And suddenly the moment we’ve all been waiting for has come. It’s cross country day at Rolex Kentucky! We’re thrilled to be bringing you another open thread today, so keep this page bookmarked so that you can keep up with the action as it happens. Also be sure to follow along on Twitter @eventingnation.
Our trailblazers will be the very seasoned James Alliston and Parker, who will be the perfect pair to really show us the way this morning. We’ll close the day with Buck Davidson and Petite Flower later this afternoon.
Don’t forget, for those of you out and about at Rolex, you absolutely must stop by our infamous tailgate! Let the mimosas flow, it’s cross country day! The tailgate is located at spaces S240 and S241, near the jog strip and announcer’s tower overlooking the infield. More info can be found right here. Also, be sure to download our brand new shiny EN app so that you can grab some free swag at the tailgate.
As always, we’re wishing safe, clear and fast rides to all, and remember, we’re all #LeeLeeStrong today.
#RK3DE Links: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Course Preview, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Ultimate Guide to Rolex, Live Stream, How to Watch Live, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram
2:06 p.m.: Here is your top 20 heading into tomorrow’s show jumping finale. Matt is our top American, and it’s all Europeans in the top three spots. I have to give a shout out to my coach, Hawley Bennett-Awad, for moving into the top 15 on a mare she’s had less than a year. Made us proud, coach!
2:05 p.m.: Big pats and cheers for Flower as Buck closes the day.
2:04 p.m: Holly Jacks Smither on her ride:
2:03 p.m.: Buck gets it done:
2:03 p.m.: Honestly, aside from the blip at the Teton Rails, this is one of my favorite rides of the day from Buck and Flower. She has gotten more and more game as time goes on.
2:02 p.m.: Phillip talks about Mr. Medicott’s triumphant return:
2:01 p.m.:
Tim Bourke & Luckuan Quality win the Biggest Mover Award. Up 30 spots to 10th place thanks to fastest round of the day #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
2:01 p.m. A gutsy ride for Buck and Flower coming off of the Normandy Bank.
2:00 p.m.:
2:00 p.m.:
Our top 3 after XC are Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST 38.7, Maxime Livio and Qalao de Mers 44.6, Zara Tindall/High Kingdom 46.6 #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:59 p.m.: Go Cave!
1:59 p.m.:
“There’s only one Mr. Medicott” -KOC ❤ #truth #RK3DE @eventingnation
— Makenna Rold (@kennakate43) April 29, 2017
1:58 p.m.: Buck has a runout at the corner at the Teton Rails. Matt Brown will be the highest placed American, in fourth, heading into tomorrow.
1:58 p.m.:
1:58 p.m.:
Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott are home clear on 11:39, 22 seconds over the optimum time #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:57 p.m.: Buck and Flower have the course to themselves as the last rider of the day. They look textbook through the Head of the Lake.
1:57 p.m.: Hear from Will Faudree after his finish:
1:56 p.m.: Mr. Medicott has triumphantly returned to Rolex with just some time added as he crosses the finish!
1:55 p.m.:
1:55 p.m.: Jessica Phoenix picks up a 20 and another and calls it a day at the Teton Rails following the Head of the Lake.
1:53 p.m.: Jessica Phoenix looking super bold at the Head of the Lake! Bentley’s Best has so much scope to spare.
1:52 p.m.: Buck is away with Petite Flower! Last of the day. Mr. Medicott is clear through the Land Rover Landing.
1:51 p.m.:
1:51 p.m.:
Join us for #RK3DE trivia at 2 pm at the EN tailgate party!! By the announcer’s tower overlooking the infield. Grand prize: Vespucci bridle!
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:50 p.m.: Jessica Phoenix takes her time through the Mighty Moguls and gets it done with Bentley’s Best.
1:50 p.m.:
Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott are clear through the Head of the Lake. 18 years young and Cave is loving it! #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:49 p.m.: Will Coleman and Tight Lines become the latest victims of the chevron at the Land Rover Landing.
1:47 p.m.: A running start for Mr. Medicott!
1:47 p.m.:
1:46 p.m.: A lovely ride through the Moguls for Phillip and “Cave.” Karen O’Connor comments that this is a phenomenal horse to ride on cross country. Remember, this is a former ride of hers!
1:44 p.m.: Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott are away!
1:44 p.m.: Two clear rounds for the Payne duo today! Here’s what Doug had to say:
1:43 p.m.:
1:43 p.m.:
Will Faudree and Pfun are clear through the Park Question at fence 23 and heading for home #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:43 p.m.:
1:42 p.m.:
1:41 p.m.: Holly Jacks has evidently been given a 20 at the Frog Pond but John Kyle says it was perhaps unwarranted because she took the option. We’ll see what happens when scores are confirmed.
1:40 p.m.: Bummer of an end for Boyd’s day:
1:40 p.m.: Look at that smile from Rookie Woodge Fulton!
1:39 p.m.:
Holly Jacks-Smither takes the option at fence 7 at the Frog Pond with More Inspiration. All clear #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:39 p.m.:
1:39 p.m.:
Rolex Rookies Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration are on course now for Canada. Another off-track Thoroughbred! #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:38 p.m.:
Tim is home CLEAR and inside the time @RolexKentucky! The fastest round so far, he’s guaranteed a top 20 place going into SJ! pic.twitter.com/qOtqRetVaA
— Team IRL Equestrian (@TeamIRLEq) April 29, 2017
1:38 p.m.: Here is the questionable 20 for Boyd at the Mighty Moguls:
1:37 p.m.: Steady Eddie slips on the turn after the Normandy Bank and they’re down. They got right back up but what a heartbreaker.
1:36 p.m.: Zara Tindall chats with Samantha at the finish:
1:36 p.m.:
Doug Payne and Vandiver are home clear and 13 seconds over the optimum time. Super round! #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:36 p.m.: Matt Brown is all smiles after his double clear run!
1:35 p.m.: Will Faudree had a runout at the Mighty Moguls. Doug Payne is about 10 seconds down but clear so far through the final water!
1:34 p.m.:
NOW Boyd Martin’s 20 jumping penalties at 4C have been removed. The case of the disappearing jump penalties? #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:32 p.m.: Hear from Ze Terminator:
1:31 p.m.:
And now Boyd Martin IS being given 20 penalties at fence 4C with Steady Eddie #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:30 p.m.: Tim Price and Skyboy at the Land Rover Landing:
1:30 p.m.: Just a tad out of position for Michael #backseatdriver
1:29 p.m.:
Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie are away. He jumped clear with Crackerjack earlier in the day #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:28 p.m.: Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy have a runout at the chevron at the Land Rover Landing.
1:27 p.m.: Lillian Heard talks with Samantha about her second ride with LCC Barnaby:
1:26 p.m.: Doug Payne and Vandiver are away!
1:26 p.m.:
Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy are clear through the Teton Rails at fence 13 #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:25 p.m.: The USEF Network live feed is very spotty at the moment, we’re sure they are working on it!
1:24 p.m:
Michael Jung will have at least one rail in hand as he looks to take a third consecutive win with fischerRocana FST tomorrow #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:24 p.m.: Hear from Tim Bourke at the finish:
1:23 p.m.: So thrilled for Matt and Super Socks, he has worked so hard to get where he is. Take a look here.
Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF home clear and inside the time! 4 seconds inside and he is fist pumping the air! #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:23 p.m.:
Woodge Fulton and Captain Jack are home clear in their Rolex debut! #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:22 p.m.:
Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy are away! Nicknamed Daddy Price by the @EventingPodcast as wife Jonelle is expecting #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:20 p.m.:
1:20 p.m.:
Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF wasting no time. Looking super through the influential water at 18, the Land Rover Landing #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:14 p.m.: Bummed that we didn’t get to see any of Tim and “Obie”:
Tim Bourke and Luckuan Quality moved up 24 spots on the leaderboard thanks to posting the fastest round of the day #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:13 p.m.:
1:13 p.m.: Ryan Wood chats with Samantha at the finish:
1:11 p.m: Woodge Fulton will be our next starter out. Michael is almost home, he is going to miss the time! 11:21. Maybe he is human. That’s still good for first though, naturally.
1:11 p.m.: No big deal.
1:09 p.m.: Roxy is so responsive to Michael and always looks so game, no matter what. This is so incredible to watch. Roxy gets a little close to the one stride brush near the end but of course she makes it.
1:08 p.m.:
Michael Jung is as casual as can be about taking flyers with Rocana. Not wasting any time. Clear through 20 at the Normandy Bank #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:08 p.m.: Michael changes nothing and just kept coming to the skinny skinny chevron at the Land Rover Landing, showing us all how it’s supposed to be ridden! Textbook.
1:06 p.m.: Lillian Heard is out with LCC Barnaby. Michael stays in the backseat over the C element of the Hollow and gets the job done.
1:06 p.m.: Hannah Sue talks about her ride with Under Suspection:
1:05 p.m.: Michael really has to work to get the Head of the Lake done but he’s through as only Ze Terminator can do!
1:04 p.m.:
Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST ping through the Frog Pond at 7. Looking fabulous as expected #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:04 p.m.: Zara is our third double clear!
1:03 p.m.:
Zara Tindall and High Kingdom scrap their way through the brushes at the Park Question at 23. Still clear! #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:02 p.m.: Michael has a perfect ride through the Mighty Moguls at 4.
1:02 p.m.:
1:01 p.m.:
All clear for Tim Bourke and Luckuan Quality so far. Looking super at the Head of the Lake at 10/11 #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
1:01 p.m.: Michael is away!
12:59 p.m:
Zara Tindall and High Kingdom making Team GB proud so far. Spot on at The Hollow at 15 and looking super #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:59 p.m.: Clark Montgomery talks about his day:
12:58 p.m.: Michael Jung is coming up soon! Tim Bourke and Luckaun Quality are our next starters.
12:58 p.m.: What a shame! Kim will retire Cooley Cross Border after a hairy moment and a refusal at 22A. Bummer but she’s making a horseman’s call.
12:57 p.m.:
An awesome save for Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border as he stumbles a bit at the Normandy Bank. Still clear at 20! #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:56 p.m.: Ryan Wood has had a problem at 25, the Water Park.
12:55 p.m.: Kim gets the job done and shows her experience at the Head of the Lake:
12:53 p.m.:
A super trip for Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection! Clear and 5.6 time penalties in the mare’s first 4* #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:53 p.m.: Great Britain’s royalty, Zara Tindall and High Kingdom are our new starters.
12:52 p.m.: Kim is really riding like she stole it today! Looking lovely so far.
12:49 p.m.: Hannah was living dangerously early on:
12:48 p.m.:
12:48 p.m.: Jordan Linstedt will not run RevitaVet Capato.
12:47 p.m.: Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border are our next starters!
12:46 p.m.: “After that, it just kind of took the wind out of his sails … but we got him home which is an accomplishment,” Clark says of his runout.
12:46 p.m.: Sharon White has retired at the Normandy Bank.
A glance off for Ryan Wood and Fernhill Classic at 4C, the Mighty Moguls #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:45 p.m.: Ryan Wood and Fernhill Classic are our new starters.
12:45 p.m.:
A bummer of a runout for Sharon White and Cooley On Show at 15c, cabin at The Hollow. Clear on second attempt #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:44 p.m.: Hannah Sue and Under Suspection:
12:41 p.m.: A big cheer from the crowd at the finish for Clark and Glen, who have to just be so devastated. We love you, Clark! Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection are now on course.
12:40 p.m.: Clark runs into trouble again at the second to last.
A second runout on course for Clark Montgomery and Loughen Glen, at the second to last, 27b Horse Park Barns #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:40 p.m.:
12:39 p.m.:
Sharon White and Cooley On Show are on course now #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:38 p.m.: Watch how it happened:
12:38 p.m.: Bobby is continuing on while the Ground Jury makes sure the refusals hold up rather than pull him up erroneously.
12:37 p.m.: Clark loses his stirrup after the Land Rover Landing and had a bit of a miscommunication coming to the Footbridge but they’re over and on their way home. We should see him focusing on getting home and not pressing for time now. So bummed.
12:36 p.m.: Heartbreaking. Clark Montgomery has a runout at the Land Rover Landing, the skinny chevron.
