Rolex Cross Country Live Updates, Presented by SmartPak

Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

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:

Buck and Flower showing their grit.

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.:

2:01 p.m. A gutsy ride for Buck and Flower coming off of the Normandy Bank.

2:00 p.m.:

Buck Davidson and Petite Flower.

2:00 p.m.:

1:59 p.m.: Go Cave!

Phillip and Mr. Medicott.

1:59 p.m.:

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.:

Jessica Phoenix and Bentley’s Best.

1:58 p.m.:

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.:

Client Stall Destinations at Rolex Kentucky! #rk3de #rk3de2017 #rolex #stalldestinations

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1:51 p.m.:

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.:

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!

Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott.

1:47 p.m.:

Will Faudree (USA) / PFun head into the Rolex Head of the Lake. #BestWeekendAllYear #BestRidersAllYear #RK3DE

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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.:

1:43 p.m.:

Into the Head of the Lake! #rk3de #rolexkentucky

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1:42 p.m.:

Stay cool everyone!

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:

Boyd and Steady Eddie.

1:40 p.m.: Look at that smile from Rookie Woodge Fulton!

1:39 p.m.:

1:39 p.m.:

@dpequestrian through the hollow #likeaboss #easypeasy #vandiver #60 #rk3de #rolexkentucky #rolex

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1:39 p.m.:

1:38 p.m.:

1:38 p.m.: Here is the questionable 20 for Boyd at the Mighty Moguls:

Boyd and Steady Eddie.

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.:

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.:

1:32 p.m.: Hear from Ze Terminator:

1:31 p.m.:

1:30 p.m.: Tim Price and Skyboy at the Land Rover Landing:

Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy.

1:30 p.m.: Just a tad out of position for Michael #backseatdriver

Michael Jung and Fischerrocana FST have done it again. Adding a bit of time but moved to the top of the leaderboard. #rk3de

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1:29 p.m.:

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.:

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:

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.

1:23 p.m.:

1:22 p.m.:

1:20 p.m.:

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF.

1:20 p.m.:

1:14 p.m.: Bummed that we didn’t get to see any of Tim and “Obie”:

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.

Michael Jung.

1:11 p.m.: No big deal.

Casual.

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.:

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.:

1:04 p.m.: Zara is our third double clear!

1:03 p.m.:

1:02 p.m.: Michael has a perfect ride through the Mighty Moguls at 4.

1:02 p.m.:

Kim on course. #rk3de

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1:01 p.m.:

1:01 p.m.: Michael is away!

12:59 p.m:

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.:

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:

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border.

12:53 p.m.:

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:

Hannah Sue takes a flag at the Teton Rails.

12:48 p.m.:

These ponies can fly #rk3de #rolex #rolexkentucky2017

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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.

12:45 p.m.: Ryan Wood and Fernhill Classic are our new starters.

12:45 p.m.:

12:44 p.m.: Hannah Sue and Under Suspection:

Get it done girls!

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.

12:40 p.m.:

Katie Ruppel’s OTTB Houdini makes easy work of this tough combination #ottb #rk3de #houdini #katieruppel

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12:39 p.m.:

12:38 p.m.: Watch how it happened:

What heartbreak looks like.

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.

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:

Clark and Loughan Glen.

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.:

12:31 p.m.:

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!

Ellen Doughty Hume and Sir Oberon.

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.:

12:23 p.m.:

12:22 p.m.:

#rk3de

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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.:

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.

Kurt Martin and Delux Z.

12:18 p.m.:

Outstanding shot from @the900facebookpony !!! #rk3de #eventing #crosscountry #bestweekendallyear

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12:18 p.m.: Sinead speculating on perhaps needing some bigger studs after the downpour awhile ago.

12:17 p.m.:

It’s their first four-star, but Caroline Martin and Spring Easy looked like seasoned pros at the Mighty Moguls complex #rk3de

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12:17 p.m.:

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.:

12:15 p.m: We’re glad you’re ok, Rachel!

12:10 p.m.:

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.:

12:07 p.m.: Let’s hear from Lauren Kieffer!

12:06 p.m.:

12:06 p.m.: Buck Davidson has withdrawn Copper Beach.

12:05 p.m.:

A aerial view of P-Dutty and Fernhill Fugitive.

12:05 p.m.:

12:03 p.m.:

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.:

12:02 p.m.:

12:01 p.m.:

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.:

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:

Liz Halliday Sharp and Fernhill By Night.

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.:

Splash! The Frog Pond in #crosscountry day @rk3de_official! #rk3de #eventing #horses #horseshow

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11:56 a.m.:

11:55 a.m.:

This one’s for you girl!! #leeleestrong

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11:55 a.m.:

11:53 a.m.: Here’s what Caroline Martin had to say after her Rookie round:

11:53 a.m.:

Nicely done, Jessica!

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!

11:49 a.m.: In the running for save of the day so far:

Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus.

11:49 a.m.:

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.:

11:46 a.m.:

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.:

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.

Kelly Prather and Truly Wiley

11:38 a.m.: Caroline has another problem at 23, the Park Question.

11:37 a.m.:

11:37 a.m.: Jennifer McFall gets a last minute pep talk from coach Hawley Bennett and she and High Times are off

Hawley and Jen McFall.

11:36 a.m:

Problems at 18 for Jenny Caras.

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.:

Ham it up, Maxime!

11:30 a.m.:

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.:

11:25 a.m.:

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.:

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.:

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.:

11:07 a.m.: Sally Cousins chats with Samantha about her ride:

11:06 a.m.: Big pats for Woody!

11:05 a.m.:

11:05 a.m.:

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.:

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.

Madeline makes it home!

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.

Selena and Foxwood High.

10:54 a.m.:

10:52 a.m.: Selena O’Hanlon is next with Foxwood High.

10:52 a.m.:

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!

Madeline and PS Arianna.

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.:

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!

Madeline Backus

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:

Boyd getting it done with Crackers.

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!

Lillian over the last.

10:39 a.m.:

10:37 a.m.: Boyd is getting the job done on Crackerjack!

10:34 a.m.: Some trouble for Houdini at fence 18:

Katie and Houdini.

10:33 a.m.: Now on, Boyd Martin and Crackerjack!

Boyd and Crackerjack.

10:32 a.m.:

10:29 a.m.:

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:

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.:

Will Coleman walks home on OBOS O’Reilly.

Buck walks home.

10:23 a.m.: Crap! And Will Coleman has retired on OBOS O’Reilly as well:

10:21 a.m.:

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.

Phillip and I’m Sew Ready.

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.

Joe Meyer and Clip Clop.

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.

Joe Meyer and Clip Clop.

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.

Jessie retires.

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.

Jessica Phoenix and 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.

James Alliston and Parker.

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: