United States Eventing Association

Last to go with not a rail in hand is a position Phillip Dutton has been in many times. Having previously jumped a clear round on the young Mr. Candyman, who could then finish no lower than fourth in the headline CCI3* division, only set the expectations higher.

After an unanticipated clattering through a warm-up fence, Dutton (West Grove, PA) set his trademark Secret Service expression and galloped overnight leader Fernhill Fugitive into the arena and around Marc Donovan's 560-meter track. The 15-obstacle course had just seen Lauren Kieffer (Middleburg, VA) and Meadowbrook's Scarlett take an unlucky rail at the wine bottle vertical before the last triple combination, dropping them one place to third.

As Fernhill Fugitive cleared the final oxer of the triple, the spectators lining the arena erupted in cheers and were treated to a rare display of Dutton emotion as he cracked a huge grin, enthusiastically patted "Jack" and high-fived with head groom Emma Ford. Afterward, he summed up his thoughts about his Pan Am Games gold medal partner, who had top-ten finishes at Rolex and the Pan Am Games this year:

"I couldn't be any more proud of the horse - he's just had a great year. Every year he just seems to get better and better. I am so excited for him and for [owners] Annie Jones and Tom Tierney who have been very patient with him."

He continued, "He's been a great horse, it's been an incredible year for him. I wasn't that confident going in because I don't usually get too many clear rounds with him, but he did enough today. I'm really proud of him."

Alexandra Knowles (Paris, KY) was beaming about her clear and exuberant round on the Sound Propect LLC's 13-year-old bay gelding Sound Prospect that advanced her to second place behind Dutton. "He is a phenomenal show jumper, but he does get very excited, so it's hard to keep him actually relaxed and calm. He did his job and he took me around and I couldn't be more happy with him," she said.

"And a huge thank you to the syndicate owners for making this happen. This was a huge endeavor," she said with her voice cracking and tears filling her eyes. "It's a big deal for me to come back and do this," referring to organizing the trip to fly the horse from her current base in Paris, KY, to compete at Galway Downs.

Tamra Smith (Murrieta, CA) had a story book ending to her unforgettable year, winning both the CCI1* and 2* competitions, on the heels of her Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International CCI3* National Championship win in Maryland two weeks ago.

The six-year-old striking grey Holsteiner mare Fleeceworks Royal, owned by Judith McSwain, responded perfectly to Smith's careful riding in the CCI1* to earn a clear round and top honors in the competitive division that saw multiple changes in the standings as rails dropped.

Overnight leader Lord Lombardi, ridden by owner and young rider Megan Traynham (Arbuckle, CA), clipped the second element of last triple combination to finish second. Alexandra Tett and her own Quidproquo Des Vatys saw a steady climb in the standings as they completed in third place on their dressage score.

Riding Chatwin for friend and new mother Frankie Thieriot Stutes, Smith had a scant 1.1 point lead in the CCI2* division. She entered the arena, last to go and without a rail in hand, after second-placed competitor and Pan Am gold medalist Marilyn Little.

Little had piloted Jacquline Mars, Robin Parsky and RayLyn Farm's stylish young 7-year-old Hanoverian RF Overdressed to a faultless round, securing her placing and putting the pressure on Smith. Smith responded by efficiently jumping clear to secure the championship. A delighted Smith cantered Chatwin to the far end of the arena after the finish to give Stutes and her 3-week-old baby both a congratulatory hug.

"Frankie has really done all the work with this guy," said Smith, giving credit to regular rider Stutes. "I am just really happy to have had the ride on him this year. He's such a cool horse and Frankie deserves all the credit."

"This year has just been an amazing journey for me, and I want to thank all of the owners of the remarkable horses I have been so blessed to ride," she said holding back tears.

Ocala, Fl. -based competitor Jonathon Holling rounded out the top three in the CCI2* division, riding the big scopey grey gelding Kildalton Cooley for the Kildalton Group. The pair turned in an important clear round to receive third place, making the journey from Florida well worth the effort.

For a full listing of the results of the 2015 Galway Downs International, click here.