12:36 p.m.: Evidently Bobby picked up three refusals and were eliminated around the course. Bummer.
12:35 p.m.: Clark is clear through the Hollow, once again using all of his aids to steer and be as efficient as possible through the turning questions.
12:34 p.m.: Aidan Keough and Master Tredstep are on course and have a runout at fence 4. Bobby Meyerhoff had a runout at the Normandy Bank.
Ellen Doughty-Hume and Sir Oberon complete with 20 jumping penalties and 11.2 time penalties #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:33 p.m.: Clark has a bit of a unbalanced landing off the table into the Head of the Lake but picked Glen up and made it look easy on the way out! Here’s a gallop shot:
12:32 p.m.: Clark is seeing those big bold distances to the gallop fences a mile away. Looking super confident!
12:32 p.m.:
Clear with 14.4 time penalties for Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:31 p.m.:
Ellen Doughty-Hume with a major save at the head of the lake. #kickon @eventingnation pic.twitter.com/aVjQuJxVm2
— Zachary Messaglia (@ZMessaglia) April 29, 2017
12:31 p.m.: The crowd is behind Clark every step of the way as they make their way around.
12:30 p.m.: Lovely through the Mighty Moguls at 4 for Clark and Glen.
12:29 p.m.: Kurt Martin chats with Samantha:
12:29 p.m.: And our leaders are away! Go Clark!
12:28 p.m.: Ellen cuts it close!
12:27 p.m.: Holly Payne chats about her quick ride:
12:26 p.m.: Bobby Meyerhoff is on course with Dunlavin’s Token for their swan song run.
12:25 p.m.: Ellen saves a big jump into the Head of the Lake but doesn’t make it to the fish. She stays on though! Our next starter will be Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. No pressure, buddy!
12:24 p.m.: Jessica Phoenix talks about her ride with Pavarotti:
12:23 p.m.:
Andrea Baxter and Indy 500 pick up a stop at 18AB, the first chevron brush at the Land Rover Landing #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:23 p.m.:
Kurt Martin and DeLux Z are home clear with 17.2 time penalties. Thanks to @JohnKyleSpeaks for crunching the numbers! #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:22 p.m.:
12:21 p.m.: And now we will see Ellen Doughty Hume and Sir Oberon, who typically make this course look like child’s play.
12:21 p.m.: A big smile and pats for Delux Z from Kurt Martin!
12:20 p.m.:
Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me are out on course now for Canada. Clear through the Frog Pond at 7 #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:19 p.m.: Andrea Baxter and Indy 500 are also making the West Coast proud! I love this little mare, and Andrea has worked so hard to get here.
12:18 p.m.: Kurt Martin lives a bit dangerously and just wanting to get home now. This pair won the CCI3* at Rebecca Farm in 2015.
12:18 p.m.:
12:18 p.m.: Sinead speculating on perhaps needing some bigger studs after the downpour awhile ago.
12:17 p.m.:
12:17 p.m.:
Andrea Baxter living a little dangerously with Indy 500 at the Frog Pond but gets it done. Clear through 7 #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:17 p.m.: Did Holly Payne (who came home clear with 4 seconds of time) have advice for brother Doug? “He’d better ride hard.”
12:15 p.m.:
Holly Payne Caravella and Never OutFoxed complete just 4 seconds over the optimum time! #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:15 p.m: We’re glad you’re ok, Rachel!
12:10 p.m.:
Kurt Martin and DeLux Z are on course now #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:09 p.m.: Bummer. Rachel McDonough has taken a swim at the Head of the Lake after Irish Rhythm lost his footing on landing. They tried to make it over the fish but Rachel couldn’t hang on. Not fun! They both look fine.
12:07 p.m.:
Rachel McDonough and Irish Rhythm are on course now, clear through fence 5 #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:07 p.m.: Let’s hear from Lauren Kieffer!
12:06 p.m.:
A 2nd refusal on course for Jolie Wentworth at the Land Rover Landing at fence 18. Those narrow chevron brushes breaking hearts today #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:06 p.m.: Buck Davidson has withdrawn Copper Beach.
