs looks like he’s run past the C element of 15 – the fence with the drop at A. He didn’t lock on at all. Tom’s quickly round the long route. We don’t know if that was a last minute change of plan. We’ll have to wait for the judges to make a call on that.
3:47pm
Team GB gold and individual silver Olympic medalist – currently occupying the top spot on the leaderboard – Tom McEwen and last year’s runner up JL Dublin have started their round. ‘Dubs’ added just 5.2 cross country time penalties to his dressage score last year. He followed up his 2nd here with 3rd place at Pau later in the year. He’s in it to win it, that’s for sure. Tom gives Dubs a super ride through the first water at 5 – they are very, very quick through there. Liz shows us how the straight route’s done through the Park Question at 23 – the coffin complex. This horse is so genuine and brave, just so easy to watch. Sadly we’re not seeing much of James and Karma – they clear through Pete’s Hollow at 16. Meanwhile, Tom is giving Dubs a peach of a ride. Gosh he’s so talented and being compared to Michael Jung in the commentary box. They’re at the Walnut Bank at 10. Liz and Cooley Nutcracker are through the finish with 6.4 time penalties – what a round from this 5* debutant.
3:46pm
James Alliston and Karma have joined us out on course. This mare is a jumping machine! From her 8 international runs, she’s had no XC jumping penalties and time faults on just one occasion; in the show jumping ring she’s has one single pole. They’re clear up to the second water at 8. Liz and Cooley Nutcracker are up at the highest point on the course – Pete’s Hollow at Fence 16. They take a really clever, lovely bending line through there – a masterclass of riding. Lauren and Bug are over the Lucky Horseshoe and through the flags – they’ve had a great round! Just 4.4 time penalties for them. Liz and Cooley Nutcracker make their way through the water at 18 smoothly and easily.
3:42pm
Number 3 on the USEA leaderboard and Pan-Ams team silver medalist in Santiago, sitting in joint-3rd with Lauren, Liz Halliday and USEF CCI4*-L National Champion Cooley Nutcracker have now joined us out on course. This guy was top 10 in six consecutive FEI runs last season. He’s making his 5* debut here this week. Bug and Lauren are coming around to the Head of the Lake, they drop in and immediately pick up the line to B, there’s a tiny stutter step between B and C but Bug stays right on line and gets a pat for his honesty there – good boy Bug. Bec is coming to the end of her round now, we still haven’t seen much of her and Caravaggio. They’re clear through the difficult coffin complex at 23. Wow, Lauren and Bug jump the massive part of the massive corner at Pete’s Hollow at 16C. What a horse! Bec and Caravaggio have now crossed the finish line – they’ve completed with 25.2 time penalties. Liz and Cooley Nutcracker are coming up to the Head of the Lake – they make a massive jump in and Liz wastes absolutely no time through there.
3:37pm
Team silver medalists from Pratoni – and currently sitting in joint-3rd – Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus are away! This 17-year-old made his 5* debut here back in 2017 and has since been to seven more top-level events. In 2018 he was 5th here at the Horse Park, adding just a smidge of time to his dressage score. He was top 10 at Kentucky and Burghley in 2019, 16th here in 2019 and 12th at Maryland, and 4th at Luhmuhlen in 2022.
Everyone fell in love with the ‘Love Bug’ in the dressage yesterday – he was an absolute darling. They’re clear through the first water showing all Bug’s grit. Very nice cross country riding going on for this pair. Meanwhile, Bec and Caravaggio are at the drop at 15. We haven’t seen much of them sadly. Lauren and Bug fly through the water at 8 – Bug hops over the dog and they fly on along the track. Oliver and Cooley Rosalent have finished – they took a long option late on in the course and have finished one second over the time. It was a super round from this lovely mare.
