Classic Eventing Nation

Vote for the ‘Flyest Horse at Kentucky’ Groom’s Award

By on Apr 21, 2021 7:28 pm -

Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent. Photo by Shelby Allen.

We spend a lot of time talking about fashion choices and trot-up outfits at a five-star, but let’s take some time to celebrate the hardworking grooms of Kentucky! We love seeing horses turned out to the nines, and inevitably there is always a team of people dedicated to each horse’s happiness and wellbeing during an event.

We’ve teamed up with Ecovet and Horse & Rider Books, and a gift certificate from SmartPak to offer up a small token of thanks to the grooms at Kentucky this week, and our team has narrowed down the field (truthfully, it was basically impossible – you all did such a great job) to bring you the finalists. The winning groom will receive a gallon of Ecovet Fly Spray to help make the upcoming summer more bearable as well as a copy each of World Class Grooming and World Class Braiding from Horse & Rider Books. Not that any of these top grooms need any help, but the expertise of Emma Ford and Cat Hill can never lead you astray!

Here are the finalists for the Flyest Horse at Kentucky Groom’s Award, as well as some shots from “behind the runway” on a chilly day! Voting will close at the conclusion of Thursday’s dressage at 5 p.m. EST!

Now cast your vote! We’ll close the poll tomorrow and announce the winner!

It was hard to catch the horses after the jogs before they were quickly blanketed or led away, but enjoy some more tidbits from behind the scenes:

Posted by Jj Jayhawk Sillman on Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Reporter’s Notebook: Snow & Some Thoughts on Kentucky Eve

By on Apr 21, 2021 7:20 pm -

Kentucky is a different shade of bluegrass this year, to say the least. Sitting here in the Media Center, we’re usually looking out over a bustling trade fair; this year, the indoor is closed up and dark. The first horse inspection is usually standing room only; today, there were only a few folks scattered across the stone terraces. The parking lots and campground are relatively empty, as will be the stands of Rolex Stadium in the coming days. The smiles of those of us lucky enough to be here are hidden by masks.

Things may look different, but the thru-thread of “Kentucky Eve” energy and optimism feels as strong as if not stronger than ever. Since we all last met in this Park two years ago, the world has changed. Who could have known, then, that a deadly virus would wreak havoc around the world, upending our lives in so many unforeseen and previously unimaginable ways. All of us, to varying degrees, have experienced loss, anxiety and grief. We are co-survivors of a shared trauma from which we are only just now beginning to emerge.

I’ve looked forward to this week with mixed emotions. Nothing feels like business as usual. This spring I’ve been struggling to feel connected to the sport after having been apart from it for so long, covering events from a distance that often feels enormous. But driving though the iconic Kentucky Horse Park gates this morning, twilight casting a blue glow on the snowy fields, I felt a familiar stirring. Some long-dormant tenderness fluttered in my chest.

The EN team is well aware that, for so many in our community, watching “The Best Week All Year” on a screen isn’t going to hit the same. We understand the privilege of being here in person, and we take seriously our responsibility to articulate the experience as fully as we can. Remember that we’re not as far apart as we think — the 2021 event’s very existence, thanks to an incredible community-led fundraising effort, is proof of the ties that bind us together and make us strong.

Wherever you are this week, I hope you are able to let a little Kentucky magic in, too.

#LRK3DE21: Website, EN’s Ultimate Form Guide, 5* Dressage Ride Times, 4* Dressage Ride Times, Schedule, North America Live Stream, Worldwide Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Social Media Round-Up: From Snow Day to Jog Day

By on Apr 21, 2021 6:30 pm -

Hands up if you woke up this morning with snow blanketing your doorstep? Okay, now hands up if you woke up with snow blanketing your doorstep in Kentucky, and had a minor heart attack because you began catastrophising about a certain enormous three-day event, one that was crowdfunded for by hundreds of thousands of people, potentially being scuppered by something as random and silly as an April snowfall? Cool, not just us, then.

Fortunately, by the time this afternoon’s uneventful first horse inspection rolled around, most of the white stuff had melted away, leaving behind just a sharp chill and a frisson of excitement as the competition well and truly got started. Let’s take a look at how the day played out, from sun-up ’til sundown.

US Eventing Managing Director (and former EN lass) Jenni Autry wandered out on course to find a rather unfamiliar scene unfolding before her at the lake:

Kurt Martin decided to make the best of a weird situation, bundled himself up, and headed out for a frolic:

Meanwhile, Allison Springer got a shot of the white stuff between Business Ben‘s baffled ears:

Is this a snow globe or a Christmas card illustration?

The changing forecast forced a change in the weekend’s schedule:

Though our competitors, including Leah Lang-Gluscic, stayed cool and unruffled:

Do you wanna build a……..?

Matt Flynn‘s Wizzerd is quite into the white stuff, actually:

As are Boyd Martin‘s trio of snow angels:

While horses and riders played in the snow, the volunteer team started placing this year’s ‘spectators’ in their seats. Spot anyone familiar?

