Selected shots from the Jersey Jogs:
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Two Spun from Jersey Jogs
Four horses were held in the CCI** this morning: Holly Payne’s Santino passsed upon re-inspection, Courtney Sendak’s Wil’Ya Love Me withdrew from the holding area, and both Boyd Martin’s Merging and Kate Samuel’s Nyls du Terroir were spun. There with no other withdraws overnight; all others presented and were passed without incident. A gallery of jog photos is in the works–check back shortly.
CIC** show jumping starts at 10:30, CCI** at 11:30, CCI*** at 1:30 and CIC*** at 2:45.
One More Video: Jersey Cross-Country
The jogs are about to start. Go Jersey.
Jersey Pony Power: Courtney Sendak & Wil’Ya Love Me
Courtney and Willy through the water today:
Go ponies!
Jersey CIC** XC Wrap Up
Karen and Mandiba
The top three places stayed the same after CIC** cross-country: Karen and Mandiba have a rail in hand over Will Coleman and Zipp tomorrow, and Karen’s also third on RF Amber Eyes, who looked super through the drop combination where I saw her. Werner Geven sprung up the leaderboard from tenth to fourth on Vilas County with the only double clear of the division, and from twelfth to seventh on Golden Malt, adding just 1.2 time penalties to their score.
Will and Zipp
Werner and Vilas County
Connor Husain and Piece of Hope moved up from seventh to fifth
The water caused a few problems—Katherine Martineau was eliminated after three refusals at the log in, Emily van Gemeren picked up two stops before being eliminated for a third refusal later on course, Jan and Why Not had a single stop, and Werner fell with Vandiver, though both were OK.
Lucy Disston and Mark Weissbecker both had trouble late on course at fence 19. Lucy and a run-out, and Mark fell but was back on his feet quickly.
The sun got stronger this afternoon, and the time definitely seemed hardest to make in the CIC**, but altogether it was a tough yet fair day of eventing: The jump judges were kept on their toes directing crowds of spectators, recording a handful of falls and slightly more disobediences, but mostly cheering on terrific riding over challenging courses. My favorite ride of the day had to be Jessica Phoenix and Erodium—Jessica made no secret of how proud she was of the gelding, shouting “good boy!” so loud you could hear her across the course.
The jogs will tentatively take place at 8:30 tomorrow, with CIC** show jumping starting at 10:30, CCI** at 11:30, CCI*** at 1:30 and CIC*** at 2:45.
CIC** Leaders:
1. Karen O’Connor/Mandiba – 47.40
2. William Coleman III/Zipp – 54.10
3. Karen O’Connor/RF Amber Eyes – 56.70
4. Werner Geven/Vilas County – 58.50
5. Connor Husain/Piece of Hope – 59.80
6. Liz Millikin/Masterpiece 54 – 62.00
7. Werner Geven/Golden Malt – 62.70
8. Jessica Phoenix/ Erodium – 66.00
9. Jan Byyny/Why Not – 85.90
10. Lucy Disston/Captain Jack – 98.00
[Scores]
Jersey CIC*** XC Shake Up
Will and Pawlow
After a relatively uneventful morning in the CCI divisions, the standings got a shake-up in the CIC***: Several pairs had trouble at 7ABC, a downhill combination with a skinny wedge at the base. Overnight leaders Clark Montgomery and Universe picked up a stop there; Will Coleman fell off Cool Connection; Hannah Burnett and Tessa Beckett retired after run-outs, and Leslie Chelsrom and Whitney Weston picked up run-outs, too.
Team Canada, pleased with Rebecca and Riddle Master’s performance
But Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master made the bank combo look easy, picking up just .04 time penalties to move up from fourth to first. Will Faudree had an unfortunate fall with DHI Color Candy after they got a little close to the last fence, but Pawlow pulled off one of three clear rounds to move from fifth to second.
The other double clears belonged to Hawley and Ginny and Sinead and Tate, sitting third and fourth respectively.
Meghan O’Donohuge and Pirate moved up from 16th to seventh
Buck and The Apprentice jumped clear but slow, dropping from third to 11th
Michelene Jordan also had a fall off Irish Diamonds when he hung a leg into the second water, but both were quickly up and OK.
[Scores]
Phillip’s CCI*** XC Domination
Phillip and Whisper through the water
Phillip recovered from his earlier fall with Indie to storm around the CCI*** double clear with Mystery Whisper, widening his lead over Karen and Veronica to almost 8 points–meaning he’ll have just shy of two rails in hand tomorrow.
Karen and Veronica
Michael and Jude’s Law
Karen and Veronica added two time penalties to their score to stay in second, and Michael and Jude’s Law ran around the course in 9:40, the fastest of the division, for third.
Buck and Reggie
Hawley Bennett-Awad and 5 O’Clock Somewhere
Problems were spread around the course: Kadi Eykamp retired after picking up a second stop on her second trip through the water; Michelle Mueller and Amistad had a stop at the ditch; Ronald and Master Rose had a run-out at the bottom of the mountain complex; Pam and Sea Lion had a stop at the brush into the first water, and Lynn and Donner had a run-out late on course after looking strong through the majority.
All in all, the weather’s been ideal, are galloping well, and many made or were close to the time–even with a stop.
CCI*** Leaders:
1. Phillip Dutton/Mystery Whisper – 32.60
2. Karen O’Connor/Veronica – 39.60
3. Michael Pollard/Jude’s Law – 43.60
4. Selena O’Hanlon/Colombo – 45.80
5. Bruce Davidson Jr/Ballynoecastle RM – 46.40
6. Laine Ashker/Anthony Patch – 48.00
7. Hawley Bennett – Awad/5 O’Clock Somewhere – 50.00
8. Stephen Bradley/Leyland – 52.40
9. Shandiss Wewiora/Rockfield Grant Juan – 56.60
10. Michele Mueller/Amistad – 49.80
[Scores]
Jersey CCI** XC
Doug and Crown Talisman, third after their double clear run.
With his two double clear rounds this morning, Boyd held onto the CCI** lead with Crackerjack and moved Merging up from sixth to fourth; Holly Payne and Santino jumped up a spot to second, and Doug and Crown Talisman are right on their heels in third. There were seven double clears of the 18 starters.
After a few awkward jumps earlier on course, Phillip and Indie fell at the water, but were both immediately up and OK; Jennifer Simmons was eliminated after three stops around the course; Katie Wherley had a stop at the coffin, and Caroline Martin had a run-out late on course.
Kate Samuels and Nyls du Terrior, currently sixth.
Donna Miller and ArdCeltic Art moved up from 11th to ninth after cross-country.
CCI** Leaders:
1. Boyd Martin/Crackerjack – 48.50
2. Holly Payne/Santino – 50.60
3. Doug Payne/Crown Talisman – 53.10
4T. Boyd Martin/Merging -53.50
4T. Kelley Williams/Brazen Bomber – 53.50
6. Kate Samuels/Nyls du Terroir – 53.30
7. Alexa Kim Perkiel/Apres Ski – 56.30
8. Liz Riley/It’s The Truth – 58.70
9. Donna Miller/ArdCeltic Art – 56.70
10. Caroline Martin/Quantum Solace – 63.70
[Scores]
Photos: Jersey CCI*** XC Course
The forecast and footing look fantastic, and the John Williams-designed courses are a mighty mix of awesome and tough: The stars are aligned for a super day of eventing. In particular, I’d like to direct your attention to fence 14: Yes, that’s a live tree branch–how cool is that?
Tentative schedule: CCI** at 9, CCI*** at 11:10, CIC*** at 1, CIC** at 3:20.
Phillip’s CCI*** Dressage Domination
Phillip and Mystery Whisper scored a 32.6 to lead the CCI*** by seven points this afternoon–the third time they’ve led a three-day after the dressage this year. Phillip mentioned in the press conference that he’s been working with Linda Zang, and that the experience of riding Mystery Whisper has been beneficial for his other horses. Looking toward cross-country, he’s planning to keep the pace “comfortable” for Whisper.
Karen and Veronica look ready for Rolex redemption after their flashy test left them in second (39.6) heading into tomorrow. Karen’s no worse than third on any of her horses this weekend. Go Karen.
Michael and Jude’s Law showed some killer mediums, but a bit of tension in the canter work to score a 43.6 for third, and Buck and Reggie looked like the old friends they are, performing a consistent test to score 46.4 for fifth.
Though there’s an over 10-point gap between the top five, consistent tests from Laine, Kadi, Lynn and Hawley put them all within two points of each other in the bottom half of the top ten–which’ll make for an exciting shake-up in the standings at the end of the day tomorrow.
CCI*** Dressage Leaders:
1. Phillip Dutton/Mystery Whisper – 32.60
2. Karen O’Connor/Veronica – 39.60
3. Michael Pollard/Jude’s Law – 43.60
4. Selena O’Hanlon/Colombo – 45.80
5. Bruce Davidson Jr/Ballynoecastle RM – 46.40
6. Laine Ashker/Anthony Patch – 48.00
7. Kadi Eykamp/Double Rivers Dillon – 48.80
8. Lynn Symansky/Donner – 49.40
9. Michele Mueller/Amistad – 49.80
10. Hawley Bennett-Awad/5 O’Clock Somewhere – 50.00
[Scores]
Which brings us to the end of Jersey dressage. Off to walk the course!
