Apr 25, 2021

Alyssa Phillips Claims Victory at the Inaugural LRK3DE CCI4*-S!

By Kate Lokey - USEA Staff
Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Erin Gilmore photo.

Alyssa Phillips, who put in the fastest cross-country ride in yesterday’s CCI4*-S cross-country aboard her 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Oskar (Coriando x Nicole) was sitting in second place heading into the Rolex stadium this morning. With just 2.9 points separating her and overnight leaders Tamra Smith and En Vogue, Phillips was expected to put the pressure on. Sure enough, the rider who says she competes better under pressure, laid down a double clear round, leaving Smith with no room for error.

“I jumped over the last fence, made sure I made it over, and I immediately started crying,” Phillips said after her foot-perfect round.

All eyes then moved to Smith and En Vogue (Earl x Laurena), the 16-year-old Hanoverian mare owned by Ruth Bley. The pair had been leading since the dressage phase and could not afford to have one rail down. The pressure was on, and the pair began with what looked like could be a seamless round, but nearly halfway through the course, the mare knocked an important rail down, instantly handing the win to Phillips and Oskar.

Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Erin Gilmore photo.

“I can’t believe it, it’s unreal,” said Phillips after winning the inaugural four-star at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian. “He’s a great horse, he knows when it’s a big show, and he really tried hard for me. Jumping in the main arena, you really feel the pressure. But I kind of like the pressure – I think it makes me ride better.”

Phillips brought quite the support crew with her this week, as she was surrounded by friends from college, friends from home in Texas, her mother, and coach Jennie Brannigan. “I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone that surrounds me and helps me. I’m so thankful to be here, and thankful for everyone who supports me including my whole crew that’s here. I’m so happy this event was able to take place, and that they included the four-star. It was such a great experience! I couldn’t be happier,” concluded Phillips.

Tamra Smith and En Vogue. Erin Gilmore photo.

“She [Alyssa] deserved to win," said Smith. “She jumped a beautiful clear round and I had one down, but that’s the way it goes.”

Smith and En Vogue still finished the weekend strong, as Reserve Champions of the inaugural CCI4*-S at Kentucky. Adding one rail and just 1.2 time penalties, they completed the event just 2.3 points behind Phillips, on a respectable 40.2.

“En Vogue jumped amazing. I barely ticked it behind, but that’s the sport. It’s the best she’s jumped in that kind of atmosphere, so I’m still really proud of her. Every event she keeps getting better and better, we hope to do some exciting stuff with her.”

Cooley Moonshine and Liz Halliday-Sharp. Erin Gilmore photo.

Rounding out the top three is Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and The Monster Partnership’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Cooley Moonshine, who jumped up from fifth place after a double clear show jumping round, one of only five pairs to jump double clear this morning.

Yesterday’s challenging cross-country course and less than ideal weather conditions during Derek di Grazia’s CCI4*-S track shook up the leaderboard heading into today’s show jumping. Twenty-two horses were presented this morning at the final horse inspection, and all were accepted.

After more than 20 years of Richard Jeffery designing the show jumping course at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, this year, the show jumping courses were designed by Steve Stephens. While the inaugural CCI4*-S is now complete, the CCI5*-L will get their turn in the Rolex stadium, jumping in reverse order of standings. The first rider will enter the arena at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon.

Helpful Links

Don't forget to follow the USEA event coverage on social media!

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Jul 26, 2024 Eventing News

Dutton and Possante Lead the Advanced Division at Millbrook Horse Trials

The Millbrook Horse Trials kicked off on July 25 with lower level dressage at Riga Meadow Equestrian Center at Coole Park in Millbrook, New York. There are more than 400 total entries competing at Millbrook, from Beginner Novice to Advanced level. Today the upper level horses cantered down the centerline, while the lower levels headed out on cross-country.

Jul 26, 2024 Eventing News

Adams Horse Supply to be Title Sponsor of the USEA Adult Team Championships

The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is thrilled to announce Adams Horse Supply as the new title sponsor of the USEA Adult Team Championships (ATC) at the American Eventing Championships (AEC). The ATC will now be titled “The Adams Horse Supply USEA Adult Team Championships at the AEC.”

Jul 26, 2024 Eventing News

One Spun, All U.S. Horses Pass At First Olympic Eventing Horse Inspection

The world’s best eventing horses and riders will be first out of the starting blocks when the equestrian action gets underway at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Versailles, France, tomorrow morning with the opening dressage test.

Jul 26, 2024 Eventing News

USEF Announces Changes for U.S. Olympic Eventing Team Before Start of Paris 2024

The U.S. Equestrian Federation has announced a change to the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team prior to the start of competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Traveling reserve combination Liz Halliday and Nutcracker will move into the three-member team, replacing Will Coleman and Diabolo.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Equine Insurance of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shockwave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA