Will Faudree and Andromaque
Karen O’Connor and Veronica have the early Thursday lunch break lead here at Rolex on a 47.8. Veronica is competing in her first 4* this weekend but she handled the atmosphere with ease and Karen rode a very correct veteran test. The good news for USA for the future is that Veronica has a lot more upside with her flatwork. I don’t this a 47.8 will lead at the end of Thursday, but it puts Veroinica in great position for the weekend. I do expect Karen to take it easy with her around the XC since the goal this weekend is education for the future.
Andrew Nicholson and Calico Joe of New Zealand are in second with a 48.7. Calico Joe showed off good movement to impress the judges. Both New Zealand and Australia are really well represented here at Rolex and New Zealand has three pairs competing on Friday.
Becky looked a bit conservative with Courageous Comet, but the veteran pair put together a really nice test. Comet is a big crowd favorite here this weekend and, like at the jog yesterday, he got the biggest cheer of the morning. They scored 48.8 which is good enough for 3rd at the lunch break.
Rolex Thursday Lunch Break Scores:
1. Karen O’Connor and Veronica 47.8
2. Andrew Nicholson and Calico Joe (NZL) 48.7
3. Becky Holder and Courageous Comet 48.8
4. Marilyn Little-Meredith and RF Rovano Rex 54.7
5. Will Faudree and Andromaque 54.7
[Full Rolex Live Scores]
Two notable first time 4* mares–Veronica and Absolute Liberty–looked like they belonged at Rolex this morning. Karen and Buck respectively did a great job managing their horses and produced really quality tests. I always think it is an advantage for younger horses to go early on Thursday because the mood at the Horse Park is much calmer than it will be on Friday when much larger groups of spectators arrive. We saw some fantastic mares this morning–Andromaque, Veronica, Absolute Liberty, R-Star. We pick up after lunch with another awesome mare, UN, ridden by Jane Sleeper.
RF Rovano Rex was the best mover of the morning, but some tension, an error of course, and a few moments lacking accuracy held their score back. In fact, I think they got a very good result–4th place for now on a 53.7–for so many errors. Good movement goes a long way and Mark Phillips was watching Marilyn’s test with interest.
James Allison looked like he was being conservative with Jumbo’s Jake. Sinead was helping with our live blog commentary and noted that Jake usually shows more expression in his tests. Nonetheless, James will be in striking distance going into the XC. The British team definitely has James on their radar–Yogi was filming James’ test on his iPad.
Michael Pollard and the feisty Wonderful Will produced their best Rolex test yet and Michael had a big smile and pat for Will after their test. Will scored a 56.7 with his best two phases yet to come.
Will Faudree and Andromaque were the last to ride before the lunch break. Missy has returned superbly from an injury last year and she has been doing so well this spring that will decided to bring her to Rolex rather than a later three-day. Their test started off well and got better as it went and they are in solid position for the weekend on a 54.7.
One really interesting point that Sinead made on our live blog is that this year’s Rolex XC course is designed with a leaning towards the style of course that Sue Benson will put on at Greenwich for the Olympics–narrower galloping lanes, more technicality, and a more condensed feel.
Sally has been doing an absolutely wonderful job with her commentary on the portable radios here at Rolex and on the USEF Network. Brian O’Connor was kind enough to bring me a portable radio and I have been enjoying Sally’s commentary along with everyone else watching on the USEF Network.
Update: The SmartPak course walk with Allison Springer and Boyd Martin has been changed from Friday afternoon to Friday at 11:30am.
Our live blog resumes at 1pm. Thanks to everyone who joined in the fun and discussion this morning. We are having some issues with the software maxing out at 250 commenters, so if you are logged on stay logged on–no promises you will be able to get back in once you leave. Go eventing.
