The pathfinders on Derek di Grazia’s CCI5*-L cross-country course at the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian came home with just four time penalties setting a hopeful tone for the day. However, as is the norm for the top level of the sport trouble was sprinkled throughout the course. Couldn’t spend your morning glued to the livestream? We have you covered with a play-by-play of all the action.
It is Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH, the 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Contendro I x Havanna) owned by Klaus and Sabine Fischer, Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff, and DOKR who will be going into show jumping tomorrow with a massive lead as long as they get the all clear from the ground jury at the final horse inspection. The pair easily put in a double clear round to maintain their 20.1 score.
Two pairs withdrew overnight, Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus and James Alliston and Paper Jam, so 43 left the start box with 32 crossing the finish flags. There were five falls, two eliminations, four retirements, and eight horses picking up refusals. Only three pairs finished double clear: Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH, Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF, and Phillip Dutton and Sea of Clouds.
The Park Question at 7 and the Cosequin Cove, the final water at 23, were definitely the most influential on course.
Here’s a play-by-play of the day:
#6 Doug Payne had a hairy moment at the first water (4A) when Vandiver hung a leg and Doug lost his stirrup. Vandiver then picked up 20 penalties at the Park Question (7C). Doug Payne later announced on social media that Vandiver would be retiring from upper-level competition.
#7 Leslie Law elected to retire Voltaire de Tre after running into trouble at 7C, the Park Question.
#8 Allie Knowles fell from Morswood at the Mighty Moguls (26B) after he appeared to tire and went to stop and she fell off left.
#11 Hannah Sue Burnett fell from Capitol HIM at the final water (23B) when he went to take off but then changed his mind and put his feet down in front of the hedge.
#15 Woods Baughman picked up 20 penalties at the second element EEI’S Challenge Accepted (11B) and then added another 20 at the final water (23B).
#16 Elisa Wallace and Let it Be Lee have a refusal at Pete’s Hollow (13C) another at the Normandy Bank (21B) and again at the Stairway Table (22) and are eliminated.
#17 Tamra Smith retired after EEI’s Challenge Accepted (11) when Fleeceworks Royal appeared to sting herself.
#25 Ashlynn Meuchel and Emporium both fell at 19C, the corner in the Head of the Lake, after he caught a leg. The course was held for quite awhile as Emporium unfortunately needed to be trailered off the course.
#29 Hallie Coon added 20 penalties at the final water at 23B.
#30 Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle have a drive by at the B element of Pete’s Hollow (13B).
#35 Buck Davidson added 20 penalties with Sorocaima at 23C, the final water combination.
#38 Jonelle Price picks up 20 penalties at the Park Question (7B) when McClaren stopped at the ditch.
#39 Landmark’s Monte Carlo stopped at the in to the Park Question (7A) and took the frangible pin as well so Lauren Nicholson decided to retire.
#41 Fortuna fell with Bobby Meyerhoff at the Ditch Brush (10)
#44 Jessica Phoenix fell from Wabbit at the Ditch Brush (10)
#46 Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z have a stop at 23A, the first element of the final water.
#51 Marc Grandia and Campari FFF stop at the in at the Park Question (7A), then pick up another one at the last element of Pete’s Hollow (13C), and finally, a stop at the Head of the Lake (19A) eliminate them.
#53 Sarah Bullimore and Corouet have a stop at 26A, the first element of the Mighty Moguls which is the final combination.
#55 Will Faudree and Pfun have a stop at 15, The Rolex Grand Slam Challenge and decide to retire.
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