A kinda ominous fish family oversee the question at MARS Sustainability Bay 👀 Photo via CrossCountryApp.
Here. We. Go. It’s the best bit of the best day at the Best Weekend All Year – it’s time for the 5* cross country to kick off and boy is it going to be great!
The dressage may have given us a leaderboard as we head into today’s sport, but – say it with me now – eventing’s not a dressage competition. Or is it? With Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH 7.6 points ahead of the chasing pack, he’s going to take some beating. But this is a quality field and eventing’s nothing if not unpredictable. Watch this space…
Here’s a quick look at how things stand at the top of the leaderboard after the first phase:
1️⃣ 🇩🇪 As we’re all pretty aware by now, sitting in top spot as we head into today’s cross country is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk on a score of 18.6.
2️⃣ 🇺🇲 Chasing them down in second spot is Boyd Martin and Commando 3, who are leading the USEF National 5* Championship on a score of 26.
3️⃣ 🇬🇧 Rounding out the top three is Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality, just 0.2 behind Boyd on a score of 26.2.
The action’s due to get underway at 1:30pm EST / 7:30pm CEST when Kiwi eventer extraordinaire and World No. 2 Tim Price will fly out of the startbox with Jarillo and trailblaze his way ‘round Derek’s course, presumably showing us all how it should be done. Honestly, there’s no better pathfinder for the rest of the competitors, who’ll be glued to the screens in the riders’ tent, that’s for sure.
There’s some big guns coming up early doors, the likes of Boyd Martin with the first of his three rides Fedarman B, who will be chasing Tim down as they blaze ‘round the track, and dressage leader, German legend Michael Jung with the reigning Olympic champion fischerChipmunk FRH, who’s set to go at 2:18pm EST / 8:18pm CEST. Eyes on for Corvett Airlines too, who’ll be winging his way ‘round after Boyd – ‘Barry’ sure does like to give those fences some air, be prepared for plenty of ooo and ahhh moments as he and Emily Hamel make their way around the course.
And don’t even think about going anywhere or doing any ‘real-lifeing’ this afternoon, because there’s quality throughout the field and you won’t want to miss a single trick. Currently in third place, World No. 1 Tom McEwen’s been second at Kentucky twice, he’ll be hoping to step up a place – or two – when he leaves the start box with Brookfield Quality later on today. And the excitement will play out right through to the end, with both Tim and Boyd having their third rides of the day, on EquiRatings’ second-favorite for the win Falco and EN’s team pick, currently sitting in second, Commando 3 respectively. Harry Meade is an interesting one also in the mix towards the end of proceedings; he brings Grafennacht forward for their first 5* together after taking over the irons from William Fox-Pitt on his retirement from the top level last season. The mare is one of the fastest cross country horses in the field so there’s every possibility of a late shake up to the standings, despite a less than ideal start to their competition.
You’ll find the ride times for all of the 5* competitors right here.
If you want to follow along with the form as things proceed, you’re in need of EN’s new-look Form Guide – here you go – and you can keep track with the scores via the live leaderboard here.
As you know, here at EN we are never happier than when we’re tapping furiously away at our keyboards, facing the real risk of repetitive strain injury in order to deliver the goods to you, fellow eventing nerds, leaving no turf unturned in our quest to keep you up-to-date with every scrap of info, fun, crazy, weird, wild and wonderful that Defender Kentucky so kindly gifts to us. You’ll find all the fruits of our labor right here. And that’s not all because we’re nothing if not generous in sharing our crazy. There’s also super fun behind-the-scenes shenanigans going on over on our Instagram channel @goeventing – follow along and get involved here.
Whilst we await the first 5* countdown of the competition, here’s some links for your perusal:
▶️ Dressage Day One – Test-by-test Analysis
▶️ Dressage Day One – Full Report
▶️ Dressage Day Two – Test-by-test Analysis
▶️ Dressage Day Two – Full Report
▶️ Course Map
▶️ EN’s Cross Country Preview
Before we head out on course, a little ‘refresher’ on the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog: refresh, refresh, refresh – and all will be revealed.
If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.
Have a good ride, and go eventing!
Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]
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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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4:45pm
SUMMARY OF THE DAY’S SPORT
EN’s classic full round-up report will be with you just as soon as riders have been wrangled, adrenaline surges have settled, the stars have started to fade from the ground team’s eyes, and Chinch has showed up to actually pitch in rather than gallivanting ‘round in his backpack enjoying all the fangirling that’s inevitable when the infamous little dude is in town. You thought the dressage reports were jam-packed. Well, editing the cross country report is as badass as the course itself. Rest assured, superhumans and an ego-inflated chinchilla are on the case and it’ll be with you as soon as they can make that possible. Eyes on the website for that landing in the near future.
Until then, here’s a quick re-cap of all the awesomeness of the day…
1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Out in front going into the final phase is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH They added 2.4 time penalties and are siting pretty with plenty in hand on a score of 21.
2️⃣ 🇺🇸 Securing second spot is Boyd Martin and Commando 3 who are leading the USEF National 5* Championship. They added 6.8 and are on a score of 32.8.
3️⃣ 🇬🇧 With two excellent rounds inside the time, Harry Meade sits in third with Et Hop Du Matz on a score of 34.2. He’s in fourth with Grafennacht on a score of 35.2
You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.
But eventing is about so, so much more than the leaderboard. Sure, we’re all invested in the story unfolding that’ll culminate in the Kentucky crown, but there are many tales to tell after an exciting day out in the Horse Park. Here’s some of them:
⚡ Faster than Usain Bolt – Harry Meade was the only one to make the time and he did the double, beating the clock with both of his rides. The whizz kid of eventing sure made his presence known in the bluegrass…
🪜 Those quick clears shot Harry up the leaderboard, climbing 14 places with each of his horses. Emily Hamel and Corvett (Airlines) ✈️ also clawed their way up the scoreboard. They started out in 23rd after the dressage and go into the show jumping in 10th place after adding 10.8 time which took their score to 49.4.
😮 ‘Save of the Day’ came courtesy of Libussa Lübbeke who had a real moment at the Rolex Crossing at 12 with Caramia 34. She was basically horizontal at one point. But she hung on tight and continued on to finish clear with 22 time penalties in 9th position going into tomorrow.
💔 There was heartbreak for World No. 2 Tim Price and his longtime partner and previous 5* winner Falco when they had a late 20 at the Cosequin Cove at 22c. They had been sitting in 5th after the dressage but dropped down to 15th after adding those jumping penalties and 12.8 time to finish up on a score of 60.6. Another really disappointing day came via Jennie Brannigan when she had a 20 with FE Lifestyle at the Rolex Crossing at 12c, opting to put her hand up before Pete’s Hollow at 14. She had been in two minds over whether she would run at Kentucky, having an entry at Badminton in a couple weeks time. The pair were going beautifully up to that point. A real shame.
💖 Super Special Moment – On a more positive note, the most heartwarming sight of the day had to be Shannon Lilley’s team celebrating her and Eindhoven Garette crossing the finish line 🥳 They had an excellent clear and steady jumping round. It’s so important to remember what an awesome achievement completing a 5* cross country is, and this was a lovely reminder of that. They sit in 19th on a score of 70.6 going into the final day.
⛔ Imperio Magic said a big ‘Nuh uh’ at the drop off the bank at fence 15a with Mary Bess Davis. They’d been really traveling and the horse was very happy to jump, but stop and drop down, not so much. It was 20 for the steps back but she came back around and Imperio Magic popped off the second time of asking. They’re now on a score of 75 in 21st place.
🃏 Feelin’ Wild – Well the wild card for sure goes to Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom of the Opera. Boy that boy’s a quick rider. A little hairy at times, to be honest. They had a real moment coming out of Pete’s Hollow at 14 when it looked like Phantom may not manage to right himself, but then we saw him galloping away, quick as the wind. All that bravery culminated in a late flag penalty at the triple brush in the water at Cosequin Cove at 22b. There’s no doubting Phantom’s enthusiasm for the job, that’s for sure. They finished with those 15 penalties plus 10 time penalties in =13th on a score of 55.2.
🦆 Oh Duck! And sadly for Matt Brown, I do get to use my duck pun (so punny 😆). They got a big one into the Defender Head of the Lake at 18 but looked to have held it together, only for pull of the water to take Alderwood’s pace away too quickly and the pair had a bit of a ducking. No harm done, just some soggy breeches.
Keep it locked onto EN for the full report coming your way and join me back with the live blog tomorrow, when I’ll bring you the culmination of the 5* competition and we’ll find out who takes the Kentucky crown. Don’t miss it!
