And just like that, it's the final day of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and it's a full one in terms of the schedule. Before moving on to the final phase, competitors in both the CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L divisions will have to undergo the final horse inspection at High Hope Lane which will kick off with four-star competitors at 8 a.m. EST and be followed immediately by the five-star contingency. This final horse inspection is not broadcast, but we will have a report out as soon as it concludes to keep you in the know!
As of Saturday evening, we are set to see 38 pairs present before the Ground Jury in the CCI4*-S for the final inspection and show jumping. Show jumping for this division is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. EST and will run in reverse order of placing.
The top three in the CCI4*-S did not change after cross-country, despite none of the pairs that contested this course throughout the day being able to make the time. Will Coleman goes into the final phase in first aboard longtime partner Off the Record, and Phillip Dutton held onto his second and third place positions with Possante and Denim respectively. Coleman only has one rail in hand with a 4.5 point difference between his and Dutton's second-place score, so "Timmy" will need to be on his A-game to bring home the win.
In the CCI5*-L, we are expecting 26 pairs to be put forth before the Ground Jury early this morning and hopefully all will show jump later today starting at 2:30 p.m. EST.
Our leader from day one, Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH, have two rails in hand as they go into the final phase on a score of 21.0. They have won here before and know how to operate under pressure in big environments, giving them good odds in the Rolex Stadium today.
Flying the flag for the U.S. in second place is Boyd Martin aboard Commando 3. "Connor" is aiming to tick off his first five-star completion today, and Martin describes him as a champion of a horse. If they can produce a double-clear round, we could see a U.S. rider in the top-three and Martin could bring home the coveted title of National Champion.
Harry Meade sits in a nice position in third and fourth, after being the only rider to make the optimum time on cross-country yesterday on not just one, but both of his entries.
Here is what you need to know to follow along today:
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Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo were pure class in the final, tense moments of the MARS Badminton Horse Trials, jumping faultlessly to regain the title they won two years ago by just 1 penalty.
Day 3 of competition at the Yanmar America Tryon International Spring Three-Day Event presented by Tow & Collect showcased Clayton Frederick’s course design at the picturesque White Oak Cross-country course at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (Tryon International). The leaderboard of the CCI4*-L division saw a shakeup after two phases of competition.
here was a dramatic finish to cross-country day at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials when the top two riders, Oliver Townend, with Paul and Diana Ridgeon's mare Cooley Rosalent, and Ros Canter with Lordships Graffalo, were both awarded 15 penalties for going the wrong side of a fence flag.
The Yanmar America Tryon International Spring Three-Day Event presented by Tow & Collect kicked off Thursday with dressage in the International Stadium and Rings 6/7, continuing into Friday.