In a last-minute turn of events, Andrew Nicholson has withdrawn reigning Rolex champion Quimbo from Rolex and will presumably aim the horse for Badminton instead, where he also has his London Olympic partner Nereo entered. That leaves the Silver Fox with just one mount, 2012 Burghley winner Avebury, at Kentucky.
Aside from the pairs we expected to see withdraw following weekend announcements — Kristi Nunnink and R-Star and Buck Davidson with Mar de Amor and The Apprentice — Emily Renfoe and Walk the Line and Peter Atkins and Henry Jota Hampton, who are slated to go to Badminton, have also withdrawn.
That brings the total number of entries to 63, down from the record 82 combinations that had entered as of the closing date. It will still be a sizable field in comparison to last year when just 46 pairs presented at the first trot up last year. Stay locked on EN for all the news on withdrawals in these final two days before the first horse inspection.