EN guest blogger James Alliston had some trailer trouble yesterday on the first leg of his drive from California to Kentucky for Rolex. Photo courtesy of James' Facebook page.
Horses set to compete at Rolex have slowly begun arriving at the Kentucky Horse Park over the past few days. Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice flew in from California on Tuesday, the seven horses flying over from England landed at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport Wednesday night and James Alliston left California yesterday with his three mounts in tow. Samantha Clark assured me that she will be making regular trips over to the grounds between now and the start of the competition to bring us coverage on the final few days before the festivities officially begin. We have an incredible week of Rolex coverage lined up — get excited!
Events This Weekend:
Fair Hill International HT: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
Holly Hill Spring HT: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
Longleaf Pine HT: [Website]
River Glen Spring HT: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
Redland Hunt PC HT: [Website] [Entry Status]
Your Friday News:
The much anticipated draw for the Badminton Horse Trials took place yesterday, with Oliver Townend and Armada drawing the first spot. U.S. riders Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz drew number 65, Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister drew number 103, and Clark Montgomery and Universe — who are currently third on the wait list — drew number 56. Canadian Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master drew number 76. [Badminton]
Tickets are selling out quickly for Thoroughbreds For All Kentucky, an educational and appreciation event at Rolex hosted by the Retired Racehorse Training Project and New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program. Eric Dierks, Daniel Clasing and Tracey Bienemann will ride three OTTBs available for adoption through New Vocations, and Phillip Dutton will discuss what he looks for in Thoroughbreds off the track. [EventBrite]
RRTP has provided extensive background research on the Thoroughbreds competing at Rolex. While we brought you similar research from CANTER Mid-Atlantic earlier this week, this compilation from Erin Pittman is particularly good. Many thanks to RRTP for all the hard work the organization does to promote OTTBs for second careers. [RRTP]
Australian national eventing selectors have named a six-member squad to compete for the trans-Tasman trophy at the Sydney International Horse Trials next week. Craig Barrett and Sandhills Brillaire, Natalie Blundell and Algebra, Tim Boland and GV Billy Elliot, Megan Jones and Kirby Park Allofasudden, Emma Scott and Mustang, and Stuart Tinney and Pluto Mio will make up the team of four riders and two alternates. [Weekly Times]
The New York Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association recently launched Take The Lead, a new retirement program for Thoroughbreds at New York tracks. Take The Lead will partner with established aftercare programs to provide rehabilitation and retraining for Thoroughbreds to prepare them for second careers. [COTH]
SmartPak Product of the Day: Storage space is at a premium at the barn where I board, so I’ve been thinking of creative ways to stash my gear. Behold — the Portable Grooming Organizer from SmartPak, a bag with plenty of space for bottles, brushes and gadgets that can hang on my horse’s stall and zips up to keep dirt and grime away. [SmartPak]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2gqk163zbs
David O’Connor analyzes the Rolex XC course
