The top three going into show jumping in the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L all have reason to fight extra hard for the bluegrass win today.
The division leaders, Tom McEwen and JL Dublin, lost the champion title in 2023 due to just a few time penalties on cross-country.
In 2022, Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir came in second in their maiden trip to Kentucky. In 2023 they had the lead in hand, until they had an uncharacteristic stop on cross-country.
Oliver Townend is a three-time Kentucky champion, but he hasn't had a win here since 2021. This weekend marks his 100th five-star and what better way to celebrate in style than by bringing home a win?
The scores are tight going into the finale. McEwen sits on a 28.6 and with Ingham behind him on a 31.6, he does not have a rail in hand. And Townend is not far behind with a 31.8. Truly, a rail or some time could drastically change up the standings, especially the top five.
But first, the Cosequin CCI4*-S must crown their champion and the scores are even tighter in this uber competitive division than they are the five-star. Just fractions of a point separate the leaders, Liz Halliday and Miks Master C, and the second-place pair Will Coleman and Diabolo. In fact, if any of the top three were to have a rail down, we could see a whole new crew of riders take over the leaderboard.
No pressure. No pressure at all.
Both divisions will undergo horse inspections before they can move forward to the final phase of competition. The CCI4*-S horse inspection begins at 8:00 a.m. and we anticipate seeing 421horses presented. As of Sunday morning, only one withdrawals have been logged in four-star division: Canadian pair Lindsay Traisnel and Bacyrouge and British pair Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri.
Immediately after the conclusion of the four-star inspection will be the final five-star inspection where 25 pairs are slated to jog down High Hopes Inspection Lane.
Show jumping for both the four-star and five-star on the courses designed by Steve Stephens will run in reverse order of placing with the CCI4*-S scheduled to take place at 10:30 a.m. EST. Show jumping for the CCI5*-L will get underway at 2:15 p.m. EST with awards taking place at 3:45 p.m EST.
Here is what you need to know to follow along today:
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Spring and summer are on the horizon. As rider’s calendars begin to fill with horse trial, clinic, and schooling outing dates, organizing teams are busy with preparations to ensure smooth operations and a great experience for participants, horses, and spectators.
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)/US Equestrian has announced the appointment of former USEF Eventing Development Coach Leslie Law to the position of Chef d’Equipe and High Performance Manager for the Defender U.S. Eventing Team, and Karyn Shuter, who will take on the newly developed role of U.S. Eventing High Performance Advisor. Both Law and Shuter will begin in their respective roles immediately.
Last year was a big one for USEA Young Event Horse program graduate Arden Augustus. He made a successful move-up to Modified with Sharon White in the tack, followed by a smooth transition to Preliminary, then went on to win two CCI2*-S divisions and ended the year with a CCI2*-L win.
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