3:34pm
Australian Rebecca Braitling has left the start box with 5* first-timer Caravaggio II. Bec made her 5* debut back in 2003 at Adelaide. She’s back after a 21 year hiatus, now based in the US and ready to take on Kentucky. In 20 FEI competitions together, they have just one 20 on their XC record. We’re back with Oliver at the Head of the Lake. He pushes left over the B element to help with the distance to the corner in the water at C and shows just why he’s World No. 1. Beautifully ridden. My oh my this mare is talented. Bec is now at the first water at 5 and is clear through there. We haven’t seen Buck for a bit but he’s finished with Cam. They’re just outside the time – 2 penalties for them. Oliver’s on his way to the Rolex Grand Slam Challenge at 18 – he’s the live contender for the Grand Slam as the reigning Burghley champion – he’ll need to win here to stay on track for that.
3:30pm
World No. 1 and three-time winner of the 5* here at Kentucky – marking a century of 5* starts here this week – Oliver Townend and Maryland 3rd place finisher Cooley Rosalent are out on course. This mare has some very hot form on her card – From 19 FEI competitions, this mare has three wins, five second placings and three third place finishes, only finishing outside the top-7 on three occasions. Coming into today they were sat in equal-8th place. They make very little of the first fences and have really relaxed into their round as they come to the water at 8. She’s happy to hop the corgi and is showing all of her class out on course today. Meanwhile, Jennie Brannigan and Foxy have come through the flags just 1 second over for 0.4 of a time penalty – what a great round they’ve had. Buck and Cam have just cleared the Normandy Bank combination at 20ABC – they look to be having a very good round .
3:27pm
Bruce Davidson Jr and OTTB Sorocaima are off and away. 2022 saw them 14th at Maryland and 30th here. They were 9th at Maryland last season and 22nd here in Kentucky. Will they race even further up the leaderboard this time around? In his 19 FEI starts, Cam’s had cross country jumping penalties only twice, both times at Kentucky – Buck’ll be looking to put that right this weekend. They’re clear through the first water at 5. Jennie’s ‘Foxy’ is brave off the drop at 15A – she’s having a great ride. ‘Cam’ and Buck are flying up the track. Buck brings him back for the water at 8, making the sharp left-handed turn to the skinny triple bar. Jennie’s out at the Rolex water at 18 and Andrew and Eddy have completed with 20 jumping and 25.2 time.
3:21pm
Winners of the Best First-Timer award at Burghley last season where they finished 12th, with us now is Jennie Brannigan with FE Lifestyle. They were 12th here last year also. ‘Foxy’ was 5th at Maryland in 2022, finishing on his dressage score, and he’s got 24th and16th placings in the 5* here under their cinch too. Meanwhile, Christoph and D’Accord put in a bending line through the Mighty Moguls to accommodate for this horse’s massive stride. Oh no! Eddy runs out of steam at just the wrong moment in front of the huge corner at the C element of Pete’s Hollow at 16. Andrew comes back round and they carry on but that’s a 20 on their card. Christoph has flown through the finish flags with zero penalties – clear inside the time! Jennie’s coming up to the Head of the Lake – they make the big drop in and are a little slow through there, but she trusts her horse and they’re through clean.
3:17pm
Just 10 more to go. Oh man! I never want this to end!
Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello are now out on course. ‘Eddy’ made his 5* debut last season at Maryland and finished 13th. Meanwhile, Christoph and D’Accord pop off the drop at 15A, making very little of that. They find a great line through Pete’s Hollow. Joe and Harbin have a moment at the C element of the Mighty Moguls, but they slide on over and kick on for home. Eddy and Andrew are looking very smooth in the early stages of their round. There’s an update to Mia Farley’s score with Phelps. She’s been given 15 penalties for a flag at the MARS Sustainability Bay water at 5 – we did see it go. That’s a shame but takes nothing away from their superb round inside the time. Meanwhile, Joe’s home with 9.2 time penalties with Harbin. Andrew and Eddy are at the Defender Head of the Lake.
3:13pm
Another one from the German cohort, Christoph Wahler and D’Accord FRH join us out on course. Christoph’s got European and World medals to his name, but it’s a 5* first time for D’Accord. They come here in hot form having had a win and a 2nd place already this season. Joe and Harbin are textbook through the Head of the Lake – so nippy and straight as you like as they make nothing of that tricky combination. Mia and Phelps are really fast as they take on the Mighty Moguls. She’s on track to be inside the time. Christoph has been enjoying his round and is through the first water easily. Mia’s over the Lucky Horseshoe – they’ve done it again! Clear inside the time as they were at Maryland. A great showing from this super talented pair – good for them. Joe and Harbin are at the Rolex water at 18. There’s a heart in mouth moment at the brush on the way out of that combination – they get right under that, but they kick on. Christoph has a bit of a rub going into the Head of the Lake. They lose momentum and have a sticky jump at B. They climb over the C element but they are through the flags. That was what you’d call a slither.