It’s been the best day. Go eventing!
Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]
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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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4:07pm
And so that’s that. Cross country day at Defender Kentucky has drawn to a close and we have ourselves a leaderboard going into tomorrow’s finale.
1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Still leading the pack is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH who had a smashing ride, clear with 2.4 penalties. They’re on a score of 21.
2️⃣ 🇺🇸 Chasing the top spot is Boyd Martin and Commando 3. They added 6.8 time penalties and sit on a score of 32.8.
3️⃣ 🇬🇧 Harry Meade is in 3rd and 4th with Et Hop Du Matz on a score of 34.2 and Grafennacht on a score of 35.2. Both rounds clear inside the time. The only one to manage that feat today and Harry did it twice.
You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.
Stay tuned (and don’t forget to hit refresh) for a summary of the day’s sport headed your way right here on the live blog and keep it locked onto the website for EN’s classic full report – coming soon.
I’ll be back live blogging tomorrow for the culmination of the 5* competition, which is set to get underway at 3pm EST / 9pm CEST. Who will take the Kentucky crown? Not much longer to wait now ‘til all is revealed.
Eyes on EN for everything Kentucky.
A large drink beckons after all that blogging… Go eventing!
Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]
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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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3:51pm
🇺🇸 FINAL COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Boyd Martin and Commando 3
Dressage Score: 26
Place: 2
Boyd’s going commando! Eyes on 🫣 He’s currently sitting pretty in second spot. Will he stay there? Can he hang onto his pants? He’s leading the USEF National 5* Championship, which is running simultaneously to the 5*. He’s doing it for the US and would undoubtedly be a popular winner in the Horse Park. C’mon Boyd… C’mon Connor…
What a treat to have these three on course at once – Tim, Harry and Boyd. What a riding lesson we’re having.
Connor looks to be relishing the challenge. They step over the a element into the Rolex Crossing and Boyd has to make it happen as they continue through that combination at 12. Boyd sees a distance a mile out at Pete’s Hollow. He’s elbows up and riding by the seat of his pants. Connor’s confident off the drop at 15 and they make it look easy through the two angled cabins at b and c. Boyd picks the longer route at Defender Head of the Lake at 18 but takes no time doing so. They’re eating up the ground and hunting down home. Boyd doesn’t look in a rush though. It’s all so smooth. Connor looks full of run as he comes up the hill. Boyd lives dangerously at the brush coming out of the Normandy Bank fence at 20. They squeak on through. They’re efficient over the corgi at 22 and the cheers are enormous as they splash on through the water. The time’s got away from him a little though. He comes round towards the last few fences. The Mighty Moguls next – and he’s through. Just two to go. They take the fallen log at 26 in their stride and take the last in style. Boyd’s patting Connor as they cross the line. Clear jumping, 6.8 time penalties. How does that leave things? We’ll see in a sec…
Time’s looking good for Tim and Falco, they’re around 8 seconds up on their markers. Everything’s so effortless. They’re clear through 21. Oh no! A really late 20 comes for them at 22c. They don’t quite make the turn to the second triple brush. What a disappointment for them. They were going so very beautifully. Ah, eventing is a cruel b**** sometimes.
Harry’s having a great ride with Grafennacht. They’re up at the drop at 15. No bother there. They take a stride out between the two cabins at b and c. Saving every second. They need those seconds at the Head of the Lake where Harry goes the slightly longer route. He’s well up on the clock regardless. Harry’s looking at potentially sitting 3rd and 4th after this. He’s had a huge leaderboard climb with his first ride Et Hop Du Matz after going double clear. They make their way homeward and are quick through the Mighty Moguls. Will he make the time? He’s over the fallen tree at 26. He comes to the Lucky Horseshoe and takes a pull. He checks his watch as he crosses the line. Clear inside the time!!! He’s done it again. Perfection.
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3:48PM
🇬🇧 PENULTIMATE COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Harry Meade and Grafennacht
Dressage Score: 35.2
Place: 18
We’re into the final three combinations to go in this year’s Kentucky 5* cross country and it’s an interesting one. Enter Mr Meade with former William Fox-Pitt ride, Grafennacht. What will this new pairing make of things out there? This is a quick mare, amongst the fastest in the field according to EquiRatings. Look sharp 👀
Ooh, Grafennacht is raring to go and leaps out of the start box! She’s well looking forward to her time out on the track. Harry’s the only one inside the time today, which he did with his first ride Et Hop Du Matz, so he’s well placed for a great ride as he goes around again, this time with ‘Lillie’. They’re quickly clear through fence 9.