12:05 p.m.:
12:05 p.m.:
Home 23 seconds over the optimum for Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive, his second clear of the day #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:03 p.m.:
Holly Payne Caravella and Never OutFoxed are on course now and not wasting any time. Clear through Frog Pond at 7 #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:03 p.m.:
12:02 p.m.: Samantha chats with Jennifer McFall after her clear round and second Rolex cross country completion!
12:02 p.m.:
Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti complete with a clear round and 29.6 time penalties #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
12:02 p.m.:
12:01 p.m.:
Jolie Wentworth picked up 20 jumping penalties at 7B at the Frog Pond #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:59 a.m.: Sinead Halpin is now back in the commentator’s booth. Many thanks to John Kyle and our guest commentators today!
11:59 a.m.:
Jolie Wentworth and GoodKnight are on course and clear through fence 5 #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:58 a.m.: Sadly, Liz Halliday Sharp has fallen at the Normandy Bank. She is on her feet and both horse and rider are ok.
11:58 a.m.: Liz’s trouble at the Hollow:
11:57 a.m.: Sorry for the delay on this, I had some YouTube issues but let’s hear from our hero, Madeline Backus!
11:56 a.m.:
11:56 a.m.:
Fernhill By Night slams on the brakes at 15c, the cabin coming out of The Hollow #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:55 a.m.:
11:55 a.m.:
Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready catching some air at the Rolex Head of the Lake! #RK3DE pic.twitter.com/hyohUkptl9
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:53 a.m.: Here’s what Caroline Martin had to say after her Rookie round:
11:53 a.m.:
11:52 a.m.: Lauren Kieffer is home clear with Vermiculus in his four-star debut! Phillip Dutton is now on course with Fernhill Fugitive.
11:52 a.m.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiAD0jX9NMo
11:50 a.m.: West Coast proud!
Jen McFall and High Times are home clear! We are still waiting on a time #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:49 a.m.: In the running for save of the day so far:
11:49 a.m.:
Jessica Phoenix TROTS through the Frog Pond with Pavarotti but gets it done. Making their way to fence 8 #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:48 a.m.: The feed is really not loving the West Coast riders as Jen McFall has also disappeared from the feed but report is that she is clear, I believe.
11:48 a.m.: Try not to swoon while you watch this:
11:48 a.m.:
Kelly Prather and Truly Wiley complete with 20 jumping penalties and 20.8 time penalties #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:46 a.m.:
Jessica Phoenix is on course with Pavarotti and FLEW through #4, the Mighty Moguls. Looking to complete after retiring on A Little Romance
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:45 a.m.: HOLY CRAP. Lauren is officially Ms. Stickablility after Vermiculus almost faceplants into the Head of the Lake. She lost her way to the brush in the water but wow, what a save.
11:44 a.m.: Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti are getting ready to head out of the box.
11:43 a.m.:
Just 10.8 time penalties for Caroline Martin and Spring Easy even with 40 jumping penalties! #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:42 a.m.: John Kyle puts it best about Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus: We’re hoping for an exhibition round today. Get it done, Lauren!
11:40 a.m.: Kelly Prather has a runout with Truly Wiley at 23. A lot of lengthening to the base of this really skinny chevron which is causing the horses to misread.
11:38 a.m.: Caroline has another problem at 23, the Park Question.
11:37 a.m.:
A runout for Caroline Martin and Spring Easy at fence 18AB, the narrow chevron brush at the Land Rover Landing #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:37 a.m.: Jennifer McFall gets a last minute pep talk from coach Hawley Bennett and she and High Times are off
11:36 a.m:
11:34 a.m.: Jenny goes to her stick coming towards the end of the course with “Forty.” He looks like he might be a bit checked out here, they’ve had another problem and has retired. Bummer.
11:32 a.m: Just a few time for Hawley Bennett and Jollybo! 11:33 is their time. Welcome back, Hawley! Jenny Caras has a runout at 18AB.
11:31 a.m.: Caught a glimpse of Hawley towards the end of the course, and Jollybo is still looking quite keen and not the least bit tired.
11:30 a.m.:
11:30 a.m.:
Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo are still going guns blazing. All clear through the Park Question at fence 23 #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:28 a.m.: Jenny Caras is having a lovely go with Fernhill Fortitude. Hawley Bennett has unfortunately disappeared from our feed because the cameras have not switched views but reports are she’s having a stellar ride. Caroline Martin is now on for her Rookie run.
