Ready and waiting. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Welcome to the weekend ENers, and not just any old weekend – officially The Best Weekend All Year. It’s cross country day at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and we’re bringing you not one but two live blogs from the Horse Park. That’s right, snacks at the ready and settle in for all the action from the 4*-S and 5* cross country. Responsible human things to do? Well we’re giving you full permission to put eventing at the top of your to do list today (and every day if, like us, you’re so inclined).
We’ll see 57 competitors out on course today, with representatives for the USA, Canada, Brazil and Great Britain, and let me tell you, this competition is stacked. With Olympic selection imminent, this is the place to be for hopefuls showcasing their bid to be part of the elite team headed to Paris.
We’ve got eight of the top 10 riders on the USEA leaderboard, including three rides for Liz Halliday; plus World No. 3 Boyd Martin, who has two rides, and Will Coleman, who’ll also be having two turns around the Horse Park this morning; there’s a dad and daughter combo in Phillip and Olivia Dutton; the reigning Pan-Ams gold medalists Caroline Pamukcu and HSS Blake are here – Caroline will be heading out of the start box three times – and team-mate and individual bronze medalist Lindsay Traisnel comes forward with her Santiago mount Bacyrouge; recent Road to the Horse winner Tik Maynard is back in English tack and in the mix; and last year’s 5* champ Tamie Smith will finish things up for us as the last to go. Seriously, we’ve got a formidable afternoon of competition on our hands. Bring it on!
Click here to view the 4*-S cross country course.
Before we get down to business, here’s a brief look at what’s been going down in the 4* competition thus far:
1️⃣ We’ve got joint-leaders as we head out on course today – Liz Halliday and Miks Master C for the USA and Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri for Great Britain, who both delivered super smart tests for a score of 26 – Liz goes at 11:42am ET / 5:42pm CEST and Lucienne will leave the start box at 10:48am ET / 4:48pm CEST.
3️⃣ Just 1.3 points behind, in third is Caroline Pamukcu and HHS Blake for the USA who also delivered the goods in the first phase for a score of 27.3 – they’ll get underway at 11:45am ET / 5:45am CEST.
4️⃣ In fourth place after the dressage is the USA’s Boyd Martin and Commando 3 who are on a score of 28.9 – they’ll be heading out at at 10:27am ET / 4:27pm CEST.
5️⃣ Rounding out the top 5 is one of Liz Halliday’s other rides (she’s got three), Cooley Quicksilver, who posted a score of 29.2 – they’ll be heading out at at 10:39am ET / 4:39pm CEST.
The scores are tight right the way through the field so every second counts out on cross country today – see the full list here. If you’re in need of more 4* news, we’ve got you covered – you’ll find our full round-up right here.
Flying the Maple Leaf and first out of the start box today will be Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent who are currently on a score of 37.5. They’ll get us underway at 9am ET / 3pm CEST.
If you want to follow along with the form this afternoon, check out EN’s 4* Form Guide, which you’ll find right here.
I’ll be here for every single round, fingers frantically clattering across my keyboard, bringing you every second of the action live throughout the day. Keep this page refreshed and enjoy the ride. If you’re catching up on this later, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️.
If you just can’t get enough Kentucky, here are the links you need to to catch up with the 5* competition:
Round-up Reports – [Dressage Day One] [Dressage Day Two]
Live Blogs – [Dressage Day One] [Dressage Day Two]
And if you’re still hankering for more, you’ll find all of our content from The Best Weekend All Year right here. If you’re up for EVEN MORE – you know you are! – we’ve got loads of great IG content happening courtesy of our team on the ground too @goeventing.
Settle in for an afternoon of awesomeness eventing nerds, and go eventing!
EN’s coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for all types of horses. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products.
Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Tickets] [Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
11:59am
Wow! Just wow! Here’s a quick re-cap before I sign off to go and down a gallon of Gatorade before the 5* starts:
1️⃣ Leading the 4*-S are Liz Halliday and Miks Master C who delivered the goods out on course and take the top spot as they head into the final phase on a score of 29.2.
2️⃣ 0.7 behind are Will Coleman and Diabolo on 29.9.
3️⃣ And rounding out the top three as things stand we have Boyd Martin and Commando 3 on 30.1.
Again, apologies for those scores I just couldn’t keep up with – they were coming fast and furious! Here’s where you’ll find every 4* competitor’s score.
Eyes on for our round-up of all of today’s 4* action – coming soon. Until then, click here for all the Kentucky content you can handle.
I’ll be back in a bit with live updates from the 5* cross country – set your reminders for 1:30pm ET / 7:30pm CSET – don’t miss it!
11:53am
Last year’s 5* champ Tamra Smith is out on course with Kynan. This 9-year-old came out this season with a clear XC jumping round after finishing up last season on a bit of a blip. Prior to that, he was clear all the way. Fingers crossed he’s well and truly back to his clear round form. They’re sitting on a score of 31.7. Caroline is through the final water, so quick, and on her way towards home. Tamie’s having to work really hard but she is making this happen. They do a great job through the influential combination at 6 and then Tamie guides Kynan through the water at 9ABC, turning in the air as they go. Caroline’s through the finish after a great round. Liz added 3.2 time and Caroline 4.8. That means Liz is in 1st, Will Coleman’s 2nd and Boyd’s 3rd. Caroline’s in 6th. OH NO! Tamie’s off. They’d been looking really good but come unstuck at the first angled cabin at 15. She’s back up on her feet and goes over to give Kynan a pat. Bad luck for her.
11:48am
Pan-Ams individual gold and team silver winners Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake are off and running. They were clear inside the time at Santiago, and delivered another speedy clear in the 4*-S at Carolina last month to finish second. Eyes on this one! They’re sitting on a score of 27.3, in third place after the dressage. What a treat to have Caroline and Liz out on course at the same time – and exciting in terms of the leaderboard. Liz is having her arms pulled out, Miks Master C is really, really strong. She’s masterful as she comes into the final water, making him wait. There’s a little slip on the turn on the way out, but he gets his feet underneath him and is happy to gallop on out and towards home. Liz is getting it done. Caroline’s clear through the Defender Sunken Road at 13ABC. This is such an exciting combination – Blake’s so nippy and quick and they are flying.
11:45am
No. 3 on the USEA leaderboard and eventing’s favorite racing driver, Elisabeth Halliday has sped out of the start box with Miks Master C. They were individually 7th at the Pan-Ams in Santiago last season, where they took team silver for the US, and were 3rd in the 5* here at Kentucky. They won the 4*-S at Carolina last month where they finished on their dressage. Eyes on this one – they’re EquiRatings’ favorite for the win! They’re sitting on a score of 26 which put them joint first coming into today. Further out on course Jessie’s clear through the second water at 9. Boyd and Fedarman B are through the finish – they’ve added just 0.8 and slide into 2nd. Liz absolutely flies over the stick pile before the Park Question at 6 – that tricky coffin – she sees her stride and does a beautiful job through there. Miks Master C looks super fit and he has a bit of a conversation with Liz at the table before the second water. Lis is having to wrangle him a little, he looks very strong. They shuffle a little through 9ABC but Liz knows how to handle anything.
11:42am
Canada’s Jessica Phoenix makes her way out on course for the third time today. She’s riding Freedom GS this time around. They come here off the back of a 2nd place at TerraNova, where they delivered a speedy clear. More of the same please! They’re sitting on a score of 34.6. They get a great shot into the first water at 4 and are just where they need to be at the corner coming out. Meanwhile, Boyd and Bruno are on fire! It’s not hard to see why Bruno’s ranked as the fastest horse in the field. They’re clear through the final water and running for home.
11:39am
World No. 3 and USEA leaderboard No. 2 Boyd Martin joins us once more on course, this time with Fedarman B. We’ll see Boyd going in the 5* later on today. This pair were 8th at Pau 5* and 8th at Luhmuhlen last season. Boyd rides this lovely gelding in memory of Ann Goodwin, who rode ‘Bruno’ round the 4* here in 2021 and finished 6th. They’re sitting on a score of 31.7. Wow, Bruno flies over the corner at the B element of the first water at 4! He looks a real picture as he takes on this course. There’s a huge cheer as they make it through the coffin complex that’s been causing trouble all day. They’re really quick as they make their way around. They come up to the Rolex Grand Slam Challenge Water and Boyd has to make a little adjustment to make sure he gets the spot he wants. They turn in the air as they sweep through there – masterful riding on display.
11:37am
Jen Moody and Eye Of The Storm are off and running. They retired out on cross country in their last run, so fingers crossed for them to gallop through the finish flags today. They’re sitting on a score of 42.9. Eye of the Storm has an interesting way of going – he has his nose right up in the air. They make it work though. They’re clear up to the combination at 6 but are another pair to fall foul of the D element and pick up a 20. Meanwhile, Savannah’s through the finish, and so is Arden.
11:34am
Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times have left the start box. This 17-year-old jumped clear around the 4*-S at Carolina last month, adding just 0.8 of a time penalty and finishing in 15th place. Eyes on this one for – hopefully – another speedy clear. They’re sitting on a score of 47.9. Wow, they’ve set off quickly! She punches the air as she completes the combination at 6 – good for her! That was bold riding and it really paid off. Savannah’s through the angled cabins at 15 and 16 and has a great ride through the Cosequin Cove water.
11:30am
Savannah Fulton and Cash Point have joined us on course. This 9-year-old has 9 FEI competitions on his record, and 9 clears. Here’s to number 10 today! They’re sitting on a score of 39.2. They get a great shot into the first water at 4 and take the slightly longer route. They’re clear and galloping on. Mary Bess is at the final water at 17AB. Imperio Magic’s looking a little bit tired but he’s jumping really well. Mary Bess has gone him up in front of her leg and she gives him a nice pat as they gallop up the hill and towards home. Savannah’s now at the water at 9ABC. She’s pitched a little forward as they drop down into the water but she sits up and they make it through there really well.
11:28am
Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic have left the start box. They had a 20 in their first run this season, but had 13 clears running up to that. Hopefully they’ve put it behind them and are back on their clear round form. They’re sitting on a score of 35.1. They drop into the water at 4 and have a little stutter step before the corner on the way out of the combination but they get it done. They head into the super influential combination at 6 and Mary Bess had to work hard, but Imperio Magic stays with her and he wiggles his way through. Great work! Alexa is out at the final water at 17AB. There have been conversations between this pair throughout their round, which will have eaten into the time, but they’re nearing home now.
11:25am
Alexa Thompson and Just To Be Clear have joined us on course. Alexa made her debut at the level last season while she was based with France’s Maxime Livio – she finished 7th, beating out Michael Jung – what a cool result for her! They have 8 FEI competitions on their card and 8 XC clears – here’s to number 9! They’re sitting on a score of 37.9. Meanwhile, Sam Tinney gets pitched forward over the brush into the water at 9, but she sits up and gets the job done. Alexa’s also pitched forward as she drops into the water at 4. She also sits up and they carry on through. Wow, she means business through the coffin complex at 6 and they’re clear through there. Oh no! Sam’s gone out the side door at the Defender Sunken Road at 13ABC. She’s back up on her feet and giving her horse a pat and a hug.
11:22am
Samantha Tinney and Cutty Sark have got their Kentucky XC underway. They retired out on cross country in their last two runs last season, so fingers crossed for them to get a good completion under their girth today. They’re sitting on a score of 39.6. Cassie is now out on the back loop, tackling the Mighty Moguls, which we haven’t seen on the live stream. Sam takes the long route at the first water, banking a bit of confidence for later perhaps. She comes up to the coffin complex at 6 and gets a good shot in. All good over the ditch but then Cutty Sark doesn’t really lock on after the cabin and they’re another one run past the angled brush.
11:18am
Cassie Sanger and Fernhill Zoro are out on course. They clocked up the air miles last season, competing not only in the US and Canada, but making the trip to Europe for Boekelo in the Netherlands and Strzegom in Poland. They were clear at Boekelo adding just 4.4 time, and clear in the 4*-S at Carolina, again adding just 4.4 time. They’re sitting on a score of 35.4. They have a good ride through the water at 4, Cassie’s such a patient rider, letting her horse to see what’s out there and then making it happen. They’re brilliant through the coffin complex at 6 – no doubt about that one. Zoro is so focused and looking for the flags and seems to be really enjoying his cross country. They’re the only ones on course right now.
11:15am
Also going in the 5* later on today, Hannah Sue Hollberg has joined us on course with Carsonstown. They were clear XC jumping in their last 4*-S run at the end of last season, but withdrew before XC on their first outing this year. They’re sitting on a score of 31.2. Oh no! They part company at the coffin complex – a total bummer. They had it, they were making it happen, but Hannah’s popped out the side door. That’s so disappointing for her. She’s on her feet and looks to be fine. Meanwhile, Lyndsay is at the Trakehners and Corners at 19AB – we haven’t seen much of this fence. She tips the flag at the corner but that’s no problem.
11:11am
Part of Canada’s team gold at the Pan-Ams, as well as bringing home individual bronze Lyndsay Traisnel and Bacyrouge are now out on course. They were clear inside the time in Santiago, and clear here 12 months ago to finish 17th. They’re sitting on a score of 36.9. They have a bit of a conversation at the first combination on course – the MARS Sustainability Bay water. But they pick their way through. Meanwhile, Tik is over the Lucky Horseshoe and through the finish. Oh no! Lindsay’s had a 20 at the coffin complex. She tried to keep Bacyrouge on the line but doesn’t make it. They come back round and carry on. Ah, disappointment for Mia and Cashmere at the A element of 17 – the dog on the slope. They seemed to lose impulsion as they came into the fence and come to a stop. Mia puts her hand up and calls it a day.
11:08am
Mia Braundel and Cashmere have got their Kentucky round underway. This 17-year-old gelding delivered a steady clear across the country last year and finished in 31st. They’re sitting on a score of 39.4. Tik clears the Rolex Grand Slam Challenge, having to use all his skill but his horse is taking him forwards and they look to be a real team. Ryan is clear over the last and has picked up just 2.4 time penalties. Apologies for not keeping up with the scores – things are moving super quick. We’ll make sure you’ve got all the info you need at the end, don’t worry! Mia sails over the big table at 8 and comes into the second water at 9ABC. She gives her horse a beautiful ride and gets a great shot through there – they made that combination look easy.