HERE HE IS:

A horse for all seasons:

Team USA trainer Erik Duvander explained his hectic schedule:

Boyd Martin explained the process for picking his outfits for trot-ups:

While Jennie Brannigan showed off what she’d decided upon:

Clayton Fredericks is down to one horse from an initial three, but FE Stormtrooper passed with flying colours:

Reigning champion Oliver Townend presents his two contenders for this year’s crown:

Boyd Martin‘s Tsetserleg poses in the sunshine:

Harry Meade and Superstition channel their inner Bonds:

While Buck Davidson juggles an embarrassment of equine riches:

Karl Slezak tries to keep Fernhill Wishes‘s dance moves to a minimum:

Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam looks in his element with Australia’s Kevin McNab, who is sponsored by an Italian sneaker company and sports his kicks on the strip:

Lauren Nicholson‘s Paramount Importance just wants to DANCE:

Many years in England have taught Liz Halliday-Sharp to bundle up against the cold in style:

 

#LRK3DE21: Website, EN’s Ultimate Form Guide, 5* Entries, 4* Entries, Schedule, North America Live Stream, Worldwide Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Behind the Barn with William Fox-Pitt

By on Apr 21, 2021 6:03 pm -

If you’re very online this week, like I am – and let’s be honest, the only eventing folks who aren’t are the ones who are actually in Kentucky right now – you’ve probably started watching the Behind the Barn series that the event has been putting out. It’s a really great way to feel as though you’re a part of the action — and the story — as this week unfolds. And tonight’s offering? None other than the extraordinary William Fox-Pitt, a former winner here who returns this time with Oratorio II, a son of his former five-star winner Oslo. Tune in, get comfortable, and learn more about their campaign for the win this year in the wake of William’s nearly catastrophic accident in 2015.

 

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#LRK3DE21: Website, EN’s Ultimate Form Guide, 5* Entries, 4* Entries, Schedule, North America Live Stream, Worldwide Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

All 63 CCI5* Horses Pass First Horse Inspection at Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event

By on Apr 21, 2021 5:50 pm -

Ema Klugman & Bendigo. Photo by Shelby Allen.

63 up and 63 down, with no interruptions, was the name of the game for the First Horse Inspection at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian. No pairs were held for re-inspection, making it a smooth and drama-free (well, as drama-free as 63 five-star fit event horses can be, really) trot-up to officially kick things off during this very strange Kentucky weekend.

We woke up this morning to a nice, heavy blanket of snow and frigid temperatures that kept us hunkering down inside until the very last possible second. But once 3 p.m. rolled around, it seemed the April weather gods took pity on us and brought up the temperature a bit to make the jog actually more on the pleasant side. It was surely strange, though, not having to elbow through a crowd of people just to get a view of the strip. Jury’s still out on how I feel about that!

A sparse jog strip full of just owners and media! Photo by Sally Spickard.

We’re currently compiling our staff picks for the “Flyest Horse at Kentucky” Groom’s Award, after which we’ll turn over the finalists to you all for voting. The winning groom (and let’s be honest: they ALL deserve lots of prizes for the five-star care they’re giving this weekend) will receive a gallon of EcoVet Fly Spray as well as a copy of World Class Grooming and World Class Braiding from Horse & Rider Books. Not that these guys and gals need any tips, but hey, a groom can never have enough tools.

Fashion was also, as per usual, on display during the trot-up, making us momentarily forget the fact that our toes are all but frozen off starting off the day. Keep scrolling for some of our favorite trot-up looks from the day!

Dressage begins tomorrow bright and early at 7:59 a.m. EST with the CCI4*-S riders in Rolex Stadium. We’ll then switch gears midday to see the first half of the CCI5* field at 12:15 p.m. EST. We’ll post ride times in the widget on our homepage as soon as they’re made available.

Thanks for tuning in with us! Don’t forget to download your copy of EN’s Ultimate Form Guide to the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, available as a digital download for just $5 and the perfect companion to all things Kentucky this week.

#LRK3DE21: Website, EN’s Ultimate Form Guide, 5* Entries, 4* Entries, Schedule, North America Live Stream, Worldwide Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Fashion Shout-outs:

Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Will Coleman and Off The Record. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Anna Siemer and FRH Butt’s Avondale. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Sydney Elliot and QC Diamantaire. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Liz Halliday Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Lauren Nicholson and Paramount Importance. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Harry Meade and Superstition. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Easy as ABC (& Sometimes D): Derek di Grazia Talks Us Through LRK3DE 5* Combinations

By on Apr 21, 2021 5:35 pm -

Photos by Leslie Wylie.

Welcome to the 2021 LRK3De cross country course! Your cruise director is Derek di Grazia, who has once again designed a first-class five-star track that will put Saturday’s field to the test.

CrossCountry App has posted a 5* virtual course walk led by Derek alongside 1998 Rolex Trophy winner Nick Larkin. We thank them for showing us all around the course, as well as Rob Burk for the photos.

To set the scene: Optimum time is 11 minutes on the nose, speed is 570 meters per minute, and the official length is 6270 meters. Also, it’s likely to be raining. You can check out the full course here. Below, Derek walks us through seven of the course’s 10 combinations — click through to see photos and video.

#4ABCD – MARS Sustainability Bay

“Before they got to this point they had to jump three fences, all very straightforward, which has given them a good warm-up. Once they get here they will drop in over a brush drop into water; once in the water they will go over a very steep mound with a cabin on the top. There is an alternative here for the drop in if they have problems jumping in, as well as there is an alternative for the cabin on top.”

#9ABC – Normandy Bank

“The Normandy Bank is being done in a different way this year. They’ll come up a steep slope with a cabin at the top; immediately on landing they’re making a right turn and jumping a chevron brush. There is a longer alternative. Most will plan on taking the direct way, however, you never know what is going to happen on landing. If they land and the horse is not in control they can go the alternate way.”

#11AB & #12ABC – Land Rover Head of the Lake

“The big jump in over the log will get them into the water. The riders will have to maintain their position to jump the stump which will come immediately upon landing in the water, then they’ll carry on out of the water, jump a big double brush back into the water, and then up a new part of the Lake which we haven’t used before that we made for this year, followed by a double brush. So a lot of jumps, big jumps, and they’ll have to be ready. There is an option if they land in a heap and are not ready for the direct way, then they’ll pull out and do the alternate route.”

#14ABC – Goose Bumps

“This combination encompasses quite a few things. One, they have quite a large oxer jumping into the combination then they come up the mound and have to jump this goose at a very specific angle which will then bring them to a right handed corner on the way out. The way the horses react to the change in terrain will obviously affect their length of stride, and the riders are going to have to be able to pick up on this as they ride into the combination and then carry on throughout the combination.”

#24ABCD – Park Question

“This is an interesting part of the course because it’s just past nine minutes. They’ve done a lot of jumping by this point and the riders really have to know what they have underneath them so when you come here you have to make sure your horse is still jumping. They will jump in over a set of rails which is immediately followed by a ditch at the bottom of the slope, over the ditch, and then immediately they will have a narrow fence only a stride away. It’s going to come up quick, they’re going to have to make sure that not only the rider themself is concentrating and paying attention, but that their horse has still got enough in the tank to be able to take care of this question.”

#26ABC – Mighty Moguls

“They’ve been quite a ways up to this point — we’re just past the 10-minute mark. They will have a big log jumping into this combination followed by another big log and then down the slope to another brush corner. They will have an alternate brush corner in case they want to take a longer route. It will be the last combination on course and they’re all going to be looking to get through here fault free. … there’s a lot of terrain and the riders will have to keep enough to keep jumping at the end.”

Here’s the CCI4*-S course, too. Thanks again for sharing, CrossCountry App, and for the beautiful photos, Rob!

Cross country runs Saturday beginning with the CCI5* division, followed by the CCI4*-S.

#LRK3DE21: Website, EN’s Ultimate Form Guide, 5* Entries, 4* Entries, Schedule, North America Live Stream, Worldwide Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

For the DL on every 5* horse/rider combination, be sure to download our Ultimate Guide!

The EN Team Makes Their #LRK3DE21 Picks

By on Apr 21, 2021 3:15 pm -

It’s time for the EN team to make their ultra-scientific picks for this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian using a bizarre method of numerology, runes and feelings. If you’d like to take a crack at picking the winner, might we suggest using our super-handy Ultimate Form Guide to LRK3DE, which can be downloaded here for just $5 (a portion of which will go to an equestrian access program!).

#LRK3DE21: Website, EN’s Ultimate Form Guide, 5* Entries, 4* Entries, Schedule, North America Live Stream, Worldwide Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

SHELBY ALLEN 

Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Big Winner: Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class

Top American: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z

Top Canadian: Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges

Spoiler Alert: Tamie Smith and Mai Baum

Top Thoroughbred: Will Coleman and Tight Lines

Best Mare: Jonelle Price and Classic Moet

Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

TILLY BERENDT

Big Winner: Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam

It’s hard to bet against Oliver Townend, who brings forward both his two-time reigning champion and his nigh-on unbeatable Burghley winner. But it’s also quite hard to be smug about correctly picking the favourite to win, and what’s the point of picking a winner at all if not to get the chance to gloat relentlessly at the end of it all? And so I’m going to go for a pair who I’d love to see take it – in fact, when they planned to compete here last year, I texted the rest of the EN team on Slack and called them as my winner then and there. It might be a long shot against Oliver, but the Kentucky crown, for me, goes to Australia’s Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam. The horse still lacks a bit of experience but he’s been exceptional at both his five-stars at Pau, finishing in the top ten in his debut and losing out on a placing last year with some annoying time penalties picked up while trying to avoid crossing his tracks. Don’t let that put you off: this course was made for this keen, clever little horse and Kevin has undeservedly flown under the radar for way too long: after all, he’s the man responsible for producing the likes of Jock Paget and Chris Burton. Don Quidam WILL win a five-star in his career – and I’d definitely feel smug if it was this one.

Top American: Tamie Smith and Mai Baum

There are some serious heavy-hitters fighting it out to become the US National Champion this year, and any one of them is good enough that they could even win it all. My heart is torn between Tamie Smith and Mai Baum and Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z, though in the end, Tamie just edges it for me with those sub-20 dressage scores. It feels like her moment for a big one is overdue, and as the daughter of a hardworking single mum, I’m ready to scream myself hoarse cheering on this extraordinary woman who balanced creating a top-level career with raising her equally remarkable daughter, Kaylawna, AND pursuing an education. She’s an inspiration and an exceptional talent, and at the end of the day, I want the fairytale story, not the algorithms.

Top Canadian: Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo

My vote for this would previously have gone to Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration, who I’ve had the honour of reporting on in Europe – but sadly, ‘Morris’ was found to have a heart murmur when being inspected upon arrival at the horse park, and Holly made the very hard, but absolutely correct, decision to retire him immediately from his competitive career. My thoughts are with Holly and I hope Morris has the loveliest of retirements. In their stead, I put forward Hawley Bennett-Awad and tiny, feisty Jollybo, who was actually sourced by my trainer and landlord Kate Tarrant, so we all cheer her on here in the UK. She’s exactly my type of gritty, gutsy, doesn’t-know-she’s-tiny kind of mare, and I think she’ll gobble this track up to climb through the week.

Spoiler Alert: Anna Siemer and FRH Butt’s Avondale

I’m going to cheat and put forward two. Germany’s Anna Siemer and FRH Butt’s Avondale really impressed me at the European Championships in 2019, where they climbed and climbed to best some of the continent’s best pairs. They have a great relationship and are likely to give us one of the rounds of the day on Saturday. Likewise, New Zealand’s Jesse Campbell and Diachello look on great form, but have gone under the radar because Jesse has put horsemanship top of his priority list, purring his horse along at four-star rather than running hell-bent for leather. He rates the gelding highly, and I’m with him on that. Both these horses could do big things this week.

Top Thoroughbred: Tight Lines (Will Coleman)

I want to see redemption for Will Coleman and Tight Lines, who were victims of 2019’s highly controversial flag rule but who have been class throughout their upper-level partnership. He’s a real trier, and this pair have a great partnership, so if Derek has been flexing his muscles ahead of Tokyo while designing this course, I think we could see them make a real move.

Best Mare: Classic Moet (Jonelle Price)

Jonelle Price’s Classic Moet is looking like more and more of a sure thing as this snow keeps on falling, and rain on Saturday is a good omen, too. Classic Moet won’t lead the dressage but she’s undoubtedly one of the best cross-country horses in the world, so she needs a tough track with a difficult time and tricky footing in order to truly shine. In those conditions, she can run circles around most horses, and that could create a match-race between her and Ballaghmor Class, which would make the final phase – a slightly weaker point for both horses – achingly exciting.

MAGGIE DEATRICK

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Big Winner: Phillip Dutton and Z

To some extent I can’t believe I’m picking an American to take the win this year but I’ve crunched the numbers and was ultimately surprised to see the result. However Z is hitting his prime and firing on all cylinders at the moment, and it is only fitting that the same transplanted American who last won our own 5* prior to the drought of American wins be the one to bring us out of it. Phillip Dutton might be thirteen years older than he was but he’s also thirteen years better. Having said that, there are about eight or nine horses who will be within a rail of each other vying for the win, so ultimately it’s going to be a nail-biter.

Top American: Phillip Dutton and Z

See above.

Top Canadian: Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges

Colleen and her longtime partner Qorry Blue D’Argouges are good in every phase. That will be enough to put them at the top of the Canadians but unfortunately being good in every phase will not be enough to be supremely competitive in the field at large this weekend.

Spoiler Alert: Off the Record and Will Coleman or Mai Baum and Tamie Smith….or both

I know it’s cheating to pick two but these are some of the most exciting horses we’ve had in American in a long time. The long-awaited 5* debut of Mai Baum has been greatly anticipated and with good reason; the horse has almost a flawless A/4* record and is good enough on the flat to possibly take the lead position after dressage, new to this level or not. But Off the Record is equally exciting, a horse with a reputation for finishing on his dressage score. He’s finished in the top three in all but three of his completions and has never been outside the top ten at A/4*.

Top Thoroughbred: Tight Lines and Will Coleman

Unfortunately I don’t think the Thoroughbreds in the field are going to fare terribly well this year; the best hopes the breed has for a top placing is from Tight Lines. While his speed is top notch and his stadium record fairly strong at the 5* level, his uneven performances on cross-country make a big question mark for Saturday. If he can shake off the bad luck he’s had at the level, we may see him in contention for something in the top ten.

Best Mare: RF Scandalous and Marilyn Little

This mare’s uncanny ability to lay down incredible test after incredible test is combines well with her ability to jump clear rounds in the stadium phase to give this pair a little bit of leeway on the cross country. Ultimately, the question is how much leeway will they need, with rain predicted for Saturday’s course.

ABBY POWELL

Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges. Photo by Leslie Thelkeld.

Big Winner: Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class

I don’t feel like this is going to be the year for an American winner, unfortunately. Not with the biggest field from overseas that we’ve seen in … ever? I think? How do I even choose between Oliver Townend, Jonelle Price and Tim Price and their combo of horses? To be fair though, it’s pretty darn hard to bet against Ballaghmor Class and those dressage scores paired with the likelihood that he’ll have good jumping rounds too.

Top American: Likely Boyd Martin or Marilyn Little, if the European contingent can be topped. Tamie Smith or Liz Halliday-Sharp could give them a run for it though!

Top Canadian: Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges

While we’ve sadly had a couple Canadian withdrawals from the original entry list already, I’d put my money on Colleen Loach and her Olympic and WEG partner Qorry Blue d’Argouges.

Spoiler Alert: Sydney Elliot and QC Diamantaire

This will be the first five-star for “Q”, I just think he’s such a cool horse and looking in great form. Will Coleman and Off the Record, another really great horse who is new to the level, could very well sneak up on us too.

Top Thoroughbred: Tight Lines (Will Coleman)

The veteran of Will’s three rides in this competition, could be pretty high up the leaderboard at the end of the competition. I bet they’ll be the top Thoroughbred finisher and maybe then some.

Best Mare: Grappa Nera (Jonelle Price)

I’m really looking forward to watching Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera go. Aside from Marilyn and RF Scandalous, I think are strong contenders for this title.

KATE SAMUELS

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Big Winner: Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class

Although I don’t usually bet on the favorite, it’s hard to dismiss Oliver and Thomas. Their two day total should give them enough breathing room to tip a rail on Sunday and still take home the win.

Top American: Tamie Smith and Mai Baum

I’m going out on a limb with this one and saying I think it’s time for Lexus to shine in all three phases. It’s a big ask, but with a horse like that, why not?

Top Canadian: Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes

Even though it’s a first 5* for both Karl and “Chocy”, they’re incredibly consistent in both jumping phases, and will move up the leaderboard nicely.

Spoiler Alert: Will Coleman and Off the Record

“Timmy” can hang with the best of them in all three phases, and as Will’s third ride of the day, he will benefit from the best guidance he can get in all three phases.

Top Thoroughbred: Tight Lines (Will Coleman)

“Phish” has had bad luck on cross country for such a good jumping horse, but I think the quieter atmosphere and a few more years under his belt will serve him well this weekend and he will get his rightful part of the spotlight.

Best Mare: Classic Moet (Jonelle Price)

It looks like rain on Saturday and we all know Molly loves nothing more than everyone else struggling in the mud, because she positively skips over the ground in her unorthodox way. I’m betting on her as a sentimental note, as this may well be the mare’s last hurrah at the level.

SALLY SPICKARD

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum (USA). Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Big Winner: Tamie Smith and Mai Baum

As a California transplant, I have to put my hat in the ring for one of our Westies, Tamie Smith and the big black stallion, Mai Baum. Tamie brought approximately 385 horses to the East coast this spring between herself and her daughter and fellow upper-level rider Kaylawna Smith-Cook, and the trip is nearly at its end this week as Mai Baum makes his long-awaited five-star debut. I first fell in love with “Lexus” when I saw his owner and former pilot Alex Ahearn competing at the American Eventing Championships way back in…2013? There’s just something about this guy – and while I think the challenge is stiff, what with the weather and the tough competition, this dynamic duo is due for a big moment and this weekend could surely turn out to be just that.

Top American: Doug Payne and Vandiver

It’s hard to bet against experience, and I think you could easily make an argument to put this pair in the “Big Winner” category. Doug and “Quinn” are among the most experienced pair in the field this year, and with Doug’s penchant for going fast and Derek di Grazia’s penchant for designing courses that all but beg you to attack them, we should see some special riding skills on display come Saturday. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this pair make an improvement on their previous personal best third place finish here in 2019.

Top Canadian: Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes

While this is a five-star debutante pair, I’m going with Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes for this category. And no, it’s not because Karl loves Nickelback (or maybe it is. Hero? That song was a bop), but rather it’s because of the consistency this pair has shown as they’ve methodically moved up the levels in preparation for this weekend. We won’t necessarily see this pair show off blinding speed on Saturday, but they’ve got a great shot to come home clear and leave the poles in their cups on Sunday.

Spoiler Alert: Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class

Yes, I know Oliver can hardly be called a spoiler, but I’m sticking with my weird, feelings-based picks ok? I’d be remiss not to mention an overseas entrant in my picks, as we know how well the UK and European pairs tend to fare in Kentucky. It’s honestly a toss-up between Kentucky winner Cooley Master Class and Burghley winner Ballaghmor Class (really, Oliver, share some with the rest of us will you?), but I’m going to go with Ballaghmor Class for our Spoiler Alert who could well just take home the whole dang pie this weekend. You can bet that Oliver won’t bat an eye at some slop on Saturday, which could play out to be a huge advantage when push comes to shove.

Top Thoroughbred: AP Prime

I’m going with a sentimental pick here, but it’s so great to see AP Prime back out and thriving with his longtime partner, Leah Lang-Gluscic. Leah is a fellow Midwesterner and has produced this OTTB from the very start. Now he’s back in Kentucky for the first time in 2018, though that year the pair wouldn’t complete. This is a fun horse to watch on cross country day, and you really can’t beat an AP Indy grandson representing the incredible Thoroughbred so my hat’s off to this pair!

Best Mare: Classic Moet

The EN team has been rolling their eyes at me all week while I fan-girl gushed over the thought of finally seeing Classic Moet in person. This fiery mare should put on an absolute masterclass of how to go really fast across the country, and particularly if she manages a clear show jumping round on Sunday I think there’s every bit of chance that “Molly”, at the age of 18 years young, clinches another five-star win or at least a podium finish.

LESLIE WYLIE

Chinch says: WEAR YO’ MASK!!!!! (And no, you aren’t seeing double, I had this bad boy custom printed.) Photo courtesy of Leslie Wylie.

As caboose of this crazy train, per tradition I am conscientiously objecting from picks and simply wishing every last horse and rider a safe, happy 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. Let’s do this thing. Go Eventing!

LRK3DE Might Be Closed to Spectators, But Rolex Stadium’s Stands Aren’t Empty

By on Apr 21, 2021 1:14 pm -

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Even if you’re not physically at Kentucky this year, we know you’re here in spirit. And many of you are here too by way of a fan cutout of your likeness that you paid $75 for to occupy your seat in Rolex Stadium all week. It might not be a warm body, but for the most hardcore LRK3DE fan, it’s at least …. a body? Well, sort of a body. Body-shaped. Ish.

 

We spotted some horses and dogs mixed in there too …

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

… and — you know we couldn’t resist! — a certain Chinch. Best $75 we’ve spent all year IMO.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

We snapped some pics if you want to try to spot yourself in the crowd!

In all seriousness, we know how much this event means to you, and what a FOMO bummer it is to be watching from afar. Please know that we’ll be working hard all week to bring you as close to the action as possible, so keep it locked here!

The view from the stands — just for you. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

#LRK3DE21: Website, EN’s Ultimate Form Guide, 5* Entries, 4* Entries, Schedule, North America Live Stream, Worldwide Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

By the Numbers: Kentucky 4*-S

By on Apr 21, 2021 1:00 pm -
Erin Kellerhouse & Woodford Reserve. Photo by Sherry Stewart Erin Kellerhouse & Woodford Reserve. Photo by Sherry Stewart

For the first time in modern eventing times, the Kentucky 5*-L will be accompanied by a 4*-S division, making for a jam-packed weekend. Between the largest 5* field in five years and the presence of another fifty horses in the 4*-S, we are in for some exciting but long days ahead.

The field for the 4*-S is an interesting mix. Some promising young pairs are competing in this division because they are not yet qualified for the 5* level. Others consist of horses who aren’t ready for the 5*-L although may be competing multiple others in the marquee division. Some are more experienced pairs who have aimed at goals later in the year or haven’t been able to ramp things up in time to contest the 5* itself. Regardless, one thing many riders couldn’t pass up was the chance to ride at this venue during this competition, with all the pomp and circumstance (and pressure) that accompanies it.

The 4*-S will run in the traditional order of phases with stadium last, matching the 5*-L. One interesting thing to watch on Saturday is the weather; the 4*-S is scheduled to run cross-country first, with the 5*-L in the afternoon. However with the chance of rain currently 100% for Saturday, we could see things shifted around to allow the best ground for the 5* competitors.

DRESSAGE

Tamie Smith and Danito. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

There are a plethora of top level dressage competitors here this weekend but Tamie Smith continues to be the queen bee in this phase. The sublime Danito owns the only sub-25 dressage average in the field, as he exceeds the 75% mark in 50% of his tests in his time at the level. Not to be left out, his stablemate EnVogue with almost equal panache. She has broken into the twenties in all over her starts at the level save her initial foray at the 4*, recently putting in a personal best 4* mark of 25.0 at Stable View.

Also coming in on the lovely chestnut front is the impressive Starr Witness, who impressed last year in her freshman season at the level in this phase by breaking 70% at every show she competed at, then continued the trend into her sophomore year with three sub-thirty scores already this spring under Doug Payne. The lightly competed but always well-placed Luke 140 should also join the group near the top of the leaderboard; with Boyd Martin in the irons, he has been knocking about two points off each sequential A/4* test since October and last put in a personal A/4* best of 26.7 at Tryon.

The West Coast contingent has sent a strong group of horses this year and one pair in particular to keep an eye on is Erin Kellerhouse and the well-named Woodford Reserve, who will be competing less than thirty miles away from the distillery for which he was named. Despite both being new to the level in 2020, these two have been the picture of consistency, scoring in a range of only a couple points apart from 27.5 to 29.7 in all but one of their seven starts.

Liz Halliday-Sharp has one of the shortest drives to the Kentucky Horse Park, and Cooley Moonshine should benefit from being well-rested. The impressive black gelding is making only his fourth start at the level but impressed at Tryon in the atmosphere by solidly breaking into the twenties for the first time. Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill are also a pair to watch out for a sub-thirties score, consistently putting in marks ranging from 26.1 to 31.2 in all but one of their seven starts. Up-and-coming pair Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie 135 have shown that they aren’t just a flash in the pan as well, putting in similar marks in a three-point range around 29 after setting a strong impression at Great Meadow 4*-S last August with a 25.8.

For a bit of flash, the striking Rubens D’Ysieux could throw down a flashy test that contends for the lead, a solid test that sits just beyond the leaders, and anything in between; this is his first return to the Kentucky stadium since Sara Kozumplik-Murphy obtained the ride on him in 2016.

CROSS COUNTRY

Tamie Smith & Passepartout. Photo by Kim Miller.

For the 5*-L, the time is gettable but data surrounding the impact of a short format is minimal. The only Advanced or 4*-S held at the Kentucky Horse Park in recent memory was the Advanced division at the American Eventing Championships, where the fastest time of the day still exceeded the optimum time by a whopping sixteen seconds. If it is similarly difficult to make the time for this division, the dressage scores on day one will take a backseat to the ability to make the pace on day two.

Of course, Tamie Smith is perfectly capable of doing that two, and all three of her trio of horses is used to pushing the pace under her guidance. EnVogue has historically been the fastest of her three pairs, with an almost perfect speed rating average of 1.75; in three of her four clear A/4*-S runs, she has finished as the fastest pace of the day. However since coming east for Tryon last fall, her jump record has suffered and stops and a TE in her last three consecutive runs at the level make her a big question mark for performance this weekend.

No such questions surround Danito, who has solidly proven himself reliable at the short format. Although this horse typically doesn’t set the pace, he does tend to finish an average of only 12.4 seconds behind those who do. Keeping that gap to a minimum would keep him in contention for a win. Tamie Smith’s final ride Passepartout could suddenly be a contender as well; Tamie steps back into the irons and with a record of two for two in setting the pace for the day, this pair could make an equally large splash as they did at Galway Downs last fall. However, Passepartout has struggled in the jumping phases this spring after returning to Kaylawna Cook and it will be an open question as to whether his troubles will linger under Tamie’s guidance.

Not to be discounted is Woodford Reserve, who has his own history of clocking in a fast pace at the short format; he averages only 7.5 seconds slower than the pace of the day. This will be this horse’s first foray east of the Mississippi though, and the rain and turf may combine to be a serious test for this pair.

Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Shannon Brinkman for Erin Gilmore Photography.

Luke 140 has been shockingly consistent on pace, no matter what others do or who is in the irons; in five runs at A/4*-S under both Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin, he has clocked in 10.0 to 10.8 time penalties in four of them. Starr Witness, Trendy Fernhill, and C’est La Vie 135 are all expected to clock in double digits worth of time penalties, but keeping it in the mid-teens would keep them in contention for a top-ten placing.

While horses like Rubens D’Ysieux and Cooley Moonshine will likely take a slower tack and therefore fall from contention, several will be ready to take advantage of a tough-to-get optimum time. The chief of these are the full brothers Landmark’s Monaco and Landmark’s Monte Carlo, ridden by Kim Cecere and Lauren Nicholson respectively. The more experienced of the two, Landmark’s Monte Carlo has a history of making a cross-country run look smooth as butter and while he historically hasn’t been pushed for speed at the short format, he did notably set an astonishing pace of more than a minute faster than optimum at Red Hills. On the other hand, Landmark’s Monaco hasn’t fully found his feet at the A/4* level, but when he and Kimmy Cecere complete a clear round, they are either the fastest pace of the day or inside the optimum time.

Other horses who have proven they have the pace to make up some ground after dressage include Pan American horse RF Cool Play, ridden by Lynn Symansky, and Puerto Rican Olympic pair Castle Larchfield Purdy and Lauren Billys. RF Cool Play has been sparingly competed at A/4* but has made the most of his time there, averaging only fifteen seconds off the pace. The experienced Castle Larchfield Purdy has picked up the pace in recent years and in his last three outings has finished no more than 20 seconds slower than the fastest time.

SHOW JUMPING

If the West Coasters have successfully negotiated the mud and the hills with the same aplomb they handle the courses out in California, they’ll be sitting pretty come stadium day. Erin Kellerhouse will be in fine position if this is the case, sitting on Woodford Reserve who has incurred only one rail in seven A/4* rounds, including twice jumping clear when stadium was the final phase. That’s a good place to be in when your fellow Californians are more likely to have a rail than not; EnVogue has incurred two rails in each of three rounds jumped after cross country while Danito has yet to jump a clear round when stadium is last. While Passepartout has yet to have a rail under Tamie Smith in sanctioned competition, he has struggled this spring under Kaylawna Cook; Tamie may have her hands full just getting a solid completion on this horse.

That would clear the field for Landmark’s Monaco and Kimmy Cecere to continue their climb up the ranks as long as cross-country day went their way. These two have been a one-or-none pair at the 4*-S level, jumping clear in 67% of their rounds. Castle Larchfield Purdy and Lauren Billys are also a pair who have jumped clear in this format in the last two years more often than not; while a rail is possible, a clear is certainly within their grasp.

Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Three horses who are almost certain to jump clear are Starr Witness, RF Cool Play, and Luke 140. Starr Witness has jumped clear in six of her seven A/4* starts, including a long format completion. RF Cool Play has never added anything to his dressage score in a short format and has jumped clean in two of three long formats on top of that. Meanwhile, Luke 140 has not had a rail period at the A/4* level, including while being catch ridden in two of his A/4*-S starts. These are all horses expected to climb the ranks on the final day.

PREDICTIONS:

WINNER

Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve. Photo courtesy of MGO Photography.

Quite frankly, this division is wide open, with a number of competitive pairs who could take the win and a number of factors that might come into play. On paper, it looks like Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve will have the edge, but contending with mud and rain on Saturday won’t be easy for this pair in their sophomore season at the level.

FASTEST CROSS-COUNTRY ROUNDS

Kimmy Cecere and Landmark’s Monaco. Photo by Abby Powell.

If they go clear, Landmark’s Monaco is likely to set the pace for the day; in his three clear A/4*S rounds under Kim Cecere, he has either made the time or clocked in the fastest time.

SPOILER ALERT

Tamie Smith & Passepartout. Photo by Kim Miller.

Passepartout comes into this show with a bit of baggage after a rough spring, but it can’t be ignored that Tamie Smith finished in second with him at Galway Downs 4*-L last fall despite it only being their second second full competition together. If they come out with similar form to last fall, they’ll be one of several who could spoil a big win for Erin.

EXTENDING CLEAR JUMPING STREAKS

Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Luke 140 has jumped six A/4* rounds. Luke 140 has had zero rails. Currently he owns the longest streak of consecutive clear rounds in the field.

BIGGEST MOVER

Joe Meyer and Clip Clop. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Five-star horse Clip Clop knows what the Kentucky Horse Park means, and while a relaxed test is a bit out of reach, he and Joe Meyer are reliable enough in the stadium phase and fast enough in the cross-country phase to move considerably up the ranks by Sunday.

Dressage begins tomorrow, with the 4*-S going in the morning. We’ve got multiple boots on the ground in Kentucky as well as a full complement of journalists covering remotely. Keep your eyes locked here for all of our coverage!

#LRK3DE21: Website, EN’s Ultimate Form Guide, 5* Entries, 4* Entries, Schedule, North America Live Stream, Worldwide Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Holly Jacks-Smither Retires More Inspiration

By on Apr 21, 2021 12:27 pm -

Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Holly Jacks-Smither announced last night that she has retired her five-star partner, More Inspiration, from upper level eventing.
This pair were set to compete this weekend at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event when when a heart condition was discovered. At the in-barns, veterinarians picked up on a heart murmur, and after follow up testing, Holly said the decision was made to pull “Morris” from the competition.
In their 13-year partnership, the off-track Thoroughbred (Inspired Prospect x Gentle Buck) took Holly to the top of the sport, debuting at CCI5*-L in 2017. They had another Kentucky start in 2018, followed by a career high, finishing 12th at Les Etoiles de Pau the following year.
Holly posted this tribute today:
“Morris, thank you for being my constant. You have been with me through thick and thin. You took me from a gallop girl to a 5-star event rider.
“We travelled the globe attending Aachen Nations cup, the 5-star at Pau France and of course the Rolex Kentucky.
“You taught me that 5-star horses don’t need to be fancy and well bred. They can have crooked legs, sway backs and huge hearts.
“To say I’m totally heartbroken is an understatement , however I am so thankful that the team at Kentucky found this and he is going to be ok. Thank you to everybody who has been part of this 13 year journey, what a wild ride it has been!”
Please join us in wishing Morris a happy retirement.