Clark’s CIC*** Dressage Wrap-Up
Clark and Universe
After Clark’s final halt, there was no question he and Universe would go into the CIC*** lead: Universe was in the zone, his changes were by far the cleanest, and his test was the most expressive we’d seen. They’ll head into cross-country with a well-earned 4-point lead (40.8) over Hannah and Harbour Pilot (44.60).
Buck and The Apprentice
The Apprentice showed some serious wingspan in his mediums, and I know Buck loves the way this horse jumps. They’re sitting solidly in third on a 47.20.
Sinead and Tate
Sinead and Tate laid down a very consistent, rhythmic test. They didn’t make any mistakes, and I got the sense Sinead wasn’t engaging all the engines. They’re tied for sixth on a 49.60 with Boyd and Trading Aces, who aside from a few bobbles in the halts, looked like a seasoned partnership.
Rebecca and Riddle Master
Team Canada should be thrilled with Rebecca and Riddle Master, who were flashy and focused, scoring 48.4 for fourth. Both Exponential and Ginny were a bit tense; Ginny showcased some serious expression early in their test, but then lost a little balance and focus.
And then there was Neville, who came into the ring looking like a million bucks—but right as the whistle blew, something unsettled him. He bolted, and Boyd did everything he could to regain composure, but the tension ultimately got the better of their test. Boyd has since confirmed that they experimented with a new, shorter warm-up this morning, hoping to push for more in the ring. He’d already planned against running Neville cross-country tomorrow, and now plans to re-do his test in the ring at 6:30 tomorrow morning following a longer, rounder warm-up. Despite not running cross-country, Boyd is planning to show jump Neville Sunday. They’re currently planning to run cross-country at the Bromont CIC*** in a few weeks before heading to the Hartpury CIC*** this summer, assuming all goes well.
CIC*** Dressage Leaders:
1. Clark Montgomery/Universe – 40.80
2. Hannah Burnett/Harbour Pilot – 44.60
3. Bruce Davidson Jr/The Apprentice – 47.20
4. Rebecca Howard/Riddle Master – 48.40
5. Will Faudree/Pawlow – 49.40
6T. Sinead Halpin/Manoir de Carneville – 49.60
6T. Boyd Martin/Trading Aces – 49.60
8. William Coleman III/Cool Connection – 54.00
9. Boyd Martin/Neville Bardos – 54.20
10. William Coleman III/Vancover – 54.60
[Scores]
CCI*** is about to begin.
Jersey Dressage Day Two
Hannah and Harbour Pilot
Here we are at the first break in this morning’s CIC***. The footing dried up nicely overnight, and Jan Byyny and Inmidair led the way with a test ride so beautiful that announcer Brian O’Connor rightly guessed any of the competitors would he hard pressed to match it.
A flashy, consistent and obedient test from Hannah Burnett and Harbour Pilot put them into the current lead with a 44.6, over Will Coleman and Vancouver who were a little spicy in the changes, but otherwise very impressive to score a 54.6. Will Faudree and the gorgeous DHI Colour Candy sit third (56.6) after the first third of the class.
Will and Vancouver
We’ve got some heavy hitters ahead: Sinead and Tate, Boyd and Neville, Rebecca and Riddle Master, Jessica and Exponential and Hawley and Ginny are all in the CIC***, to name but a few.
[Scores]
Natalia Gurmankin and Hail II
Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star
Jersey Thursday Photos
In lieu of videos (hotel WiFi FAIL), here are a few more pictures from today’s dressage action. Until tomorrow…
Will Coleman and Zipp
Lucy Disston and Captain Jack
Danny Warrington and Will Smith
Will Smith
Katherine Martineau and H.M As Spirits Go
Connor Husain and Piece of Hope
Rowdie Adams and No Money Down
Boyd Martin and Merging
Abbie Golden and Arundel
Jeff Kibbie and Loki
Boyd’s Jersey CCI** Dressage Recap
Boyd and Crackerjack put in a solid performance to cruise into the lead in the CCI** this afternoon—and an eventful afternoon it was. The weather spanned at least three seasons, from chilly to damp to hot, and following the final 20-minute break, the horses were up to something. Rowdie Adams’ No Money Down got halfway through his test before loosing his cool, spooking sideways, tuning out. You had to admire Rowdie’s patience—she patted his neck and urged him forward, but No Money Down just wasn’t having it. Eventually the judges blew the whistle; today wasn’t their day, but they’ll recollect and be back to prove themselves soon enough.