3:08pm
Another Kiwi gets his Kentucky cross country underway, Joe Meyer and Harbin are now out of the start box. This is Joe’s 7th Kentucky and he’s been to Badminton, Burghley, Pau and Luhmuhlen multiple times too. It’s Harbin’s first go at the level. Monica takes the flag at the C element at the Head of the Lake but there’s no issue there. Further round the course, Zach’s just jumped the Normandy Bank at 20ABC and Joe is flying to the first water with Harbin. This guy is super, super keen and Joe is very brave – he’s all in, hunting his way round this track. Zach really does seem to have slowed down a bit, he’s going for the clear round. Mia’s almost breathing down his neck, she’s at 17. Harbin and Joe are charging along. This gelding’s got a lot of knee action and looks to be bouncing his way along very enthusiastically. Zach and Rosco are now home clear – there’s huge shout from his supporters who are thrilled. Rosco looks quite tired and his team are with him straight away to get him cooled down. They picked up 25.2 time.
3:05am
Mia Farley and Phelps are now out on course. This pair were 5th on their 5* debut at Maryland last season and are here to make more dreams come true. Phelps cost just $1 but has more than proved he’s worth his weight in gold – from 16 FEI runs there are zero XC jumping penalties on his record – not a single one. They are absolutely flying at the start of the course – such a super speedy pair. Woah! Zach goes for the three strides to the big angled brush on the left-hand turn a the Rolex water at 18C – he really trusts Rosco’s scope and they’re magnificent through there. Mia chances her luck with the flag on the C element of the MARS water – we’ll have to keep an eye on the live scoreboard for that one. Meanwhile, Rosco’s looking a bit weary as he makes his way up to the Hollow at 16. He goes the long route there and seems to have taken his foot off the gas. Mia are now coming up to the Head of the Lake.
3pm
Zachary Brandt and Direct Advance are off and away. Zach and ‘Rosco’ completed here last year in 24th place. They had 40 jumping penalties last time around but Zach was delighted with a top-level completion. He’ll be gunning for the clear that Rosco surely has in him. Rosco looks very keen at the start of their round. They come to the first water at 5 and take a massive leap in. They take the flag out at the C element but they’re super straight and confident through there. They’re up at the Cosequin Cove water and take on the corgi. No problems for them there. Rosco really looks to be well within himself and Zach’s giving him a great ride. They’re making this really tough track look like lots of fun! They fly the Wofford rails and head off down to the lake.
2:53pm
OK, we’re back up and running. Malin and Quidditch are through the finish now, but we won’t have an updated time for them just yet. Sharon’s back into a rhythm and heading up the hill to fence 19, the Squirrel Tables before the Normandy Bank – Claus is so genuine and good. He flies over the big table at 21 and make nothing of the Fox’s Brush at 22. Next up for them is the really tricky coffin complex. Claus is brave over the ditch and Sharon’s going long. It’s not a massively long route though and they’re through quickly. Malin and Quidditch have got 6.8 time penalties. Sharon’s at the massive logs at the Mighty Moguls at 25ABC and is almost home. Claus picks up for Sharon as they gallop towards the second last. They fly the last and right now, we’ve got an empty course while we wait for the next starter. Sharon and Claus finish with 12 time penalties.
