Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive sit in third in the CCI2*.
The top three riders in the Fair Hill CCI3* and CCI2* gathered for a press conference after the conclusion of cross country day. Hannah Sue Burnett and Marilyn Little were the only familiar faces from the post-dressage press conference, which goes to show just how influential Derek Di Grazia’s cross country course turned out to be. After a major leader board shakeup, the riders discussed their horses, their rides, and offered some insightful observations about themselves and the future of the sport.
Hannah Sue Burnett leads the CCI3* on Harbour Pilot on a 43. “I got to go around the two-star earlier in the day (on Danio), so I was able to get a feel for the footing,” she said. “I’ve been picking on my horses and not making time all year, so my goal was to go out, get a rhythm and not scale back on the fences. It was a little scary in spots, but Harbour Pilot answered every question I asked of him.” Hannah Sue is looked ahead to Rolex and the World Equestrian Games with Harbour Pilot, whom she said wasn’t always a top prospect for her based on his quirky personality. “As he’s gotten more confident in his job he really understands what he’s supposed to do now,” she said. “He understands each phase.”
Marilyn Little and RF Smoke in the Water sit in second on a 48.4. “I started out a little slow — and that wouldn’t have been my first pick — but David (O’Connor) said to give him time in the beginning,” she said. “It was pretty hard to make it up in the end. Going second to last meant the footing got pretty torn up. The footing was really good considering the amount of rain we had.” Marilyn thought there were tough questions throughout the course, as evidenced by problem areas like the Farmyard Corners and Sunken Road. “I thought that a lot of the horses were coming out of it quite a bit more confidently then they went into it, which is a great thing to see. Especially for us in the States trying to build horses for the future, this is a great way to leave them.”
Phillip Dutton is sitting in third in both the CCI3* and CCI2*. Fernhill Eagle came home double clear to sit on a 53.2 in the CCI3* going into show jumping tomorrow, while Fernhill Fugitive picked up two time penalties to sit on a 46.2 in the CCI2*. “They both went really well,” Phillip said. “This was Fernhill Fugitive’s second two-star, so this was good to get him more experience. He clocked around and started to get the idea of going a little bit quicker. He ended it and he wasn’t that tired.” Overall, Phillip said he was pleased with how the course rode. “I thought the two-star was a great education for the horses. The footing held up great. Fair Hill should be very proud.”
Jennie Brannigan and Indie moved up from fifth place overnight to lead the CCI2* thanks to a double clear cross country ride. She referenced her recent trip to Boekelo as an eye-opening experience that really changed the way she rode today. “In the warm up at Boekelo, Phillip (Dutton) said you need to ride it like it’s the last cross-country ride you’ll ever do,” she said. “Indie needs an aggressive ride, so I set that tone from the beginning and then let him settle.” In a very honest, humble moment, Jennie spoke about her perspective on the last few years. “Four years ago, I was young and naive and I needed to take a look at myself and my horses and evaluate where I wanted to go. I’m more motivated than ever to keep going.”
Connor Husain stole the show today with Piece of Hope. The two came home with only 0.8 time penalties to sit in second place in the CCI2*. “I purchased this horse a year ago in October. We did a few prelims and qualified for Young Riders,” Connor said. “I really wanted this to be a good end to the season. It’s turned out to be awesome so far. The course rode great. He’s a really good galloping horse. It was a little muddy, and I haven’t dealt with anything like that before. He really held my hand through it.” Everywhere I went on course today I heard people gushing about Connor; it’s clear he has quite the fan club. What’s not to like? A 19-year-old college student with a humble attitude, a great work ethic and talent to boot? It’s clear why his parents were just beaming at the press conference. They should be very proud; the rest of us certainly are.