Rowdie and No Money Down
Wendy Lewis was next, and Mastercraft, too, was spooking sideways in the walk, though Wendy eventually got a handle on him. Luckily the next pair, Donna Miller and ArdCeltic Art, got things back on track with a solid test.
Phillip and Indie
Phillip currently sits second on Indie, whom he’s catch-riding for Jennie this weekend (Brian O’Connor announced she recently injured her leg); Indie’s a big-moving horse and Phillip rode a forward, consistent test.
Holly and Santino
Holly Payne, Kate Samuels and Kelly Williams all rode expressive, accurate tests to go into the top six; Jennifer Simmons and Lestaire’s awesome trot and canter work was sadly compromised by tension in the walk, otherwise I think they would’ve scored much better.
Pony Power: Courtney Sendak and Wil’Ya Love Me
The top six places are separated by less than 5 points: CCI** cross-country’s gonna shake things up.
CCI** Dressage Top 10:
1. Boyd Martin/Crackerjack – 48.50
2. Phillip Dutton/Indie – 49.40
3. Holly Payne/Santino – 50.60
4. Doug Payne/Crown Talisman – 53.10
5. Kate Samuels/Nyls du Terroir – 53.30
6T. Kelley Williams/Brazen Bomber – 53.50
6T. Boyd Martin/Merging – 53.50
8T. Jennifer Simmons/Lestaire – 54.30
8T. Caroline Martin/Petite Flower – 54.30
10. Alexa Kim Perkiel/Apres Ski – 56.30
[Scores]
More CIC** & CCI** videos to come.
Karen’s Jersey CIC** Dressage Recap
It’s no surprise Karen and Mandiba started things off with a bang in the CIC**, showcasing lovely trot work and consistency throughout to carry a 6-point lead over Will Coleman and Zipp into cross-country. Karen’s also sitting third on RF Amber Eyes, with whom she lapped the ring in a forward canter before the whistle blew; the momentum translated to a flowing rhythm in the test, and Amber Eyes seemed super focused. Karen looked thrilled as they were leaving the ring.
Karen and Mandiba:
Will Coleman’s Zipp is a fantastic mover; his mediums made huge splashes in the wet footing, and his trot work was definitely the most expressive this morning. Why Not had the most consistent test, and Jan had the biggest smile.
Jan and Why Not
The only really unlucky moment came in the middle of Danny Warrington and Will Smith’s first turn on the haunches, when what sounded like several boxes toppling over in the trade fair beside the ring sent Will straight up in the air and almost over. Danny hung tight, and the judges kindly blew the whistle to let him re-do the movement, but the tension hung on for the rest of what had otherwise been a pretty consistent test.
Abbie’s poor boots
The footing in the ring is sloppy, but the crew are diligently dragging and re-dragging. CCI** starts soon. Additional photos/videos to come when I locate more powerful internet.
Liz Millikin and Masterpiece 54
CIC** Leaders:
1. Karen O’Connor/Mandiba – 42.2
2. Will Coleman/Zipp – 48.1
3. Karen O’Connor/RF Amber Eyes – 48.3
4. Jan Byyny/Why Not – 48.7
5. Liz Millikin/Masterpiece 54 – 49.6
6. Jessica Phoenix/Erodium – 52.4
7. Connor Husain/Piece of Hope – 57.0
8. Abbie Golden/Arundel – 57.4
9. Mark Weissbecker/Island Patches – 58.0
10. Werner Geven/Vilas County – 58.5
On the Scene at Jersey
It’s a fine morning at the Horse Park of New Jersey: CIC** riders are warming up, and I’ve already seen about 65 pairs of custom boots I want in the trade fair and spilled a cup of coffee on myself. All signs point to an exceptional weekend of eventing.
A brief note from yesterday’s jogs: According to the secretary this morning, Michael Pollard’s Schoensgreen Hanni was the lone horse spun.
Michael wrote on Facebook that he was “in shock” – he said Hanni went well yesterday morning, and he thought she jogged well, too. They’re now planning to re-route to Bromont, but first Michael’s motivation has been “kicked up a notch” for Jude’s Law’s run in the CCI*** this weekend. Go Jude.
Karen and Mandiba start things off in the CIC** at 9:30. There was a bit of rain overnight, but the dressage arena and warm-up rings have since been well groomed. The CIC** and CCI** divisions finish dressage today, and CIC*** and CCI*** go tomorrow.
Stay tuned.
It’s Jersey Fresh Time
Just when Rolex Fever’s starting to subside, Jersey Fresh is upon us. And with an entry list chock-full of past WEG or PanAm horses and Olympic hopefuls, it’s shaping up to be a pretty influential weekend.