Ema’s now finished with Bronte Beach, a clear but steady round for them.
Tim and Falco are having a textbook round. They’re clear and easy through Pete’s Hollow at 14. We see them head smoothly and cleanly through the Head of the Lake at 18. Straight through there for them. Easy as pie.
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3:44pm
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tim Price and Falco
Dressage Score: 27.8
Place: 5
Tim had a little stumble coming into the ditch at 6b and Tim pitches forward but Falco pops him back into the tack like the pro he is and they waste not a second there. What a partnership. Very cool.
Lucienne has picked up another 20 at fence 8 and has called it a day at fence 10. One of those days for them, unfortunately.
Meanwhile Ema is still going strong and is clear through fence 23.
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3:39pm
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri
Dressage Score: 33.7
Place: 15
Unfortunately Lucienne has an early 20, at the c element of 6. That’s a real shame for them. They just kind of don’t make it and slide on by. They quickly go onto the alternative and then carry on clear through the next fence.
Oh duck! Alderwood takes an enormous leap over the log at the Defender Head of the Lake. It looks as though he and Matt are going to ride it out but no. The horse keeps traveling and the pull of the water is too much. Matt comes off and has an early bath. Both look to be absolutely fine, if wet. They walk on out of the lake. That’s a real shame in what looked like a really fun round.
Meanwhile Ema’s giving it large and is clear through fence 19.
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3:30pm
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Matthew Brown and Alderwood
Dressage Score: 41
Place: 30
EquiRatings have this guy down as the third-most reliable cross country horse in the field, with a 💯 clear jumping rate from 12 international runs. We see him set off and pop the massive table at 2 before heading out on course. Have a great ride!
Mary Bess is neat and tidy through the Normandy Bank fence at 20. We see them through the doggy playground at 22. Imperio Magic uses all his scope at the triple brush at b and they make the bending line to the c element. Nearly home now for them. They come through the flags with that 20 and some time.
Meanwhile Bec and Caravaggio have come home with that 20 penalties and some time.
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3:35pm
🇦🇺 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z
Dressage Score: 39.6
Place: 25
We’re into the final five combinations left to go now.
Ema’s clear through the coffin complex at 6, which she navigates so neatly. Easy for them. They rock the back rail of the triple bar at 7 as they fly on through. It stays firmly up though. The open corners at 9 come up well for them and they look to be having a really confident start to their round.
Mary Bess has now finished with those annoying 20 penalties at the drop fence.
Woah, Matt’s at the end of his rein as he leaps over the enormous ditch brush at 10. They take the angled hedge and then are clean and tidy through the Rolex Crossing at 12. Really confident.
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3:30pm
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic
Dressage Score: 39.8
Place: =27
Mary Bess is clear through the coffin complex at 6 as the feed focuses on Bec and Caravaggio. We pick up Mary Bess through Pete’s Hollow at 14. A lovely ride through there. But oh no. Imperio Magic isn’t having any of the drop at 15. There are steps back for a 20 and Mary Bess has to come back round. Easy the second time though.
Bec pecks on landing at the roll top on the way into the Rolex Crossing at 12. Bec sits tight. She’ll want Caravaggio a bit more on it as they continue on their way. We see them through the Head of the Lake at 18 and they have a beautiful ride through there. Ah, after going so well Bec has problems at the Normandy Bank at 20, picking those up at the c element there.
Shannon’s now finished to an ecstatic support team. It’s cool we got to see that. A lovely sight. A 5* finish – clear jumping. Plenty of time but what an achievement to jump clear round Kentucky.
Update on Tim Price: He’s showing as complete with Happy Boy. We didn’t get to see him again after he was stopped for the vet check.
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3:22pm
🇦🇺 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II
Dressage Score: 40.2
Place: 29
Caravaggio really shows his scope over the triple bar at 7. Boy! Bec’ll hope he reins it in a little. He’s neat over the white gate at 8.
Shannon is nearing home now. She’s clear to the Mighty Moguls at 25.
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3:16pm
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Shannon Lilley and Eindhoven Garette
Dressage Score: 39.8
Place: =27
We’re into the final ten to go.