11:05am
Flying the flag for Canada, recent Road to the Horse champion Tik Maynard is back in the English tack and away with SKM Lux Sonata. In 11 FEI runs with Tik, this gelding has just one 11 penalties on his card, for a frangible device, which happened in his last run. They’ll be back to the zeros today hopefully. They’re sitting on a score of 45.4. Tik really is a beautiful cross country rider. There’s a bit of a conversation going into the water at 4, and then again coming out over the B element. Tik pushes forward but it’ll be interesting to see what decisions he makes at the coffin complex. Oh! It so looked like he’d got it but no – more penalties dished out at the D element of 6. Ryan is having a superb round – he’s flying along the track. They look so impressive. They’re clear through the final water and nearing home.
11:02am
Aussie eventer Ryan Wood is underway with Cooley Flight. Ryan and Cooley Flight were 19th here last year, delivering a clear XC jumping round. In fact, in 13 FEI competitions, there are zero XC jumping penalties on their card. They’re sitting on a score of 35. Sydney is through the finish flags with a huge smile on her face, it really looks like she had a lot of fun out there. Another combination who look to be having a great time is Rachel and High Tide – they’re through the sunken road at 13ABC. What a great sight to see a Thoroughbred galloping across the ground at Kentucky. Ryan is just coming to the second water at 9ABC. They’re clear through there and looking good.
10:59am
Rachel Lawson and High Tide are out on course. When she’s not eventing, Rachel helps ex-racehorses find new careers once they’ve finished on the track, a passion inspired by OTTB High Tide. They came out this season with a speedy clear across the country – more of the same please! They’re sitting on a score of 46.8. Sydney has a great ride through the sunken road at 13ABC, this pair are wasting no time at all. Lucienne has cleared the Lucky Horseshoe finale and is through the finish flags. Sydney is also making her way home now – she’s through the final water without even seeing the Dachshund she was so quick through there. This has been a great round. Rachel and High Tide look like they’re having a blast. They have an enormous jump into the water at 9ABC and are super quick through there.
10:56am
Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire have left the start box. Part of the Pan-Ams team silver medal for the US in Santiago last season, where they finished 8th individually, they also have a top 10 finish in the Kentucky 5*, and a 3rd place in the 4* under their girth. They’re sitting on a score of 35. They’re clear over the first 5 and come to the 6th. Sydney does a great job and QC Diamantaire is just looking for the flags. No problems there for this pair. He’s got a great expression on his face as he gallops towards the second water at 9. She’s giving us a riding lesson. Lucienne is having to work quite hard but she’s coming close to the end of the course now.
10:53am
Back for another go around, British rider Lucienne Bellissimo is with us once more, this time riding Dyri. This pair are on a run of 8 consecutive clear cross jumping cross country rounds – will they make it 9? They’re sitting on a score of 26 after storming to the top of the leaderboard in yesterday’s dressage. They go out meaning business but here’s fence 6, where she had problems earlier with her first ride – it looked to be coming together for them, but right at the last second, the extreme angle on that final brush is just too much and it’s a 20 for them, and a drop down the leaderboard. Such a shame for them. They continue on.
10:51am
Alexandra Baugh and Hubert Des 3 Arbres have joined us out on course. They come here off the back of a win in the 3*-S at Stable View where they very nearly finished on their dressage, adding just 0.4 of a time penalty in the XC. They’re sitting on a score of 34.9. We don’t see the start of the round but we do see them having a stop at 6A. It’s really well recovered though as they come round and make their way through. They have more problems at 8 and opt to retire.
10:48am
Eventer and mustang trainer, Elisa Wallace is away from the start box with 2022 USEF CCI3*-L National Champion Renkum Corsair. They had a fall out on XC here last year so fingers crossed that’s put well and truly behind them and they fly through the finish flags this time around. They’re sitting on a score of 35.2. Oh! Monster has a little stumble on landing as he clears the double brush at the Defender Sunken Road but Liz is super balanced and they make it through unscathed. Oh no! Elisa’s had a 20 at the coffin complex at 6. That’s such a shame for them. That fence has caught so many combinations out today. And then there’s more trouble at the brush into the water at 9ABC. She decides to call it a day. Meanwhile, Liz is through the finish, they don’t quite catch the time – 3.6 penalties.
10:43am
They won this class in 2022, Elisabeth Halliday and Cooley Quicksilver are being counted down! They’re here off the back of three clear XC jumping rounds, and have three 5* completions on their card. She’s in the lead on her other ride, Miks Master C, and in 5th with this guy on a score of 29.2. The starter yells, “Have a great time!” as they fly out of the box. ‘Monster’ looks keen over the log as they drop into the first water and take the straight route. Caroline is over the last clear. Meanwhile, Monster has a little look into the ditch at the coffin complex, but Liz kicks on and they squirrel their way through clear. Great riding on display. We’re hearing that Dani and Jos Bravio are nearing the finish – so sorry that we’ve not seen more of them on the livestream. We do get to see them flying the table at 21 and they look to have had a good round.
10:40am
Dani Sussman and Jos Bravio have left the start box. They withdrew after XC last year after picking up 60 penalties out on course – fingers crossed for them to put that firmly in the past here today. They’re sitting on a score of 33.5. Caroline skips through the sunken road at 13ABC making this incredibly difficult track look really very easy. Meanwhile, Hanna Bundy has crossed the finish. Dani’s clear through to the second water at 9.
10:35am
Canada’s Hanna Bundy and Lovely Assistant have now joined us out on course. They were 21st here last year and delivered a clear round across the country with a handful of time penalties. They’re sitting on a score of 38.5. They’re super over the angled cabins at 15 and 16 and then fast as you like through the Cosequin Cove water. They fly on towards the finish. It looks as though Hanna’s had a 20 at 6, although we didn’t see it on screen.
10:33am
No.2 on the USEA leaderboard and No. 3 in the world Boyd Martin has left the start box with Commando 3. This pair come here in hot form on a run of 3 consecutive wins. Eyes on this one for a speedy clear across the country – in 24 FEI competitions the mare has just one XC jumping penalty on her record, in a 2* back in 2020 with former rider Louise Romeike. They’re sitting on a score of 28.9. They led the dressage overnight on Thursday, but were pipped to the podium placings yesterday and go out today in 4th place. They get a great shot through the first combination – the water at 4 – and Boyd really gives us a lesson in how to ride the coffin complex – he wasn’t having a mistake there, for sure. Will’s absolutely flying as he comes through the final water at 17AB. He’s homeward bound now. Meanwhile, Boyd is up at the second water, he sees his line to the skinny triple brush and is straight as anything through there. Will is almost home, he’s going for it and looks like he’s going to be close to the time. He’s smiling as he jumps the Lucky Horseshoe. The leaderboard says he’s spot on the time. First double clear on the day. Wow! What a lesson in cross country riding he’s given us.
10:39am
Pan-Ams gold medalist Caroline Pamukcu is back out on course, this time with 9-year-old King’s Especiale. They had a 20 on their first run this season but put that right at TerraNova last month. She’s in 3rd with her Pan-Ams ride HHS Blake and just outside the top 10 in 11th with this one, sitting on a score of 31.5. Meanwhile, Boyd is through the finish just over the time. He slips into second behind Will and Diabolo. Caroline is golden through the combination at 6 – smooth and pro and just so, so good. They look to be meaning business as they eat up this track. They’re coming down to the Rolex Grand Slam Challenge water and have a huge shot down over the brush – Caroline sits back and steers for the narrow triple brush at B and then off over the brush corner at C. Wow, she’s fast and fierce out there!
10:29am
Will Coleman and new ride, Aussie import Diabolo are off and running! Since landing in Will’s barn this gelding has had four FEI completions, all speedy clears across the country. They’re sitting on a score of 29.9, in 6th place. They get a great shot into the water at 4 but there’s a little hesitation at the corner at B – so far today that’s been an indication of troubles to come at the Park Question at 6. But not so for Will – they’re textbook through the incredibly tricky coffin complex. Pure class. He flies down the drop into the second water and gives Diabolo a great ride through that combination. Class riding on show.
10:26am
US-based Brit, Olympic individual gold medalist in Athens 2004, and coach for the USEF Development Program Leslie Law is out on course with Lady Chatterley. They’re on a run of 14 consecutive cross country clears – here’s to number 15! They’re sitting on a score of 31.6. They’re another combination to have a bit of a sticky jump going into the water at 4. He makes it happen but then they have troubles at the Park Question – the clue’s in the name, it’s a real question, and so early on the track. Leslie decides to call it a day. Meanwhile Jessie’s through the finish and Colleen is nearing the end of her round.
10:23am
Another rider flying the Maple Leaf, Colleen Loach has started her round with Pan-Ams team gold partner FE Golden Eye. This pair were individually 6th in Santiago. They were 28th here last year after picking up a 20 out on course, and have a couple of 20s on their card this season. Fingers crossed for some clear round form heading their way. They’re sitting on a score of 31.9. Jessie is yelling “C’mon!” as she continues to fly her way over the fences. She’s clear through the second water. Oh no! More troubles at fence 6 – this time for Colleen. They come back round and carry on. Man, that line must be so tricky.
10:20am
This morning’s trailblazer, Canada’s Jessica Phoenix is back with us, this time with Watson GS. They jumped clear here last year and finished up in 18th place. They’re sitting on a score of 32. Jessie is already at the first water, which she’s through with no problems. Lisa Barry has crossed the finish. Oh wow, Jessie uses all of her experience at 6! She pulls Watson round and points him in the right direction. Goodness, she made that happen. She’s grinning as she gallops away, but that was a moment, for sure. Julie is up towards the end of the course now in what seems to have been a good round. Their confidence grew as they went and they make it through the finish.
10:17am
Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy have got their round underway. They’re here on the back of two clear cross country rounds already this season. They’re sitting on a score of 37.7. Olivia is at the final fence and she’s grinning as she flies over the Lucky Horseshoe. What a totally class round she’s just delivered. Lisa is continuing to make her way round this tricky course and is through the sunken road at 13ABC. Meanwhile, Julie is clear through the coffin – good for her.
10:12am
Lisa Barry and Rosie’s Aventadora have left the start box. This combination were 6th in the 3*-S here at the Horse Park last fall. They’ve come out with a clear round this season in the 4*-S at Bouckaert Farm. They’re sitting on a score of 33.8. Out on course, Olivia makes a superb job of the combination at 6. There’s a huge cheer for her efforts there. She loses her stirrup but gets it back real quick. They’re textbook through the Rolex Grand Slam Challenge water at 9ABC. Really smooth and total pros. She’s really riding brilliantly. Lisa takes the option at 4AB, like most riders have – it’s a little sticky but they make it over and are on their way. Ah, they run into trouble at fence 6 though. It was sticky from the start really, and the horse just didn’t lock on at the final element. They come back though and carry on. Further round the course, Olivia is through the Cosequin Cove water and is on the final leg of the track. She’s flying for home. What an exciting young talent she is.
10:09am
There’s a family thing going down in the 4*-S today as Olivia Dutton joins us on course with the horse formally piloted by her dad – and fellow competitor – Phillip, Sea Of Clouds. Eyes on this pair – in 34 FEI competitions the gelding hasn’t had a single XC jumping penalty. This guy was 10th in the 5* with Phillip in 2022. They’re sitting on a score of 33.5. Karl gets a little deep to the bounce at the sunken road – 13ABC – but they clear the cabin and carry on with their round. They slip on the flat as they turn the corner towards the Dachshund at 17A – he slipped a little earlier too. They don’t let it bother them though and they gallop up the slope, over the hound, back down and over the brush corner in the water. They’re really plugging their way round this track. Olivia clears the first tricky combination – the water at 4AB – big pats for Sea of Clouds. Meanwhile, Karl is over the last and through the finish flags.
10:06am
Last year’s winner of this competition with Hot Bobo, Canada’s Karl Sleasak is on his way with Chevalier. Fun fact – Chevalier translates as Knight in English. He’s been clear in his last three runs and is speedy too – eyes on this one! They’re sitting on a score of 36.2. They get off to a great start but fence 6 makes itself known in the competition once more as they have a run out. He comes back and continues on but he’ll be disappointed for sure. That fence! It really is proving to be a huge question, particularly so early on the course. Meanwhile, Janelle is through the finish line.
10:01am
Canadian pair Katie Malensek and Landjaeger have got their round underway. They’ve had a 20 in each of their two FEI runs so far this season – fingers crossed that it’s third time lucky for them. They’re sitting on a score of 37.7. They put a big jump into the first water and then adds a trot step before the corner at B. But they’re together and galloping on. Briggs and her pony are over the Lucky Horseshoe and complete their 4* cross country.
9:59am
Janelle Flemming and Fly Me Courageous have joined us on course. This 19-year-old has jumped clear ‘round Kentucky 5* – way back in 2015 when he was piloted with this year’s 5* trailblazer Sara Kozumplik. They’re sitting on a score of 39.4. They fly the first three and take the option at the MARS water at 4, like many combinations have. They waste no time though. There are cheers for Briggs’ pony Couture all the way round the course – the crowds are obviously enjoying seeing this courageous little mare. They’re heading down to the angled cabins at 15 and 16. Oh man, they’re brave at the water at 17 – they are truly flying round this track.
9:56am
Briggs Surratt and itty-bitty Corture are off and running. You may be thinking that Corture looks kinda pony-like, and you’d be right – standing at 14.2hh on her tippy toes, she’s a total powerhouse that’s for sure. Fun fact – Couture was bred by fellow competitor Elisa Wallace. They’re sitting on a score of 39.5. They’re flying up the track! This little mare is attacking this round! They positively fly through the first water, making the whole thing look like so much fun. Meanwhile, Brooke has come through the finish flags. Briggs fights her way through the coffin at 6, this pair are so confident, a real team. Cassie’s coming down to the final water, they splash through and are on the homeward stretch now. Redfield Fyre looks full of run where some horses have looked a little tired there.
9:54am
Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre are now off and running. In 13 FEI competitions they have zero XC penalties on their card. Eyes on this one for a clear round. They’re sitting on a score of 33.9. Redfield Fyre looks a little backwards over the second by Cassie kicks on and he responds. They set up for the coffin and they wiggle their way through – super work and so nice to see how this fence can work out. Brooke is through the final water and kicking for home.
9:50am
Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey have left the start box. They jumped clear around Carolina 4*-S earlier this season, here’s hoping for another one of those please. They’re sitting on a score of 48. They set out flying and Cooley Space Grey looks super athletic and easy over the first few fences. They really looked to have nailed it at the Park Question – that pesky coffin – but they have a glance off at the final element. That’s really disappointing as they’d set off in a great rhythm. Cooley Space Grey didn’t really seem to lock on. They come back and carry on their round. They drop down into the water at 9 and seem to have put the trouble at 6 well behind them.
9:47am
Sydney Solomon and Early Review C are now out on course. They’ve had some difficulties out on the cross country so far this season, so this is their chance to put those blips right. They’re sitting on a score of 37.4. Oh goodness, she has a problem going into the water at 4 – Early Review wasn’t interested in getting her feet wet. They come back round and make their way in, but there’s another problem for them at the corner and Sydney puts her hand up to end their round early. Oh no! Autumn’s had a fall – she just gets tossed off the side and just about lands on her feet – that was at fence 15.
9:45am
Autumn Schweiss and Bamford CF have got their Kentucky cross country underway. This is another 9-year-old. They picked up 40 on their last run, so fingers crossed they get to put that behind them here today. They’re sitting on a score of 36.7. Melissa is nearing the end of the course now, and Nilson’s still having a great ride. Autumn takes the option at MARS Sustainability Bay but they’re quick through there. Nilson really sets up for the Defender Sunken Road at 13ABC and they make it happen and continue on their way. Melissa is over the Horseshoe and through the finish. Nilson is over the cabins at 15 and 16 and over ‘the hound on the mound’ – the Dachshund into the final water. He takes the flag, we’ll wait to see what the judges say about that.
9:42am
Brazil’s Nilson Moreira Da Silva and Elmo are away! This guy’s just a 9-year-old. He had a 20 in his first run this season, but jumped clear last time out. They’re sitting on a score of 42.4. They take the option at the first water but waste no time. They fly the stick pile at 5 and comes up to the very tricky coffin complex at 6 – they fight through it and there’s a massive cheer – good for them. Meanwhile, Melissa is still clear as she comes to the two angled cabins at 15 and 16.
9:39am
Canada’s Melissa Boutin and Obeah Dancer GS have now joined us on course. You’ve gotta love this mare’s name! Eyes on this one for a clear round – in 19 FEI competitions they have just one non-completion, and a whole bunch of clear rounds. They’re sitting on a score of 36.7. Waylon gives his lovely mare a big pat as they finish up their round. Melissa’s another one to have a glance off at 6 – this is proving to be a really influential fence. And Shannon’s had trouble there too – she’s walking off course. Melissa has continued on and is clear through 9ABC.
9:36am
Shannon Lilley and Ideal HX have got their round underway. They were 30th here last year after picking up a 20 out on course. Fingers crossed they get a clear in the bag this time around. They’re sitting on a score of 36.2. They’re clear up to the Park Question at 6 but it causes trouble again as they have a runout at the D element. She comes back round and they continue on. Meanwhile Waylon’s through the final water at 17AB and the mare’s really fighting for him. They’re nearing the end of the course now.
9:32am
Canada’s Waylon Roberts is away with OKE Ruby R. Apparently this mare is not an easy ride and Waylon really gets a song out of her. Super impressively, they were the only double clear cross country at this year’s Grand Prix of Eventing at Bruce’s Field. They’re sitting on a score of 35.7. They clear the first three and come quick into the water at 4. He turns for the option, obviously his plan all along. They fly on together. They’re the only combination on track right now. Oh man! Another problem at the Park Question – the coffin complex. They glance off the acute angled brush at D – so disappointing as they looked to be really together up to that point. They come back round and get going again.
9:29am
Heather Gillette and Vincent Chase are now out on course. They were 25th here last year with a steady clear across the country. They’re sitting on a score of 46. They come up to the first water and drop in well. Meanwhile, Melanie’s finished and is still flying as she crosses the line. Her Thoroughbred is still full of run and looks like he could go again. Heather and Vincent Chase are a little sticky. They come to a stand still at the rails into the coffin at the Park Question – they just lost all momentum. She comes back round but the same happened again. She jumps the option before putting her hand up. A shame for them.