To give you a taste, in the CCI 3* we’ve got Philip on Mystery Whisper, Buck on Reggie, Michael on Hanni and Jude’s Law, Hawley on 5 O’Clock Somewhere and Selena on Columbo.
In the CIC 3*: Boyd on Neville and Trading Aces, Buck on The Apprentice, Will on Pawlow and DHI Colour Candy, Rebecca on Riddle Master, Jessica on Exponential, Hawley on Ginny and Hannah on Harbor Pilot.
Not to mention the CCI 2* (Jennie on Indie, Boyd on Merging and Crackerjack) and CIC 2* (Jan on Why Not, Karen on Mandiba and RF Amber Eyes).
Tentative Schedule:
Wednesday, May 9
11:00 Briefing
Cross Country Courses Open
2:00 First Horse Inspection
Thursday, May 10
8:40 Test ride CIC 2*
9:00 Dressage CIC 2* (approx 12 rides)
1:00 Dressage CCI 2* (approx 20 rides)
5:00 Barbeque at Ricks Saddle Shop
Friday, May 11
8:10 Test ride CIC 3*
8:30 Dressage CIC 3* (approx 24 rides)
1:00 Dressage CCI 3* (approx 14 rides)
5:00 Riders’ Meeting, followed by wine and cheese reception
presented by Cavalor
Saturday, May 12
9:00 Cross Country; Order: CCI 2*, CCI 3*, CIC 3*, CIC 2*
6:00 Dinner and Silent Auction – Competitors Tent
Sunday, May 13
8:00 Second Horse Inspection
10:30 Show Jumping in the Grand Prix Ring: CIC 2*
11:30 DVCTA Patriotic Musical Quadrille East Ring
12:00 Show Jumping CCI 2*
12:30 Awards CIC 2*, CCI 2*
1:15 Jousting Demonstration East Ring
2:00 Show Jumping CCI 3*
3:00 Show Jumping CIC 3*
4:00 Awards CCI 3*, CIC 3*
Keep it tuned to EN: I’m headed up to Allentown this evening for the duration. Go Jersey.
HN Today: #FantasyBadminton Roundup
Badminton 2012 was a washout, but the TweetMeme it inspired was a shining ray of hope in a weekend of otherwise sodden dreams. For your amusement, selections from #FantasyBadminton 2012.
From Twitter:
Lucy Wiegersma: Hang on, which horse am I riding? #fantasybadminton
Francis Whittington: #fantasybadminton @CollettEventing wins best dressed rider –
Clare Wainwright: I’ve resorted to new ways of taking my horse back to the stables….. Sick of getting wet #fantasybadminton –
Francis Whittington: #fantasybadminton riders still walking the course. Really is on the soft side –
Eventing Nation: The sponsors tent for XC day at #fantasybadminton is a bit different this year, but just as much fun –
Nico Morgan: #fantasybadminton has to be the only event in which competitors inflate their Point Twos and Hit Airs before they start!
Jackie Mac: It’s official – WFP can indeed walk on water – just skimmed through the lake and yes, within the flags #fantasybadminton
Lucinda Green: @FWeventing oh my! I don’t recall the photographers dinghy being that big but then I was focused on my ride #fantasybadminton –
Nick Gauntlett: Judging by photographic evidence, @FWeventing enjoyed the post cross country party #fantasybadminton –
Craig Sharman: Great to see the crowds flocking into watch the showjumping at #fantasybadminton –
Ellie Hughes: Much commotion as Wills and Kate make their arrival in an amphibious aircraft. Christ, have we got enough dinghys left? #fantasybadminton
Jenny Gray-Wallis: SJ warmup proves ‘interesting’. Rider Rep sadly last seen yesterday drifting out The Bristol Channel. #fantasybadminton
Josh Thompson: the top 4 placed riders at Badminton celebrate in style #fantasybadminton –
Andrew Park: #fantasybadminton WFP one-two of course, he will be riding all 5 horses for team GBR at Greenwich
Rosie Napravnik’s Monday News & Notes from Success Equestrian
Jockey Rosie Napravnik after the $1 million Kentucky Oaks.
I always envy Donna Brothers, former jockey-turned-NBC-correspondent, riding her pony alongside the winning horses and jockeys, experiencing those elated post-race moments first-hand.
Can you imagine? Rosie Napravnik, 24, who won Friday’s $1 million Kentucky Oaks, told Brothers: “This is how it feels to have your dreams come true.”
Napravnik’s only the third woman to ride in the Oaks (Julie Krone rode in ’93, Gretta Kuntzweiler in ’05, and Napravnik herself placed second last year), and has now made history as the first woman to win it. Aboard the aptly named Believe You Can, she held off 2011 Kentucky Derby-winning jockey John Velazquez by a three-quarter length margin at the wire. Go Rosie! [Baltimore Sun]
Mike Huber was also a big winner this weekend, topping the Greenwood CIC** on Applause and the preliminary on Bally Whatnot. Taylor Wood took the CIC* title with On Eagle’s Wings, and Alyssa Phillips and Exploring won the intermediate. [Greenwood Scores]
Ian Roberts and Faolan were the CIC** winners at Will O Wind; Jessica Phoenix went one-two on Executive Decision and A Little Romance, respectively, in the CIC*. [Will O Wind Scores]
Elena Ceballos and Nounours du Moulin won Poplar’s intermediate, and preliminary winners included Sophie David and Cornichon, Andrew Palmer and Tatendrang, Jennie Jarnstrom-LaManna and Chant Des Artes, Alexandria Slocum and Hot Cocoa and Kimberly Keeton and Accolade. [Poplar Scores]
At Catalpa in Iowa, Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime were the preliminary victors; Camie Stockhausen and Fabulouso won at training, and Mary Loeber and PlayBoy, Debbie Stern and Gogarty’s Oliver Twist, and Madeline Johnson and Royal Frenchman were novice winners. [Catalpa Scores]
Stephanie Butts and Peabody topped the prelim at Difficult Run, and Christina Donovan and Fuzzie’s Hero won the training. [Difficult Run Scores]
Hallie Coon and Namaste’ brought home the blue in the University of New Hampshire HT’s prelim, and Alison Eastman-Lawler and Otto Rocket won the PT. [University of New Hampshire Scores]
On a side note, EN Tipster Mary tells us there’s a proposed plan to pave UNH’s grounds, eliminating the eventing facility. Competitor Molly Tulley sported this bumper sticker in protest:
Image via Mary.
For John’s recaps of MCTA and Southern 8ths, click here.
Set your DVRs: Neville and Boyd will be profiled on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams this Wednesday, May 9 at 9pm/8c. [NBC] [Via @carrotsandbute]
Rails were flying at this weekend’s Jardy CIC*** (France), where the Aussies went one-two-three: Clayton Fredericks was first and third with Bendigo III and Walterstown Down, respectively, and Bill Levett was second on One Two Many NJ. [An Eventful Life]
I’ll Have Another’s jockey, Mario Gutierrez, 25, is unknown no more: “Pretty much all my life I’ve been riding horses, but nobody knows where I spend my six years of riding in Vancouver,” Gutierrez told ESPN. “Top trainers, top owners, of course they’re not going to know anything about me. But I’m glad this happened to me. I think we all need the opportunity and great things can happen.” [ESPN]
Kentucky Derby 138: The Day in Pictures [Kentucky Confidential]
On June 4, rider Lindy Spencer Bernard will set off on a 300-mile horseback journey to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and raise funds for a cancer trust. Bernard will be accompanied by a carriage, a polo player, a jockey and an eventer. “They represent the equestrian sports with which The Queen and Prince Philip have been closely involved during her reign,” Bernard told Horse & Hound. [H& H] [Donate]
Top of the Tweets: Francis Whittington: #fantasybadminton riders still walking the course. Really is on the soft side http://pic.twitter.com/4l0MYn46
Jardy CIC*** Interviews:
Heath Ryan and Regardez Moi winning this weekend’s Hamilton Island Grand Prix Freestyle (Australia) [via Horsetalk]:
Rosie wins the Kentucky Oaks:
Derby Day Video Break: Union Rags
Secretariat’s ownership was won in a coin toss. Sebiscuit’s jockey was blind in one eye. There’s something fitting about the fact that great racehorses always seem to be surrounded by larger-than-life details.
Top 2012 Kentucky Derby contender Union Rags is no different. Owner-breeder Phyllis Wyeth sold the colt for $145,000 only to buy him back a year later for $390,000. Trainer Michael Matz of former Olympic show jumping fame survived and saved four children from the 1989 crash of United Flight 232 seventeen years before he would win the Kentucky Derby with Barbaro in 2006.
Whether or not Union Rags gets bedecked in roses Saturday (skeptical? watch his past performances at Delaware, Saratoga, Belmont, the 2011 Breeders’ Cup, Gulfstream’s Fountain of Youth, and Gulfstream’s Flordia Derby, then judge for yourself), he’s certainly got the story. And while “story” may not figure in racing program stats, it’s always been a factor in how I choose my favorite.
