Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice took the lead as the final ride of the day on a 44.7.
Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice offered an exciting finale to the CIC3* dressage at The Fork, moving into the lead on a 44.7 as the final ride of the day. It’s an understatement to say Phillip and Mighty Nice have been having an excellent season this year. They’ve been dominant from the very beginning, most recently winning the Red Hills CIC3* and putting themselves in prime position for an excellent showing here this weekend at The Fork and at Rolex. Samantha Clark attended the post-dressage press conference and will bring you much more tonight on Phillip’s comments on his ride.
Boyd Martin and Trading Aces
Boyd Martin and Trading Aces cracked the 40s with their test to sit on a 49, which puts them in 11th place. I thought this was a very steady test for Oscar, who will be competing in his first CCI4* with Boyd at Rolex. Boyd seemed pleased with the test leaving the ring and had a large crowd cheering him on. Becky Holder had a lovely ride on Can’t Fire Me, her stunning off-the-track Thoroughbred gelding, and is tied for 12th place with Will Faudree and Andromaque on a 49.3. This pair will also be competing at Rolex and will be looking to have a solid tune-up performance this weekend.
Becky Holder and Can't Fire Me scored 49.3 to tie them for 12th.
Buck Davidson and Ballynoecastle RM rode second to last just before Phillip and put in a very pleasant, workmanlike test. Reggie left the ring looking incredibly proud of himself and had quite a few fans calling his name as he walked back to the barn. Buck and Reggie scored a 49.6 and are tied for 14th with Phillip Dutton and Atlas. I have to give a shout out to Kaitlin Spurlock and Expedience. She rode third to last, sandwiched between Boyd, Becky, Buck and Phillip. She handled the pressure incredibly well with a big smile on her face. She scored 62 to sit in 50th.
Buck Davidson and Ballynoecastle RM are tied for 14th on a 49.6.
The top three after the CIC3* dressage at The Fork are Phillip Dutton and Mighty nice on 44.7, Lynn Symansky and Donner on 46.4 and Marilyn Little and RF Smoke on the Water on 47. Show jumping for the CIC3* begins tomorrow morning at 9:56 a.m, and I’ll be bringing you full coverage. I’ll also be watching the Advanced show jumping first thing in the morning at 8:34 a.m., so be sure to check in for coverage of both the Advanced and CIC3* show jumping. Samantha Clark will bring you a full report later today from this afternoon’s press conference.
The top 15 in the CIC3* at The Fork after dressage