The live feed’s focused on Tom but Shannon’s clear through fence 9.
Tom and Norris are still going really well, clear through Pete’s Hollow at 14, almost halfway round. He’s saving every second he can. He looks good on the clock. He comes to the Defender Head of the Lake at 18. He brings Norris back to make sure he gets his stride to the corner in the water. The flag goes there as they drift slightly in the air. He decides to go long but makes quick work of it. He jumps through the Mighty Moguls and puts his head down as he pushes for home. He takes a pull into the Lucky Horseshoe and he drives to the finish flags. Clear with 10.4 time.
We see Cooley Space Grey having a nice pat as he gallops between fences. Brooke’s been taking some long routes and they’re having an educational confidence-building round. They cross the line with that 20 and some time.
There’s a little gap before the next competitor as Caroline Pamukcu has withdrawn She’s The One. Apologies, I think I mistakenly said she’d withdrawn HSH Double Sixteen earlier.
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3:13pm
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality
Dressage Score: 26.2
Place: 3
Tom and ‘Norris’ are heading out of the start box in third place after a very polished performance between the white boards. They have a real leap over the ditch at the b element of 6 and Norris lands on all four feet but Tom’s so balanced he doesn’t move and they’re actually quick through there.
Brooke has picked up a 20 at the highest point in the course at Pete’s Hollow at 14c.
Cassie is on her way home now and crosses the line carrying a potential flag penalty.
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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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3:08pm
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey
Dressage Score: 46.3
Place: 34
We see them have a sticky ride through the coffin complex at c – a bit stop start and up in the air. Hopefully they’ll settle in quickly.
Cassie is now clear t0 fence 20, the Normandy Bank, but a flag question pops up at the c element. We’re not seeing much of her though.
Katherine’s now over the line carrying 20 and some time.
Monica has a big grin on her face as she comes to the last. They’re over the line. Clear jumping and 31 seconds over. They lost a bit of time near the end of the course.
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3:02pm
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre
Dressage Score: 38.6
Place: =23
‘Yogi’ is the most reliable cross country horse in the field, according to EquiRatings, with nary a jumping penalty in 19 international runs. They’re really smooth as they start out their course and are clear through fence 9.
Monica is flying on her Thoroughbred Artist. Blink and you’ll literally miss them. They’re clear through the EEI Root Cellar at 15. Totally flying and looking confident and meaning business. There’s the opportunity for them to climb the leaderboard here. They get a great shot into the Head of the Lake and then squeak a tight turn into the corner at c on two strides.
Katherine’s nearing the end of her round now. We see her through 22 and it’s looking a bit tricky. Monbeg Senna trips slightly coming out of the water and then takes a huge jump over the triple brush at b. Katherine’s on the buckle steering to the c element and they take it right across the diagonal. That’s a horse hunting out the flags.
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2:57pm
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Monica Spencer and Artist
Dressage Score: 29.3
Place: 10
Monica’s quickly clear through fence 11. We don’t get to see her though, sadly.
Katherine’s had a problem at the Rolex Crossing, picking up 20 at the b element in the water. They continue on though.
Libussa decides to go long at the Normandy Bank and not take on the bounce. Caramia leaves a bit of a leg over the corgi at 22a and Libussa’s pitched forward. They climb over that a little. The mare is looking a bit tired but Libussa’s taken her foot off the gas. She started out real excited and is feeling that now. They cross the line a fair bit over the time. But the horse looks great at the end. High-fives all round.
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🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna
2:56pm
Dressage Score: 38.2
Place: 22
We don’t get to see Katherine start her round but we catch her at the big triple bar at 7 and gallop on by.
Libussa makes things happen at through the angled cabins at 15. Smart work there.
Meanwhile, Boyd has crossed the finish line with Luke. Clear jumping but steady.
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2:49pm
🇩🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34
Dressage Score: 27.1
Place: 4
Libussa is really riding well at the start of her round, helping her horse out and encouraging her forward. They’re clear through fence 10. She has the save of the day at the Rolex Crossing! Wow, she’s horizontal on her hors but scrapes her way back into the tack and continues on. Great job.
Harry takes the Stairway Table at 22 in Et Hop Du Matz’s stride and then makes the water at 22 look easy. He’s really ridden a smooth round. So smooth. And we all know. Smooth = quick. They’re inside the time! The only one thus far.
Meanwhile Boyd and Luke are clear through the Rolex Crossing at 12. We next see them through the Head of the Lake at 18. There are some conversations going on between the two.
UPDATE ON TIM PRICE AND HAPPY BOY: They were pulled up at 22 for the horse to be examined by the veterinary team for suspected blood. It was found to be purely precautionary. Tim will now be restarted and his stopped time taken away from his final time.
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2:36pm
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Boyd Martin and Luke 140
Dressage Score: 27.9
Place: 6
They keep Luke quiet at the start box and then he’s off, flying over the first. We see him jump through the Care Credit Question at 6 and fly through there.
Harry comes into the Rolex Crossing at 12 and makes light work of that. Harry jumps across the jumps at Pete’s Hollow at 14, giving his horse time to see what’s going on. Lovely work through there. He gets the two strides through the Head of the Lake at 18 and squeaks past the flag on the way out.
Oh, it looks like Tim’s pulled up after 22a. He was having a tricky ride so it was perhaps a smart decision. Or perhaps it’s showing as an E. I’ll update that as soon as I know for sure.
We’re hearing that Caroline Pamukcu will not ride her second horse HSH Double Sixteen later on.
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2:41pm
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Harry Meade and Et Hop Du Matz
Dressage Score: 34.2
Place: 17
We pick up Harry at the coffin complex at 6. That was beautifully done through there. Totally balanced and smooth. Et Hop Du Matz is traveling nicely as they go up the hill towards the white gate at 8.
The problems continue for Tim as he picks up at 20 at the b element of 9 – the Equestrian Events Corners. He carries on for an educational round.
Arden has crossed the finish flags with Sunday Times. It’s a real shame we didn’t get to see her.
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2:36pm
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tim Price and Happy Boy
Dressage Score: 29.1
Place: 9
Oh my, Tim has a very early frangible pin at fence 3. We unfortunately didn’t see it on screen. He continues on and is clear through the coffin complex at 6, carrying those 11 penalties. This doesn’t seem to be the easiest round for Tim. He’ll be using all of his experience to help Happy Boy out there. There’s a slight delay in the start times while the team re-set the safety device they had at the start of the course.
Unfortunately Lauren had difficulties navigating the MARS Sustainability Bay and then decided to put up her hand at 9.
Meanwhile, Arden is still running, although we’re still not seeing her. She’s carrying that 20 and is at fence 24.
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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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2:31pm
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Lauren Nicholson and I’ll Have Another
Dressage Score: 44.6
Place: 33
The feed’s focused on Calvin but Lauren’s clear through fence 4.
Phantom’s showing all his athleticism as he continues on his way with bucketloads of enthusiasm for his job and extravagance over the fences. Wow, this is hairy at times, but Calvin absolutely knows his horse. He navigates the bounce at the Normandy Bank at 20 really well. He isn’t half seeing some long ones as he heads towards the final part of the course. There’s a flag question showing up for them at 22b, the Cosequin Cove. He crosses the line clear jumping with some time.
Meanwhile, Buck and Sorocaima have finished clear but steady.
We still haven’t got to see Arden but the live leaderboard’s showing a 20 at Pete’s Hollow at 14 – around halfway round. It was at the b element. They continue on.
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2:28pm
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times
Dressage Score: 43.3
Place: 32
There’s nothing quite like seeing a long-time partnership out on cross country, and that’s exactly what we’ve got to enjoy in this pair. Look lively though, according to EquiRatings, ‘Mumbles’ is amongst the fastest horses in the field 👀
We don’t get to see the start of Arden’s round but she’s clear through the tricky coffin complex at 6.
Buck goes long at the Head of the Lake, the same route as Tim earlier, but seems to take a bit more time doing so.
Calvin’s horse is really long and flat through the Rolex Crossing at 12 and he did a great job of holding Phantom together and pushing on. Oh goodness. Phantom stumbles coming out of Pete’s Hollow. He’s on his knees. If he rights himself he’s OK. And he did. We see him galloping on a moment later. What a horse. A little more restrained from this point forward though, please.
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2:24pm
🇩🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom of the Opera
Dressage Score: 30.2
Place: 13
It’s a quick one. According to EquiRatings, ‘Phantom’ is the fastest horse in the field. Blink and you’ll miss ‘em 😉
Calvin’s riding by the seat of his pants as he flies round the beginning of the course. He leaves his back legs on the brush going into the coffin complex at 6 and then leaps the ditch big, and is big again over the brush out. Calvin is such a brave rider though, nothing phases him.