2:46pm
Sharon White and Claus 63 have now joined us on course. They were 10th individually at the Pan-Ams in Santiago last season, taking silver with the US team. They were in 5th place coming into today. Claus looks like he’s thrilled to be out on the cross country as we see Malin through Pete’s Hollow – what a scopey honest horse Quidditch is, just beautiful through there. Sharon’s at the first water and has a real moment over the first fence into the water – sit up! She’s thrown forward but gets back and there’s a bit of a cat jump over the B element. Sharon’s making it happen though and they make it through clear. They have a lovely jump over the Market Table at 6. OMG! Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool have fallen at the last fence. Oh, such a shame. Phillip’s on his feet. We’re being told the vet team are with Quasi Cool. There seems to be a hold out on course – Malin and Quidditch appear to be being held at the final hold point. Sharon’s on her own on course for the time being – she’s now over the big Wofford Rails and then sets up for the Head of the Lake. The momentum drops at each element and they climb over the last. Claus really tried for her there and it was really well ridden – he dug so deep. She’s being held now before fence 17. We’ve had reports that Phillip has led Quasi Cool off the course. We’re now on hold.
2:42pm
Germany’s Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K are now out on course. Carlitos Quidditch K is making his 5* debut here this week, but this gray gelding has already proven he’s a XC machine – he’s completed in all but one of his 32 FEI runs and has had XC jumping penalties on just two occasions. They were in 7th place after the dressage. We’re back with Phillip and Quasi, who’s still full of run and pulling at the Head of the Lake. They go all the long way there – Phillip’s trying to slow Quasi down a bit, it’s his first 5* and he’s taking it just a bit too bravely. Quidditch and Malin are putting in some fancy footwork before some of the fences but they’re clear up to the Head of the Lake. Meanwhile, Phillip’s coming to the Rolex water at 18. We’re hearing that Lisa Marie and Honor me have had problems at the Park Question at 23 and their end rounds there – such a shame so close to home. Quidditch is very brave through the Head of the Lake – they go straight through there still looking to be having a great time.
2:36pm
No. 1 on the USEA leaderboard and Olympic and Pan-Ams medalist Phillip Dutton brings Quasi Cool forward for the gelding’s first 5* start. This combination were 2nd in the 4*-S here in 2022 and won the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge last year. They’re on their way to the first water at 5ABC. Quasi is such a keen, brave horse – totally undaunted by these big fences. They fly down the hill taking the Market Table at 6 in their stride. Phillip sets up for the big upright rails with the ditch in front of them at 7 – that’s on a MIM clip. Quasi remains super keen and is making nothing of this track so far. Meanwhile, Lisa Marie is coming to the Normandy Bank at 20.
2:31pm
Canada’s Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me join us on course now. This 18-year-old gelding made his debut at the level here in Kentucky back in 2016. Since then he’s been to the Horse Park every year bar the Covid one and last year, with two top 20 finishes on his card. Monica’s up on the time as she comes to the Fox’s Den brush fence at 22. Artist is full of running. They’re at the Park Question at 23ABCDE. She stays on the inside track and takes a chance at the final angled brush at D, but they’re lucky and clear through that very difficult combination. We get a look at the Mighty Moguls as Monica flies through there on her way home. They finish with just 0.8 of a time penalty – what a round from this young talent! Lisa Marie and Honor Me look to be enjoying their round as they gallop across the bluegreass. They’re clear up to the Head of the Lake.
2:26pm
Bobby Meyerhoff and his mare Lumumba are now away. They finished top 15 in the Maryland 5* last season. Banzai is still really jumping well, despite looking a tad tired as they come to the end of their course. Sadly we’re hearing that Bobby’s had early problems and has retired. Meanwhile, Monica has a super ride through the Head of the Lake and are nearing the Rolex Grand Slam Challenge water. Yas and Banzai are through the finish with 5.6 time penalties. Big cheers for Monica as she flies through the Rolex at 18ABC – they’re having a peach of a round.
2:24pm
Kiwi combination Monica Spencer and Artist are out of the start box. They were 7th at Maryland last season. ‘Max’ is racing-trained so should get the chance to show off his turn of foot on some of the galloping stretches. They were just inside the top 10 after dressage. Yas and Banzai are brave down the bank at 15A, Banzai is really with Yas and answering all the questions. They add to the massive corner at 16C in the hollow, but it comes up for them and they’re through and clear. Banzai’s looking strong coming up to the final water as Yas brings him back. There’s a hesitation at the angled brush at C as Yas asks for the sharp left-hand turn, but she kicks on. Banzai’s looking just a little weary. We haven’t seen much of Monica, but she’s coming up to the Head of the Lake.
