Rolex Entry Update: Kentucky Welcomes Four-Time Olympian Blyth Tait

Blyth Tait and Xanthus III (NZL). Photo by Leslie Wylie. Blyth Tait and Xanthus III (NZL). Photo by Leslie Wylie.

We’re pleased to welcome four-time Olympian and gold medalist Blyth Tait to the Rolex Kentucky entry list. The New Zealand rider will be making the trip to Rolex with Xanthus III, a 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding who will be making his second CCI4* start. He completed Luhmühlen in his first four-star last year in 23rd place.

England-based U.S. eventer Tiana Coudray is also now on the entry list — she is also currently waitlisted for Badminton — with her longtime partner Ringwood Magister. This pair picked up a 25th place finish at their last CCI4* outing at Badminton in 2014, and should they elect to come stateside this will be their first return since 2011.

Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister. Photo courtesy of Nico Morgan Photography.

Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister. Photo courtesy of Nico Morgan Photography.

Representing Great Britain, James Alliston is also entered with Parker, who will be making his sixth start in Kentucky this year. This pair finished third in the CCI3* at Rebecca Farm last year and also finished 15th at Rolex in 2015. Look for this consistent pair to make some waves in the Bluegrass State this year!

James Alliston and Parker. Photo by Sally Spickard.

James Alliston and Parker. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Brazil’s Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle will make their first start at Rolex together as a part of this year’s Rolex Rookie crop. Nelson and the 12-year-old Thoroughbred Cross gelding had a good run around Fair Hill last fall and also finished in 11th place at Jersey Fresh in 2015.

Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle at the 2014 Richland CIC3*.  Photo by Jenni Autry.

Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle at the 2014 Richland CIC3*. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lauren Kieffer is also now entered with two rides this year: Landmark’s Monte Carlo and Veronica. Landmark’s Monte Carlo, a 10-year-old Irish/Thoroughbred Cross owned by Ms. Jacqueline Mars, is making his CCI4* debut and is a solid star in the making on Lauren’s string. He most recently finished ninth in the CIC3* at Red Hills.

Veronica is returning to four-star level for the fourth time — her memorable second place performance in 2014 remains one of our favorite Rolex finishes to date!

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark's Monte Carlo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Fan favorite Colleen Rutledge will also return to Kentucky this year with two rides: Escot 6, making his debut, and Covert Rights, back for a second go after a very solid spring campaign.

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Emily Beshear is also now on the entry list with Shame on the Moon for the mare’s first CCI4*. They are coming off a strong finish at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials last fall and are currently sitting in a three-way tie for first at the Carolina International CIC3*.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

This latest update brings the entry total to 81, with four more days to go before the closing date. It’s shaping up to be a very exciting roster this year, and we can’t wait to see who else sends their entry in before the next update.

[Rolex Entry List]