Caroline Martin and Islandwood Captain Jack at Kentucky in 2019. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.
The entry list for the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event continues to grow, and we’re up to 38 pairs on the CCI5* list and 33 on the CCI4*S list. With looming uncertainty surrounding coronavirus and EHV-1 around the world, it remains to be seen whether or not the ranks fill fill out with a hefty foreign contingent.
A few notable storylines (though certainly there are many more that I’ll neglect to mention!) in the early going of the CCI5* entry cycle:
- A handful of rookies will make their Kentucky/5* debut: Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise (who was purchased off Craigslist for $500), Zoe Crawford and K.E.C Zara, Alex Green and Fernhill Limited Edition, Ema Klugman (who also happens to be editor of Jumper Nation!) and Bendigo, and Mike Pendleton and Steady Eddie (who himself has finished top-10 at Burghley with Boyd Martin in 2017). Emilee Libby will be looking for her first five-star completion with Jakobi; she last started in Kentucky with Cahir in 2008 but withdrew after cross country.
- We’ll see the return of Sara Mittleider, who made waves with her $300 off-track Thoroughbred, El Primero during the 2000s, to the five-star level for the first time in 11 years with La Paz
- Allison Springer brings forward her first coming five-star partner since the late and great Arthur, Business Ben
- Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot will be making their ninth career CCI5* start together
- 2020 USEA Rider of the Year Liz Halliday Sharp will bring two horses to Kentucky: the more experienced Deniro Z along with stablemate Cooley Quicksilver, making his CCI5* debut
Here’s a look at the current CCI5* entries (the list can be viewed and refreshed for new additions here):
Meanwhile, the newly-added CCI4*S is also packed with fresh talent as well as veteran experience. This is a really exciting addition to the roster for Land Rover Kentucky, and we hope it presents a model for repetition in the future. Just a handful of notes on the CCI4*S include:
- The West coast will send a contingent of riders, including Lauren Billys (who represented Puerto Rico at the 2016 Olympics) and Castle Larchfield Purdy, Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve, Sophie Click and Quidproquo, and Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Passepartout. Honorary Californian (but full-time Texan) Megan Sykes with Classic’s Mojah is also entered.
- Phillip Dutton and Carlchen (who just scored a 15.0 on the flat at Pine Top) will contest this division
- The talented Alex Baugh will bring her two upper-level partners, Mr. Candyman and I Spye to the CCI4*S
You can view the CCI4*S entry list here. Stay tuned for more entry list updates from #LRK3DE!
