Rolex Jog Report: Anthony Patch Withdrawn, Sir Oberon Not Accepted

Kevin Keane and Fernhill Flutter. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We’ve had a totally unexpected turn of events following the first inspection here at the Kentucky Horse Park. Sixty-three horses were slated to present to the ground jury, and that number dropped to 62 when it was announced that Jessica Phoenix would not present Exponential. Then five horses were sent to the holding box during the course of the jog: Kyle Carter and Madison Park, James Alliston and Parker, Katie Frei and Houdini, Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch, and Ellen Doughty and Sir Oberon.

Madison Park, Parker and Houdini were all accepted upon representation. I wish I could say the same for the other two pairs. After a lengthy, tense wait, it was announced that Lainey was withdrawing Anthony Patch. She’s since posted on her Facebook page that he’s suffering from an abscess — talk about rotten luck. They’ve had an ideal spring prep for this event and were expected to put in a dominant performance this weekend. But in typical upbeat Lainey fashion, she used the hashtag #wewillriseagain in her update.

And in an outcome no one expected, Sir Oberon was not accepted upon representing for the ground jury. It’s a heartbreaking tune of events considering how fantastic Obie has looked this spring in preparation for his first four-star. And even more devastating when you consider Ellen is getting married Friday on the cross-country course. Ellen had said in an interview with the Eventing Radio Show that Obie has been battling a nasty heel grab since Red Hills, but no one expected for it to derail their go at Rolex.

It was definitely an unusually high number of pairs sent to the holding box for a first horse inspection, and with the dust settled, 60 pairs will move forward into the dressage. Sally will be following up this report with her picks for best dressed at the jog, so stay tuned for much more from Wednesday at Rolex. I’ll continue to update this post with photos from the jog, so keep checking back. Ride times have now been posted. Click here to view ride times.