Video: Neville Bardos, Mighty Nice, Twizzel, Ballynoecastle RM, Remington, Arthur, and Otis
After the CIC3* division finished show jumping, the US Olympic hopefuls who skipped the cross-country rode around the show jumping course in front of the selectors. Canadians 5 O’Clock Somewhere and Kilrodan Abbott joined them after silly eliminations yesterday. Notably, Selena O’Hanlon and Colombo did not show jump after being eliminated yesterday. If I had to sum up the observation round in one phrase I would say that Boyd Martin jumped out of his mind today. The Bromont show jumping course tormented three-star pairs all day, allowing just 10 clear rounds to the 41 starters. Boyd had 3 of those clear rounds, finishing clear on Otis, Remington, and Neville. Boyd did pick up two time faults with Neville. To belabor the point, just 3 other US Olympic hopefuls had clear rides (Mr. Medicott, Andromaque, and Loughan Glen).
Bromont observation round show jumping results:
Boyd Martin and Otis Barbotiere +0
Hawley Bennet-Awad and 5 O’Clock Somewhere (CAN) +12
Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Eagle +4
Allison Springer and Arthur +8
Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott (CAN) +0
Boyd Martin and Remington +0
Buck Davidson and Ballynoecastle RM +8
Will Coleman and Twizzel +6
Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice +4
Boyd Martin and Neville Bardos +2
Looking at the other US pairs, Arthur and Ballynoecastle RM took steps back in their short list hopes by pulling two rails each. Arthur was tense at times, which can’t help but remind the selectors of previous spooky moments from Arthur in big situations. I would say that Will Coleman had a neutral day by pulling the last. I didn’t see anything from Mighty Nice that changes my mind that he should be Mystery Whisper’s backup in England, rather than Fernhill Eagle.
Peter Barry was ecstatic after his round with Kilrodan Abbott and for good reason. They jumped a double-clear with the crowd willing them on at every fence. This pair has such a wonderful partnership–it is a delight to watch them compete. After getting eliminated yesterday for jumping the wide part of a corner, they were one of three clear rounds for Canada today. I’ll get into the Canadian selection situation more later, but suffice it to say that today was a huge boost for Peter.
I kid you not, I have my computer at the dinner table. More soon. Go eventing.