Today is what some consider “The best two minutes in sports.” Presented by Track Pack PA, “Union Rags: An American Love Story.”
[Via the great Jimmy Wofford]
HN Today: Dexter Does Rolex
Our nation’s biggest event now boasts its own Flat Stanley: Rolex, meet Dexter–a laminated photocopy of the Forest Park Veterinary Clinic’s office cat. Photos abound.
____
From Suzanne of the Forest Park Veterinary Clinic:
Our office cat at Forest Park Veterinary Clinic in Columbus, Ohio, is Dexter. Our clients love him because he’s always getting into trouble and various devious adventures. He has his own blog (shameless plug here: www.forestparkvet.com and select Dexter’s Corner).
Anyway, my coworker decided a couple weeks ago to make a laminated copy of Dexter’s photo and take it to Disney World with her. Needless to say, we of course snatched him up to bring him to Rolex this past weekend! He got accosted by Tiznow at WinStar Farm and Ashado at Gainsborough Farm along with meeting Action Figure Jesus and Moses at dressage Friday, and he trudged all over the cross country course on Saturday. He even got into the Head of the Lake!
Take it away, Dexter–
Dexter Enters Kentucky
Dexter Meets Tiznow
Dexter Encounters Rockcide
Dexter Gets a Love Nibble from Ashado
Dexter Joins the Gemologist Camp
Dexter Arrives at Rolex
Dexter Hitches a Ride
Dexter Hitches a Sweeter Ride
Dexter Checks Out the Course
(From left) Moses, Jesus and Dexter Take In Some Dressage
Dexter Goes Tailgaiting
Dexter Cheers On Kilrodan Abbott
Dexter Stops by the Stubben Tent
Dexter, do cats like lakes?
This cat does!
Derby Draw’s Thursday News & Notes from Devoucoux
Last week’s crowds at Keeneland’s closing day.
Can you imagine getting all the way to a four-star event, only to find out your horse has been assigned a start box at a very oblique angle to the first fence, while others get to tackle it straight on? Sounds like a weird dream, but waiting for yesterday’s Derby Draw must’ve been pretty surreal for those involved. For an amazing horse—a Derby winner—does it matter? And after all, isn’t luck an essential part of the game?
After drawing post 6, Bob Baffert’s Bodemeister became the morning line 4-1 favorite. Second favorite Union Rags, 9-2, drew post 4 (“I just don’t see why he can’t be right behind Bodemeister and be right with him. He’s going to have to let him come out and run a little bit. It’s not the worst thing in the world,” trainer Michael Matz said of the draw), and undefeated Gemologist, post 15, was the third favorite at 6-1. [Blood-Horse]
Looking for some good Derby storytelling? Look no further than Kentucky Confidential. Yesterday alone, KYC covered the “utterly American” Churchill breakfast joint Wagner’s Pharmacy, not-so-favorites (and why you shouldn’t overlook them), and Derby Fever. Can’t wait to read what’s in store today. [Kentucky Confidential]
My favorite jockey, Sheldon Russell, 24, whose mount Done Talking drew post 17, told the Horse Racing Radio Network yesterday that riding makes you feel “like you’re doing something good with your life.” His accent’s pretty easy on the ears, too. [Listen]
Party bar stocked yet? “What we’re looking for in a mint julep, as in any cocktail, is the perfect balance of several flavors. In an ideal mint julep, the alcoholic punch and rich caramel notes of bourbon should be set against the delicate bitterness and spicy herbal aromas of fresh mint.” [Dappled Grey]
Anyone planning to don wellies and ford the Badminton course this weekend should beware that the course has been closed to the public. Too wet even to walk. [Badminton]
Badminton Director Hugh Thomas has blogged that canceling the event is “the most depressing thing I have had to do in all the time I have been at Badminton.” [Hugh’s Blog]
An Eventing Round Table discussion took place yesterday at the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne (SUI), where reducing speeds in CICs, rider licenses and qualifications, scoring, frangible pins and ponies were the debated topics. [FEI] [Horsetalk]
Hot on HN: The Sitting Trot, Part II; There Goes the Bride
Best of the Blogs: Kristen Collins attended New Vocations and the Retired Racehorse Training Project’s Thoroughbreds for All event alongside over 300 others last Saturday in Lexington. Bruce Davidson, Cathy Wieschoff, Dorothy Crowell and Molokai were part of what sounds like a very cool show. [Retired Racehorse Blog]
“Have you ever seen the Wild Mustang Roundups where they challenge cowboys to break a mustang? Well, we’re eventers… (No mustangs involved, I promise!) Announcing the Young Event Horse Challenge!!’ [Team CEO Eventing]
“…cross country day was a bit of carnage – while (gratefully!) no one was seriously hurt, there were a lot of disappointed riders walking home on foot after falls, stops and other disasters on the appropriately challenging course. And in an Olympic year, this is how it should be, a challenging course that separates the men from the boys. It got me thinking about how underprepared I think our dressage people are sometimes, how expensive and challenging it is to get a similar experience in dressage.” [Lauren Sprieser for COTH]
Top of the Tweets: peter brette: Union rags gets his first look at Hansen this year!! http://pic.twitter.com/CTUA5Yck
Derby Update, 5/2:
Wednesday News & Notes from Horse Quencher
Julien Leparoux, who appears to be looking straight at me (omg) in this pic I snapped at Keeneland last week, will ride top contender Union Rags in the Derby on Saturday.
