When Marilyn Little-Meredith and RF Rovano Rex set out on course, I’d already witnessed Andrew Nicholson’s retirement at the coffin and walked uphill in time to catch Becky’s fall from Comet at the Normandy Bank. These were no four-star rookies. Down at the Head of the Lake, folks must’ve been gazing at the placid water, wondering how much riding they were actually going to see.
But a few minutes later, when Rex struggled over the Normandy Bank’s vertical rail and elicited a gasp from the crowd, Marilyn threw her shoulders back, looked up at the corner and kicked on. All at once we were cheering. Here was our trailblazer—and rookie, no less.
As it should, cross-country played a vital role heading into show jumping: The top three riders are separated by less than a rail, and if that weren’t exciting enough, a Rolex Grand Slam’s on the line.
Plus—the second horse inspection’s at 8:30 a.m.—how’s Karen planning to top Wednesday?
Saturday recaps: [COTH] [FEI] [Equisearch]
Even though she added no jumping penalties to her score, Jordan Linstedt will be the first rider in the show jumping ring at 12:30 today, having amassed nearly 80 time penalties cross-country. When I talked to Jordan earlier this month, she predicted time would be an issue, planning instead to pilot a confidence building round—a goal she definitely achieved. Watching them yesterday, I was impressed by their unconventional yet thoughtful way of going. Go J & J.
Little ponies, big ring: Get to show jumping early for the Prince Philip Cup awards ceremony at noon. [Schedule]
Dubarry Contest, Day 4: Today’s Dubarry contest prompt is to take a photo that’s “Quintessentially Dubarry at the Kentucky Horse Park.” The contest will end in someone winning a trip for two to Ireland. Click here for details. Enter your photo on the Dubarry Facebook page.
Interested in learning more about experiencing eventing as an owner? There’s a free, open-to-the-public Experience Eventing reception at the KHP Visitor Center from 10 a.m.-noon. [Experience Eventing]
From 10-11:30 a.m., Pony Club will host a free Alumni reception at their KHP National Headquarters building. [USPC]
Shawn Flarida and Wimpys Chocolate Chip won the Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup’s $100,000 Concour de Reining International on Friday (Lyle Lovett tied for 17th), and Pete Kyle and A Ruf Gal won the $25,000 World Championship Freestyle last night (Karen was 10th and Gina was 11th). Did you watch? How was it? [Results]
Found on Facebook: Pollard Eventing: “Well…A so close, so far away type of day today. Both horses having a runout at the coffin was a real disappointment. Not going to dwell on it too much as what is done is done. Both horses tried really hard for me today, but It just wasn’t our day. I will strive for a couple of great sj rounds tomorrow, and we will sharpen up for Jersey Fresh. Thanks for everyone’s support! Michael”
Top of the Tweets: GrahamMotion: @DuttonEventing congrats, really enjoyed walking the course yesterday.
A Big EN Welcome to the World to Gin N’ Juice’s baby, a lil’ filly. She picked an appropriate weekend to be born; here’s hoping it’s a sign of what’s to come.
