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:
Helpful Links
Follow the USEA event coverage on social media!
Facebook | Instagram | Threads | TikTok
The USEA Foundation is pleased to announce a new initiative, the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials. Established in memory of Janet Briggs, this fund honors her lifelong dedication to the sport of eventing by supporting the ongoing education and development of eventing licensed officials.
In the rolling countryside of Metamora, Michigan, there’s a place where eventers gather not just to compete, but to celebrate the spirit of the sport. Area VIII’s Hunter’s Run Farm—home to the Hunter’s Run Farm Horse Trials—has long been a beloved destination for riders across the Midwest, and this year, it’s gearing up for one of its most exciting seasons yet.
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered!
Warm weather is here, and the show season is underway, which is a perfect time for a yearly saddle and equipment check. Recently, Bates Saddles held a webinar alongside British Eventing where Emily Bates, head of product innovation at Bates Saddles, went through a saddle health check. Here are some of her top tips!