2:18pm
And we have another Brit our of the start box, reigning World Champions Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir are off and away. They were runners up to Michael Jung on their 5* debut here in 2022 – and are sitting in 2nd as things stand here today – but they had a 20 out on course here last year which dropped them down to 18th. Will they be back up at the top this time around? It’s all to play for! Oh my! Kirsty has a moment at the B element at the Head of the Lake. She’s bobbled forward but she gets back in the plate and wiggles her way through the rest of the combination. We haven’t seen much of Doug and Quantum, sorry, but they’re showing up as coming to the end of their round now, nearing the Mighty Moguls at 25ABC. Meanwhile, there’s troubles for Kirsty at Pete’s Hollow at 16ABC. She adds to the brush at B and then has to again to the corner, and it’s just so massive Betty can’t make it happen. 20 for them but they carry on. Doug has now completed, clear with just 9.6 time penalties. Yas is coming to the Head of the Lake – they have a huge jump in and make a fantastic line through there, she trusted Banzai and he totally delivered.
2:15pm
We have a British combination out on course – Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI have got their Kentucky cross country underway. They came here last year and finished 21st after 20 penalties out on cross country dropped them down the order. Kirsty’ll be gunning for the clear round she knows ‘Betty’ is capable of. They’re currently sitting in 6th place. We head back over to Calvin and Phantom and they’re looking a lot more settled now than they were at the beginning of their round. Kitsty adds a little stride to the C element of the MARS Sustainability Bay but her and ‘Betty’ are very smooth and look to mean business. Meanwhile, Calvin is crossing the finish line and is very clearly frustrated with those penalties at the drop at 15. They would probably have been in the time without that mistake. They add that 20 and 7.2 time.
2:10pm
Doug Payne and Quantum Leap are off! This gelding’s got five 5* top 10s under his cinch, including placing 3rd here in 2022. Calvin is very brave at the Head of the lake. Very. They make an enormous leap in. Enormous. This horse very clearly loves to jump, and Calvin does a great job staying with him. Oh my! The most forward riding combination have stopped at the drop at 15ABC – the one that’s like the Burghley Leaf Pit. They’ve picked up a 20 there but continue on. Doug and Quantum make nothing of the angle to the brush at the Walnut Bank at 10B – superb riding on show. Calvin’s now at the Squirrel Tables at 19.
2:05pm
Germany’s Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom of the Opera are on their way. It’s a 5* debut for Phantom but this former Sandra Auffarth ride has already proven he’s a total XC machine – in 35 FEI competitions he’s had just one 20 – one! It’s Calvin’s 24th birthday today – Happy Birthday Calvin! Can he make it an unforgettable one with a quick clear ‘round the Kentucky 5*? He’s currently sitting in equal-8th. As he sets off, Ema’s on her way toward the finish. She jumps the Lucky Horseshoe and will be absolutely delighted with Bronte. They finish up with 18.8 time penalties. Meanwhile, Ariel’s really having to work hard, Simon is very keen. She’s coming up to the Normandy Bank and makes easy work of it. Calvin has set out like Phantom’s tail’s on fire! Wow they’re speedy! He absolutely flies into the first water – a huge jump – and in the blink of an eye they’re through and clear. They put in another enormous leap over the upright rail at 7. There are a lot of conversations going on between him and Phantom, they’re really motoring on and Phantom is very, very keen. Ariel’s over the line carrying those 20 penalties, plus an 11 for a frangible device, and 8.8 time.
2:01pm
Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan join us now. They’re back after a bit of a break last season but showed great form in 2022, finishing on their dressage for 11th place individually at the World Championships in Pratoni, completing Badminton in 15th and taking 3rd at Luhmuhlen. ‘Simon’ really does run for fun, he looks incredible as he clears the first fences on course. Andrew McConnon’s come home – just 8 time penalties to add. Ema’s at the Rolex Grand Slam Challenge at 18ABC. She rides sensibly through there on her 5* debutant, putting in a curve. She was very smooth there and is really giving Bronte a lovely ride. Ah! Ariel’s just had a 20 at the Head of the Lake at 13ABCD. Simon just doesn’t pick up for the corner in the water at C, he was so enthusiastic through there he just didn’t see it. That’s frustrating for them. Ema’s going the longer route at the Park Question at 23ABCDE – the fence that caused a lot of troubles in the 4*. They’re through clear and on their way. We’re running a little behind right now.