Sorocaima is great for Buck through the Defender Head of the Lake at 18, really focused and on his game.
We’re hearing that Jonelle had penalties, but they’re not showing on the live scoreboard. I’ll update you on that asap. She finished over a minute of the time, which does suggest something went on.
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2:21pm
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Buck Davidson Jr. and Sorocaima
Dressage Score: 42.1
Place: 31
We see Buck and Cam up at the top of the course, their butts headed over the white gate at fence 8
Oh no! Jennie’s had 20 at the Rolex Crossing at 12. That’s so disappointing. And she’s decided to pull up before Pete’s Hollow at 14. She smiles though. Foxy’s tried hard. That’s eventing.
Jonelle’s headed for home now, clear jumping.
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2:17pm
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle
Dressage Score: 34
Place: 16
‘Foxy’ is the second-most reliable cross country horse in the field, according to EquiRatings’ stats, with an enviably clean jumping record, including around some of the biggest tracks in the world, having completed at Kentucky, Maryland and Burghley.
It’s so cool that Jennie chose to go today with Foxy. They’ve had a great start and are quickly clear through fence 8 – the white gate in the trees.
Jonelle is giving us a masterclass of riding. Things weren’t so easy for them at the beginning of their round but the mare’s really settled now. Jonelle has a great ride through the Head of the Lake at 18, keeping Hiarado right on the line through there.
It looks like Caroline’s retired late on course, at fence 22b – the final water.
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2:14pm
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jonelle Price and Hiarado
Dressage Score: 30
Place: 12
Jonelle has a real moment at the ominous looking fish at MARS Sustainability Bay. Jonelle sits tight though. Phew.
Meanwhile Caroline has picked up a flag question at 9b, the double of angled corners.
James and Karma have completed clear jumping except for that potential flag.
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2:08pm
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Caroline Pamukcu HSH Double Sixteen
Dressage Score: 39.7
Place: 26
Caroline has a bit of a change of mind it seems at 6. That’s one for the judges to decide.
James and Karma have had a flag question at 18e coming out of the Head of the Lake. They’re going real quick, like super speed.
Clarke has called it a day at the Normandy Bank at 20c. That’s a shame. Their round did not go to plan at all.
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2:04pm
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: James Alliston and Karma
Dressage Score: 37.3
Place: 21
The feed obviously follows Michael and Chip but James is clear through 6.
Michael’s a little under pressure in terms of the time as he comes through Cosequin Cove at 18, it’s not looking like he’ll make it. No stress shown though and he rides through there perfectly, of course. He’s 10 seconds down at the Mighty Moguls at 25. He has penalties in hand though, remember. He’s over the Lucky Horseshoe and there’s the hint of an elbow as he rides for the line. He’s home clear with 2.4 time penalties.
Meanwhile Clarke and Menlo Park were having a great ride until things go awry at the Defender Head of the Lake at 18. They take the step out and Clarke seems to swing wide to set up for the corner but it doesn’t come up for him and they slide to a stop. 20 penalties for them. They continue on.
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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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2pm
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park
Dressage Score: 28.4
Place: =7
Clarke has early problems at the Credit Care Question at 6c. He continues on though and is clear after that through 11.
Michael is 4 or 5 seconds up on everyone else as he comes into Pete’s Hollow at 14. He takes the alternate a element to set up the perfect line through there.
Meanwhile Sharon and Claus have had a further 20 at the Normandy Bank – it was at the brush at 20c. We didn’t see it. Then the leaderboard shows her as having been eliminated at 22c – the final water.
We’re hearing that Boyd and Bruno have had a flag question at the Defender Head of the Lake, at the brush corner coming out of there. We’ll keep an eye on that.
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1:56pm
🇩🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH
Dressage Score: 18.6
Place: 1
They smashed the dressage, will they continue smashing it at Kentucky? Michi’s going for his 5th win in the bluegrass. Keep it careful Chip. They’ve got a 7.4 point advantage over Boyd and Commando 3 who are currently their biggest threat.
They set out smooth and pro and slick. Of course. Chip is eating up the track. Michael’s taking all the efficient lines. He’s textbook through the coffin complex at 6. Gorgeous. He’s covering so much ground as he gallops along in Michael’s classic, easy rhythm. The Rolex Crossing at 12 is easy peasy for this pair.
