Hurray for William winning Rolex Kentucky and the second leg of the Grand Slam with his OTTB Parklane Hawk (actually Catherine Witt’s OTTB!). William touched briefly on how much he likes a good thoroughbred for eventing, he explained that Parker can gallop easily, he doesn’t ever worry if he’s down on his minute markers and he has a great brain. Brilliantly bred to race he must have been a huge disappointment, William said, because “he went off like a rocket and out like a light!” but then took to eventing very quickly and moved up to the grades with very little mileage. With his usual humility William talked about the Grand Slam, saying it was a fantastic position to be in, not only for him but for the sport and for Rolex, and that he’s never won two legs before , and although he thinks it’s “unlikely” that he’ll win the third, “we’ll see”. We will indeed, and we’ll be keeping everything crossed in the meantime!
Allison drives away in a Range Rover as the new US National Champion, and Arthur also wond best conditioned horse this weekend. She said she was thrilled with him all three days, rightfully so, and now has to stay in Kentucky an extra day, not only to celebrate with copious amounts of bourbon and champagne, but has been asked by CMP and Sara Ike to participate in fitness evaluations monday morning.
Boyd now has four horses qualified for London, but more impressive is Otis finishing in the top 3 at his first CCI****, and Boyd thanked his Syndicate members for having faith in him all this time when he went and picked him out, and spoke about how happy he was to see them well-rewarded.
Will Faudree and Andromaque under the big screen, and then not!
Click below for much more…
Belmont and Kate Hicks
Gordonstown and Madeline Blackman jumped one of the few clear rounds this afternoon
Emily Beshear and Here’s to You was one of several to jump a lovely, tidy round but just had an unlucky rail
High Society and Jess Hampf
Clifton Promise has such nice form over a fence and I do love this horse, but he just got a bit stuck coming out of the treble and unfortunately had the last two parts down, dropping him from 3rd to 6th place.
Jordan Linstedt and Tullibards Hawkwind. It probably would have seemed beyond the realms of possibility a week ago that she could basically canter round and finish in the top 30 at her first CCI****, but that’s exactly what Jordan did this weekend. Congrats to them both, and to Jordan for keeping her head and bringing her horse home!
It became obvious this weekend why Karen O’Connor bought Mr Medicott – he has enormous talent. As she’s been patiently explaining all Spring, it’s a process getting to know him, and they’re still working things out – each trip they gel a little more, and despite some “Murphy Himself” moments on the cross country yesterday, they look like a pretty exciting combination now, and I chose the word combination on purpose.
I think I’ve fallen in love with Kilrodan Abbot this weekend, dammit, EN John was right all along, I hate that!
A thrilled Madeline Blackman after the first clear on Gordonstown
Mojito and Kate Brown once again demonstrated the strength of their partnership; like yesterday, they didn’t always have the perfect stride but helped each other out, didn’t get ruffled and just carried on in a nice rhythm to complete.
Erin Sylvester had a great weekend on No Boundaries
Lovely Qwanza finishes on her dressage score for Andrew Nicholson
Qwanza again (both Qwanza and Clifton Promise pulled shoes on xc yesterday)
Remington kicked out the first fence, and then seemed to appreciate a really strong ride from Boyd.
RF Demeter and Marilyn Little-Meredith. Surprisingly Marilyn looked more nervous in the ring today, than she did yesterday when she was all business and composure, and she has alluded to feeling more pressure in the show-jumping because of the expectation, which I actually found endearing because she is a tough cookie, in a good way! She rushed a bit for three down, but at least we know she can improve that phase easily.
Doug Payne and Running Order, who came in very spooky and needed lots of encouragement from Doug
Andrew Hoy and the very exciting young 9 year old Rutherglen, and check out Andrew’s jacket, I feel like he should have worn his xc hat!)
Beth Perkins and Sal Dali who looked strong and a bit argumentative, and stopped at the last part of the treble
Tsunami and Sally Cousins
Will Coleman and Twizzel had a very smooth weekend and finished on their dressage score
Twizzel again
Another lovely mare – UN with Jane Sleeper
Michael Pollard and the popular Wonderful Will, there were fans waiting for him out on the cross country yesterday so I’m glad he completed today.
Congratulations to everybody – the riders, grooms, organisers and volunteers of course and thank you to everyone who joined us. I can hardly write or think anymore, must apologise to my lovely houseguests who have barely seen me but cooked for me, and been wonderful company! Now a mountain of laundry, and lets hope to goodness that Badminton will NOT be cancelled due to rain, these bloody english droughts! Go Team Fox-Pitt and Go Eventing!