1:56pm
US-based Aussie Ema Klugman brings Bronte Beach forward for the mare’s first time at the level. Bronte Beach is proving to be a XC machine, with just one jumping penalty in 14 FEI competitions. They have a bit of a moment at the table at 3, but she kicks on. She makes the enormous drop into the water at 5 over the corgi and then holds her line to the B element. Susie Berry’s showing up as having been given 20 at fence 13B. Ema’s bold through the Walnut Bank at 10AB. Meanwhile, Andrew’s up at the highest point in the course. The terrain’s really challenging there through Pete’s Hollow at 16ABC. He’s clear through there and really classy. Susie Berry finishes with 20 jumping and 25.2 time penalties. Ema takes a bit of a longer route at the Head of the Lake as the corner at C just wasn’t coming up for her. They’re clear though and carry on their way.
1:50pm
Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54 have joined us on course for the mare’s first 5*. She’s no stranger to the Horse Park though – she finished 26th in the 4*-S here last year. Jennie loses her stirrup at the Normandy Bank at 20ABC but gets it straight back – no worries for her. Oh my! Susie’s had a superb save at the Head of the Lake and gets right up close and personal to the crowds as she fights to stay in the plate. She got thrown forward in front of the saddle, bounced back, had no stirrups, but stayed on board. Meanwhile, Jennie is almost home! She’s close to the time! She flies the Lucky Horseshoe and gallops through the finish – just 1.2 time penalties. Andrew’s flying towards the Head of the Lake making the big Wofford Rails look tiny. He makes the turn after the big drop to the skinny brush in the water and then easily flows to the corner in the water. He looks like he’s having a lot of fun.
1:45pm
Hoping for the luck of the Irish, Susannah Berry and Clever Trick get their cross country under way. This mare sure is clever out on course – in 18 international runs there’s just a single 20 on her record. Jennie’s just made her way through the Defender Head of the Lake and made it look like a Pony Club obstacle – she’s really giving Comic a peach of a ride. Susie’s over the corgi at 8AB and looks to be eating up this course. She’s safely through the Walnut Bank at 10AB. Meanwhile, Jennie’s at the final water and once more, giving us a riding lesson. She slices through there and kicks on.
1:38pm
Jennie Brannigan and Thoroughbred Twilightslastgleam are off and running! ‘Comic’ was 16th on his debut at the level at Maryland in 2022 and 17th here last year. Jennie’s a real quick rider so it’ll be cool to see her take on this track. The trakhener at 2 is enormous but Comic makes nothing of it. Jennie balances as she comes to the big oxer at 4. She’s into the water at 5 and then gets a little bit deep to the roll top in the water, but it comes up for them and they fly the angled brush at C and continue on their way. They’re at the corgi at 8A now – the second water. It is a huge drop down over the dog into the water! They easily make the left-handed turn to the skinny triple bar and they gallop on. The new Walnut Bank at 10AB looks easy for them – it’s a very keen angle to the brush at B, which is on a downward slope, but Jennie’s on the perfect line and they sail on.
1:30pm
And we’re off! Our 2024 trailblazer Sara Kozumplik is away with 5* first-timer Rock Phantom. This is the former ride of Brazil’s Nilson Moreira da Silva (who we saw in the 4*) – Sara took over the irons for the 2022 season. The rain’s coming down in Kentucky but Sara won’t let that bother her. They clear the Flower Box at the first and then ‘Rocky’ has a bit of a look into the ditch under the Trakhener at 2. They catch the back rail on the Oxer at 4 and then unfortunately have a stop going into the first water at 5, the MARS Sustainability Bay. Sara decides to put her hand up – Rocky’s been sticky over the first fences and it makes sense for her to save him for another day. There’ll be a bit of a gap before we see our next combination in the start box now – that’ll be Jennie Brannigan dn Twilightslastgleam.
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