11:27 a.m.:
Hawley Bennett-Awad giving us a super show on Jollybo. Positive, forward, attacking. We love it! #RK3DE #girlpower
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:25 a.m.:
Jenny Caras trains with Phillip Dutton, who has already been around the course clear with I’m Sew Ready at #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:25 a.m.: Hear from Erin Sylvester, our first double clear!
11:22 a.m.: Hawley means business and has a textbook ride through fence 4.
11:20 a.m.:
That’s now two rider falls at fence 4c, the Mighty Moguls: both Buck Davidson and Daniela Mougel #RK3DE pic.twitter.com/Pw8r1tos0b
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:19 a.m.: Our next starter will be Canada’s Hawley Bennett Awad and Jollybo. Maxime is going to be inside the time! Right on it at 11:17.
11:18 a.m.: Maxime gives a pro ride through the one stride brush towards the end. Daniela Moguel has fallen at the Mighty Moguls. She is on her feet.
11:18 a.m.:
Maxime Livio takes a glance at his watch just before the Fox Den at fence 22. He looks to be very close on his minute markers #RK3DE
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:17 a.m.: Selena chats with Samantha about her ride:
11:15 a.m.: Mexico’s Daniela Moguel and Cecelia are our next starters.
11:15 a.m.: “She found really hard for me out there,” Erin says of Mettraise.
11:14 a.m.: Karen O’Connor is now taking over from Sinead for the announcing.
11:13 a.m.: Erin Sylvester and Mettraise have come home BANG ON the optimum time! She wants that Land Rover!
11:12 a.m.: Maxime Livio gives one of the best rides all day with Qalao Des Mers through the first water.
11:09 a.m.: Allie Sacksen and Sparrow’s Nio have parted ways at the Head of the Lake. We didn’t get to see it but reports are that they’re fine.
11:08 a.m.: Mettraise doesn’t quite read the skinny, skinny brush but they get the job done!
11:07 a.m.:
Allie and Sparrow’s Nio make quick work of the Mighty Moguls at fence 4, easily the best ride we’ve seen there so far! #rk3de
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:07 a.m.: Sally Cousins chats with Samantha about her ride:
11:06 a.m.: Big pats for Woody!
11:05 a.m.:
Allie Sacksen and Sparrow’s Nio are on course now. We LOVE this Connemara cross! Such a little superstar #rk3de
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:05 a.m.:
Erin Sylvester gives four-star first-timer Mettraise a reassuring pat as she clears the Frog Pond at fence 7 #rk3de
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
11:02 a.m.: Is it too late to send Selena and Woody to Rio?
11:02 a.m.: Selena gets the job done nice and smooth at the final water:
11:01 a.m.: Hear what Boyd thought about his first ride on Crackerjack:
10:59 a.m.:
Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken are on course now #rk3de
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
10:57 a.m.: Madeline is home CLEAR! I am so thrilled for this kid. Well deserved! In some sadder news, Bunnie has called it a day after a runout at 18.
10:56 a.m: Get Lillian and Katie’s thoughts on their rounds:
10:55 a.m.: Selena had probably one of the best rides so far through the Mighty Moguls.
10:54 a.m.:
Bunnie Sexton takes the long route at the Frog Pond, fence 7, and gets it done #rk3de
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
10:52 a.m.: Selena O’Hanlon is next with Foxwood High.
10:52 a.m.:
A runout at 4C, the brush at the Mighty Moguls, for Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against #rk3de
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
10:51 a.m.: Wow, what a lovely horse in PS Arianna! She trips just before the giant oxer at the Teton Rails but hunts the fence and makes it over beautifully. Chills!
10:49 a.m.: Bunnie Sexton is on course with Rise Against!
10:48 a.m.: Boyd tells Frankie that he still didn’t sleep really well last night. Celebrities, they’re just like us! Here are Phillip’s thoughts on his round:
10:46 a.m.:
Boyd Martin and Crackerjack are home clear on 11:39, our fastest round so far. Optimum time is 11:17 #rk3de
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
10:45 a.m.: And our first Rookie is on course, sporting her traditional pink! I think she was late to the box, but Madeline Backus and P.S. Arianna are on their way!
