‘She Knows How to Dance’: Tamie Smith & En Vogue Take Over LRK3DE 4*-S Lead

Tamie Smith and En Vogue. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Tamie Smith will lead CCI4*-S heading into cross country tomorrow with En Vogue, one of her three rides in the division — she’s also tied for third with Danito and nicked the top 20 with Passepartout. Tamie and En Vogue, an 11-year-old Hanoverian mare (Earl x Laurena) owned by Ruth Bley, posted a score of 25.4 in this morning’s session.

Second-positioned Colleen Loach is also busy with three rides in the 4*-S and, like Tamie, she’ll contest 5* dressage this afternoon. She and Vermont, a 9-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Van Helsing x Hauptstutbuch Hollywood) owned by Peter Barry, scored a 27.0.

Yesterday’s leading trifecta — Tamie with Danito, Doug Payne with Starr Witness and Liz Halliday-Sharp with Cooley Moonshine — now hold a three-way tie for third on a score of 28.1.

Tamie Smith and En Vogue. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Tamie said that En Vogue was “completely freaking out about the camera in the warm-up — I thought I had no chance,” but the mare put her camera-shyness aside when the curtains went up. “She she’s a professional now, and she knows how to dance,” Tamie reflected afterward. “She went in and was super. She was really rideable and expressive. She really showed off. I was proud of her.”

The pair had originally planned on the CCI5*-L but reconsidered in the lead-up to Kentucky.

“This spring she came out and she just wasn’t her attacking self out on cross country,” Tamie said. “I really want to set [the horses] up for success and there wasn’t a lot of success. I had to stop and reflect and think ‘is this the right thing for her?’ I think she needs to do another Four-Star long before maybe doing Maryland’s CCI5*-L.”

Colleen Loach and Vermont. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Colleen, who represents Canada, has been partnered with ‘Monty’ since the horse was five. She originally recommended the now 9-year-old to owner Peter Barry before accepting the ride herself and producing him up the levels.

“Monty is a giant. He’s 18.2 hands but he’s scared of everything and very emotional,” Colleen said. “We’re starting to develop a really strong partnership. He’s a lovely, talented horse, and I’m really looking forward to the future with him.”

Looking ahead to cross country tomorrow, Colleen said, “Monty is green to the level but he’s been very dependable so far. He’s really rideable and has a great big galloping stride. He’s not strong so there’s not a lot of setting up that has to be done. He’s really a joy to ride. He looks for the flags. As long as he comes out like normal I’m hoping for a great ride.”

Tamie said of the course, “Kentucky really invites them to open up and gallop, and Derek [di Grazia] is such a genius course designer. I’m looking forward to getting out there.”

Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Other top-10 scoreboard shaker-uppers include Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play, who are 7th (28.7) …

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti. Photo by Shelby Allen.

… Jessica Phoenix with Pavarotti, who are 8th (29.8), and Elisa Wallace with Riot Gear, who are 9th (31.0).

Here’s a look at the rest of the top slots in the 44-horse CCI4*-S field:

 

Caitlin Henderson and Creative Dreamer. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Forty-four CCI4*-S horses will start cross country tomorrow. Of note, Jessica‘s second ride, Watson GS, was eliminated in dressage for marked lameness.

The CCI4*-S was originally scheduled to run cross country on Saturday morning, but the timetable has been reversed due to the expected weather conditions. The CCI5*-L will go cross-country first and the CCI4*-S will start in the afternoon. Best of luck to all!

Be sure to download your copy of our Ultimate Form Guide to LRK3DE!

 

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