9:26am
In the lead with her other ride, US-based Brit Lucienne Bellissimo has got her round underway with Tremanton. This pair had some troubles out on course in their last run at Stable View a few weeks ago, so let’s hope they put that behind them today. They’re sitting on a score of 35.5. They look a little sticky at the start of the course but find their stride. And oh no! They’ve had a refusal at the Park Question. She comes back round but has more trouble. She puts her hand up and decides to walk too. Meanwhile Melanie is really attacking the course and looks to be having a good round.
9:21am
Melanie Smith and Shakedown Street have joined us on course. They had a 20 here last year so will be looking to put that right this time around. They’re sitting on a score of 41.1. She’s made her way to the second water and is clear through there.
9:19am
Molly Duda has left the start box with new to the level this season Disco Traveler. They’ve got 6 consecutive clears on their record, and are speedy to boot – in 10 FEI competitions they’ve added just 0.4 XC time penalties – that’s it, in 10 runs! Blink and you’ll miss ‘em! They’re sitting on a score of 37.4. Meanwhile, Phillip and Jewelent are well and truly back together as they jump the Dachshund at 17AB. They’re through that final water and flying on towards the horseshoe. They cross the flags with a clear round but there will have been a fair bit of time wasted while Phillip was fighting to stay in the saddle. Awe no! Molly Duda has had a fall. She’s up on her feet. Disappointment for her but she’s fine and will be back.
9:14am
He’s No. 1 on the USEA leaderboard and he’s out on course – Phillip Dutton and Jewelent are away! Jewelent’s on a run of 6 XC jumping clears – including at Badminton where he was piloted by Ireland’s Clare Abbott. They’re sitting on a score of 31.1. Meanwhile Liz is over the Lucky Horseshoe and through the finish line. A foot perfect round just a little off the time – a really great round for them. Phillip soars over the stick pile at 5 – Jewelent is really going forward and taking him towards the fences. Will and ‘Timmy’ are at the final water and wasting no time. This pair really know each other so well and it shows in their partnership as they tackle this tricky course. Phillip’s at the Grand Slam water and has a real moment. He’s popped out of the plate, hanging off the side, the crowd are cheering and shouting for what is sure to be the save of the day as Phillip slithers and fights to crawl back up into the saddle. What a super horse, she stood there and waited. And then she got going and jumped the massive brush element at C. What a show!
9:10am
They’ve jumped clear ‘round the 5* three times – Will Coleman and Off The Record are now out on course. They were inside the time in the 5* last year on their way to 7th place. They’re sitting on a score of 30.1. Out on course, Liz is taking all the straight routes, right on her lines – this horse is super impressive for a 9-year-old, he looks like an old pro out there. Will is clear of the first three and heads to the MARS Sustainability Bay. He’s a little deep to the log into the water and puts a big jump in over the corner on the way out. They’re really attacking this course. Shanroe Cooley looks to be feeling a tad tired as he climbs and contends with the undulations out on course – but he’s got his ears pricked and is still attacking these fences. They’re at fences 16 and 17 – the acutely angled cabins. They’re beautiful through the Cosequin Cover water – up the slope and over the Dachshund then down the slope and over the brush corner in the water. They’re shaving off seconds all the way round – so smooth and flowing.
9:07am
No. 3 on the USEA leaderboard Elisabeth Halliday is underway with Shanroe Cooley (USA). This horse doesn’t have a single XC jumping penalty on his record – he’s for sure a jumping machine. They’re sitting on a score of 31.7. Back with Allison and she’s at the Rolex Grand Slam Challenge – the water at 9ABC. She’s still plugging away round this course. Meanwhile Liz has a great shot through the first water at 4 – she’s flying! Jessie Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent are through the finish flags.
9:04am
Allison Springer and Vandyke are now out on course. They’ve had jumping penalties in their last three FEI runs – fingers crossed for them to break that streak today. They’re sitting on a score of 35.8. They get off to a good start over the first three, relatively simple fences, and come into the first real question on the course. They get a great shot into the water at 4 and then puts in a huge jump at the corner on the way out of the combination. Meanwhile, Jessie’s still flying round the course. Vandyke puts in a couple of extra little steps through the Park Question at 6 and ends up picking up a 20. Jessie’s at the final water now and still going super.
9am
Our trailblazers Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent leave the start box and get today’s cross country underway! They jumped ‘round clear here last year and finished 24th. Let’s hope they make it two-for-two with a clear round today. They’re sitting on a score of 37.5. They clear the first to a massive cheer from the crowd out there. The folding table at 2 is no trouble and they fly over the oxer at 3. The first combination comes at the MARS Sustainabilty Bay and proves to be nothing to worry about for this pair. The coffin complex comes very early at fence 6 – The Park Question – Jessie flies through there on the slightly longer route, but it wasn’t too much longer. She’s making this tough course look very straightforward so far, but it’s in fact anything but.
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