10:44 a.m.: Boyd looks like he might have had the fastest so far. Crackers looked a tad tired but was still jumping really well at the end. Well done!
10:43 a.m: Sinead reminds us that later in the course you cannot ask for big adjustments on a tired horse, you just don’t have the horse under you.
10:43 a.m.: Boyd really showing Crackers the way towards the end of the course:
10:43 a.m.: Bummer. Courtney Cooper has retired after a second refusal at 10C, the second water.
10:41 a.m.: Our new starters are Sally Cousins and Tsumani. Lillian Heard is home provisionally clear!
10:39 a.m.:
A second refusal on course for Katie Ruppel and Houdini at 20c, the skinny log at the Normandy Bank #rk3de
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
10:37 a.m.: Boyd is getting the job done on Crackerjack!
10:34 a.m.: Some trouble for Houdini at fence 18:
No! A drive by at 18CD, the second chevron brush in the water at the Land Rover Landing, for Katie Ruppel and Houdini #rk3de
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
10:33 a.m.: Now on, Boyd Martin and Crackerjack!
10:32 a.m.:
Nicely done at The Hollow at fence 15 for Katie Ruppel and Houdini. It’s a good day to be sitting on a Thoroughbred! #rk3de
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
10:29 a.m.:
Advice from Joe Meyer on this mammoth course: “Kick kick kick.” He completed clear with Clip Clop with 15.2 time penalties #rk3de
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
10:29 a.m.: Our new starter is Lillian Heard with her first ride, Share Option.
10:25 a.m.: I didn’t see what happened with Will but:
Will Coleman has retired OBOS O’Reilly on course at fence 13b, the open corner at the Teton Rails #rk3de
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
10:25 a.m.: Laine Ashker comes out to help coach Buck Davidson out after he parts ways from Park Trader. They both look fine but what a bummer. We’ve only had two finisher so far: Joe and Phillip Dutton.
10:24 a.m.:
10:23 a.m.: Crap! And Will Coleman has retired on OBOS O’Reilly as well:
Oh no! Buck Davidson and Park Trader have parted ways at 4A, the rails at the jump in to the Mighty Moguls #rk3de
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
10:21 a.m.:
Buck Davidson is on course with Park Trader, the first of his three rides today #rk3de
— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) April 29, 2017
10:19 a.m.: Phillip goes to his stick on the out of the Hollow with I’m Sew Ready to just get the extra push off the ground needed.
10:17 a.m.: Our new starters are Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly. Phillip Dutton is giving us a master class as he crushes the Head of the Lake. Will is at the Mighty Moguls.
10:16 a.m.: Clip Clop takes a peek at the Lake.
10:14 a.m.: Phillip has a textbook ride through the Moguls at 4.
10:13 a.m.: Our new starters are Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready. Joe Meyer is officially our first to make it past the Head of the Lake! A bit of a hairy ride in but he gets the job done.
10:12 a.m.: Joe really has to sit up and help Clip Clop out over 7A, the same fence where Jessie had trouble. They’ve scrapped their way through through.
10:08 a.m.: Jessie puts her hand up after a stop at fence 7A, the Frog Pond. Looking for our first completion now with Joe Meyer and Clip Clop.
10:06 a.m.: Jessie adds two strides to the C element of fence 4 but makes it work with the huge scope of A Little Romance.
10:02 a.m.: Our trailblazers James Alliston and Parker are on course! They just made fence 4, the first big combination, look easy.
9:58 a.m.:
9:55 a.m.: Sinead Halpin will join John Kyle in the commentator’s booth this morning, which will make for some excellent remarks as we get ready to cheer on our first pair out of the box. Safe, fast and clear to all!
9:54:
9:30: We’re counting down to the start! Just 30 minutes to go now. Preview each fence on course here.
Who are the power couples to watch on cross country today? Don’t miss Maggie Deatrick’s analysis of the cross country powerhouses of Rolex here and EquiRatings’ weekend preview here.
Check out a preview of the course for today with designer Derek di Grazia: