If you weren’t able to make the trip to the 2019 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event or were too busy to be glued to the live stream, then we have you covered with a full recap of what happened on cross-country. Did you miss the full story about Oliver Townend's lead? Read it here.
Forty-one horses were set to go on cross-country, but four withdrew before starting which left just 37 horses to take on the course. In the end, 31 horses crossed the finish line after three falls and two retirements.
The morning started out a bit shaky with the first three riders all falling off – when asked about what he was thinking after that happened, course designer, Derek di Grazia said, “I thought hopefully the next one will go clear.”
Only three pairs made the time: Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg; Tim Price and Xavier Faer; and Phillip Dutton and Z. They are all sitting in the top-four now.
The bank to the brush (18abc) at the Land Rover Head of the Lake caused the most problems with four riders picking up 20 penalties each there.
The Normandy Bank (20b), the Mars Sustainability Bay (5ab), and the Turning Oxer (3) each had two problems a piece. Penalties were also picked up at the Rolex Grand Slam Challenge (11) and Pete’s Hollow (13abc).
Here’s a play-by-play of the day:
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Thirty-five five-star horses presented today under sunny skies at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event.
If all goes according to plan in the first part of the extended weekend, we will see 36 horses galloping across Derek di Grazia's CCI5*-L cross-country course at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (DK3DE). We partnered up with the team at CrossCountry App to bring you a preview of both the five-star and CCI4*-s tracks this year.
Lights, cameras, action! The first formal horse inspection (which some might informally refer to as "the jog") at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (K3DE) takes place this afternoon at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. While this part of the event is a fan-favorite historically based on the impeccable turnout of the horses and the stylish and forward fashion choices of the riders (we are looking at you Boyd Martin in hopes that you bring back the American flag suit circa 2022), it serves a very important purpose: ensuring that each horse is fit, sound, and ready to compete at the five-star level.
There are so many things to love about the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and the opportunity to peruse the booths of so many amazing vendors is definitely one of them! Don’t forget to stop by the USEA booth, located just behind the Rolex Stadium next to the large Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event booth, to stock up on all of your favorite USEA apparel.