Photo Gallery + Memorable Moments from LRK3DE Dressage Day 2

By on Apr 27, 2018 5:02 pm -

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

It is uncommon for the leader of dressage from the first day of competition at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event to hold on to that position after the second day. However, for a time it seemed as though Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST would do just that.

Buck Davidson and Carlevo kicked off the morning with a stunning test followed immediately by Oliver Townend and MHS King Joules, who left the crowd roaring. Chris Burton and Nobilis 18 floated around the arena, slotting into third less than a point behind the leader despite higher scores for the majority of the test. We broke for lunch with “Magic Mike” and Rocana still in the lead.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

With full bellies and hope in our hearts for an American leader at Kentucky (no offense to Germany, but we felt due) we returned to the Rolex Arena for the afternoon session. Right away Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous, the first combination in the ring after lunch, entered with their game faces on and threw down an elegant, accurate test to move into first place by a decent margin on 24.8. And the crowd went wild.

America’s sweethearts, Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border, were challenging Marilyn and “Kitty’s” score, but disorganized flying changes — which Kim contributed to tension — late in the test dropped their score and their placing to fourth. Another Cooley (Master Class) danced into the top five, leaving Oliver Townend with two horses in the top eight after the first phase.

Oliver Townend and MHS King Joules. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

As we look ahead to tomorrow’s cross country which will undoubtedly shuffle the scoreboard, it feels like it’s anyone’s game. The scores are tightly bunched. Aside from the five leaders with scores below 30, less than ten penalty points separate sixth place and 36th place. Every second will count tomorrow, and every fence, too. Best of luck and safe rides to everyone. Go eventing.

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