The livestream is focusing on the leaders going into this, but Jessie Phoenix has now finished clear jumping with some time.
Sharon and Claus are clear through 13 but then pick up at 20 at the a element of Pete’s Hollow at 14.
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1:51pm
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Sharon White and Claus 63
Dressage Score: 32.3
Place: 14
Claus has his ears pricked as he leaves the box and gets his Kentucky cross country underway. He takes the first two in his stride. Go Claus. This is a very cool cross country horse. Oh, Sharon has to sit up over the ditch at the b element of the Credit Care Question at 6. She’s good though. That was Claus showing all of his enthusiasm. Well-saved.
Meanwhile Emily and Corvett have crossed the line one second slower than Boyd and Bruno.
Jessie is nearing home now and the horse is still running on well. She has to take a real pull coming into the Bourbon Barrel Table at 17 – it’s quick to the Defender Head of the Lake after that fence, but Jessie’s got ‘Lacey’ back now and they navigate the water well.
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1:45pm
🇨🇦 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent
Dressage Score: 36.8
Place: 20
Jessie and her spotty pony are a touch sticky through the Care Credit Question at 6 but they come out the other side and travel on. They settle into their round and continue clear through fence 16.
Woo! Corvett flies the skinny white rails at Pete’s Hollow at 14 in his own classic, iconic style. He puts a trot step in before the step up out of the water at the Defender Head of the Lake at 18. Clever pony. Barry gives the corgi air at Cosequin Cove and then uses all of his scope to plough on through there. He’s jumping for fun.
Bruno looks to tire a little as he nears the end of the track, but Boyd’s got his back. They clear the last and cross the line with big pats from Boyd. Clear jumping with some time.
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1:40pm
🇺🇸 THIRD COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Emily Hamel and Corvett
Dressage Score: 38.6
Place: =23
Barry’s off and showing us just why he’s earned the monker Corvett Airlines. Whoop. Fly Barry fly! We’re not seeing a lot of them but they’re clear through the massive ditch brush at 10. She slices the corner a little and Corvett shows us how big that fence is. They’re a little sticky through the Rolex Crossing at 12 but gallop onward.
Tim’s over the corgi at Cosequin Cove at 22, heading towards home now. He jumps the fallen tree at 26 and then takes the Lucky Horseshoe. He lost his advantage over the time as the course went on. He finishes clear jumping with some time.
Bruno and Boyd are flying round the track. He leaps off the drop at the EEI Root Cellar at 15. He’s really being bold and brave and they look to be having a fun round.
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1:35pm
🇺🇸 SECOND COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Boyd Martin and Fedarman B
Dressage Score: 29.8
Place: 11
EquiRatings have ‘Bruno’ down as the second-fastest horse in the field today. Watch that white blaze go! Eyes on 👀
Bruno’s up for it, for sure. We see him over the first couple but the livestream goes back to Tim to focus on the pathfinder. We cut back to Boyd and hear the cheers follow him and Bruno round the track. He’s clear through the white gates at the Fox’s Den at 8. All good thus far for them.
We see Tim through the water at the Rolex Crossing at 12. Jarillo stretches over the fences and it all comes up easy. They’re a little up on the clock as they come to the 5 minute marker. They’re at Pete’s Hollow at 14, the fence that’s caused some conversation in the lead-up. He’s straight through the quick route. Derek said they need to be accurate, positive and brave through there and that’s exactly what this pair displayed. They’re just as good through the Defender Head of the Lake, taking a slightly longer route with an extra jumping effort but still quick.
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1:30pm
🇳🇿 FIRST COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Tim Price and Jarillo
Dressage Score: 28.4
Place: =7
The weather’s held up in Lexington and conditions look good for this afternoon’s cross country. The 4* competition used a different track and so it’s fresh ground for the 5*, which has been drying out all day after yesterday’s deluge.
Have a great ride! Tim’s out of the box and on his way. They fly the table at 2 and Jarillo looks well up for it. He comes to the first real question on the course at the MARS Sustainability Bay at 4 and they’re textbook through there. Neat and tidy, bold and beautiful. That’ll have made Tim feel good.
The Care Credit Question has been influential in the past, but Tim is on the ball and navigates through there with no question. He really has had a great start on this exciting horse. Tim’s making this look easy.
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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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