Andrew Nicholson and Avebury Crack Top 10 at Rolex

Andrew Nicholson and Avebury. Photo by Jenni Autry. Andrew Nicholson and Avebury. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica are still holding the lead on their score of 46.7 after the third group here on day 2 of dressage at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.  We saw some good tests in this group, but nothing that could match the accuracy and consistency Lauren and Veronica displayed earlier today. Andrew Nicholson and two-time Burghley winner Avebury can be very competitive in this phase, but they gave away marks with little bobbles throughout the test. Of course, this won’t be a dressage show, and Andrew and Avebury’s score of  51.7 puts them within striking distance in equal ninth place on a very packed leaderboard. The top 20 are currently separated by just 10 penalties.

Marilyn Little and RF Smoke on the Water are sitting just outside the top 10 after a good performance for a score of 52.5. That gives Marilyn two rides  in the top 15, as Smoke’s stablemate RF Demeter is currently sitting in seventh place on 51.3. Phillip Dutton also has two rides in the top 15, with Mr. Medicott tied for equal second place on 49.5 and Boyd Martin’s Trading Aces in equal 12th on 52.5. Dana Widstrand and Relentless Pursuit were the first to go in this group, putting in a respectable performance in their Rolex debut for a score of 60.0. She was crying happy tears when she left the stadium — a touching reminder of just how much it means to accomplish the dream of riding at Rolex.

Jen McFall and High Times also checked that box on their bucket list today as the final pair to go in this group. Billy was not happy with the windy conditions and rowdy crowd, but Jen kept the lid on and was all smiles when she exited the ring to huge cheers from all the West Coasters here supporting her this weekend. Oloa was also not a happy camper in the amped atmosphere with Mark Todd. This horse is a lovely mover and was one of my picks to put in a breakout performance, but their score of 61.5 puts them far down the leaderboard. Catch A Star looked so proud of herself when she left the ring after her test with Caitlin Silliman; they scored 59.8 to sit just inside the top 30 in their second trip to Rolex.

With just one more group to go, we’re very close to sending three Americans to the press conference for the second day in a row. Just William Fox-Pitt and Bay My Hero have the chance to break up the all USA all day party currently happening at the top of the leaderboard. The atmosphere is growing more and more electric here in the stadium, as the winds are picking up, temperatures are dropping and the stands continue to fill up with fans. While it’s wonderful to have such great support from the spectators, who are enthusiastically cheering for both big names and Rolex rookies alike — it’s creating a a tough environment for even the most seasoned horses. Stay tuned for the finale of dressage here at Rolex.

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