Badminton may be off the schedule this weekend, but the greatest two minutes in sports are most definitely still ON for Saturday. Are you ready? How long is a furlong? Who ran it the fastest? Examine your Derby expertise in the Kansas City Star’s Pop Quiz. [KCS]
The Los Angeles Times has taken a look at the field, including the unbeaten Gemologist and lightly raced Bodemeister, and concluded there’s “no real favorite”—which is a tricky thing to say, especially when racing fans are involved. [LA Times]
On Conquering Triple Crown Demons: “He remembers everything from the last time. The last time that really mattered, that is. That was six years ago, when thoroughbred horse trainer Michael Matz brought a giant, unbeaten three-year-old colt named Barbaro to Churchill Downs and left in very real pursuit of the Triple Crown.” [Sports Illustrated]
Q&A with William Fox Pitt: “Which horse would you most like to own and why (from any Equestrian sport)? Michael Jung’s horse La Biosthetique Sam FBW (the current World and European Champion combination). I would retire him so I had a better chance of winning Gold in London! I think he would enjoy his retirement with me! If I could own Sam and ride Oslo in London I would be a very happy man!” [Horsetalk]
British dressage star Carl Hester took Horse and Country TV on a tour of his flooded Gloucestershire farm. Looks pretty darn deluged. Know what’s also in Gloucestershire? Badminton. [Horse and Country]
Nations Cup show jumping competitions are in for a makeover. The Saudi Equestrian Fund has made its sponsorship conditional on involving more federations, including the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South America. [COTH]
Three horses used in a therapeutic riding program at Frying Pan Park, site of Area II’s Difficult Run Pony Club Horse Trials in Herndon, Va., are expected to make a full recovery after surviving multiple stab wounds. Police are still looking for the perpetrator. [WUSA9]
Most Ridiculous Headline: A VERY Big Mac! World’s biggest McDonald’s with 1,500 seats to be built for games
Best of the Blogs: The Retired Racehorse Training Project’s Steuart Pittman weighs in on the NYT’s racing articles: “The New York Times article was not about the devotion of humans to their racehorses and the glorious life that they lead. It was an effort to shock its readers and get a reaction. It described the use of anti-inflammatories as having feed ‘laced’ with painkillers.” [Pittman]
“…as I walk around the collecting ring on my first ride, Griffin, with cold rain finding its way through the minute flaws in my rain gear, and trickling down my back, I look up to see Ralph Hill, looking like some deranged pirate, walking beside me. Rain is dripping off both points of his moustache, off his pony tail, and glistens off his gold earing. He gives me that manic grin, and announces, ‘Another day at the office!’ And I think, ‘This is going to be a long day.’ ” [Denny Emerson]
Hot on HN: “The star of this video is is Classic Goldrush, a 15.2-hh pinto crossbred that competes in 2* eventing and Grand Prix show-jumping. Bridle optional, apparently.”
From Horse Quencher: Anytime a horse moves to a new barn – whether to live there or just stay a few days to compete – the natural order of things is upset. And that’s enough to slow or stop water intake, especially for the new kid on the block. So get him a welcoming drink, with Horse Quencher.
As Denis O’Brien, Assistant Manager Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Shadwell Stud, Norfolk, says, “We use Horse Quencher when new horses arrive at the farm, or when horses have undergone surgery and return to us from hospital. At these times the horses can be unsettled for a few days, often going off their food and water. Horse Quencher has been excellent in helping to reduce the risk of impaction colic, a very costly and distressing condition. The hydration of horses when traveling can be overlooked and Horse Quencher will assist those who reduce their fluid intake while being transported nationally and internationally. In a nutshell Horse Quencher has helped whenever the horses have a change of routine, or environment, when moving from trainers to the farm, for pre-and-post sales, for traveling and while recovering from injury and confined to the box.”
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