Michael Pollard and Mensa G are the interim leaders
The first day of dressage concluded at Rolex Kentucky with Michael Pollard riding Mensa G in the lead on a score of 49.5, the only combination so far to break into the 40’s
Thirty-one horse-and-rider combinations performed their test in the Rolex Stadium in front of the Ground Jury of Sandy Phillips (GBR), Gillian Rolton (AUS), and Christina Klingspor (SWE). The U.S. riders took a commanding lead on Thursday and the interim leader, Michael Pollard said that his 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Mensa G felt great coming into the competition and he just wanted to get a good start here, which he certainly has done, but he cautiously added
“Tomorrow has some talented riders and horses so I don't expect to be near here then! I am happy but not surprised as he is a horse who can do a very good test and we prepared him for this pinnacle event. We didn't get the changes right, but it is the best he has done this far”
When asked about the cross country he admitted that it looks a little tougher this year but then, cross country fences always look big at 4* and his plan for Saturday is quite simple – "To jump them all in order without stopping!”
“Mensa is a very good horse with stamina” he said “He is generally really straight so I just have to jump every fence in front of me and try to not get ahead of myself”
Will Faudree and Pawlow
Close behind is Will Faudree riding Pawlow in second place on a score of 49.8. Will describes Pawlow as “a bit like a lazy pony club pony” so their draw for the quieter Thursday was actually a bit of a disadvantage for them
“He likes the crowds and the atmosphere when it is busier (on Friday)”said Will “The more atmosphere, the less I have to kick!”
On the other hand Will is happy to be riding the cross country during in the cooler morning on Saturday as it is forecast to be a hot day despite the fact it means he won’t have the advantage of being able to watch how other riders handle the course before he sets out
Marilyn Little and RF Demeter
Doug Payne and Crown Talisman are in interim third place they will not be proceeding on to the other phases of competition Doug recently received a Land Rover Grant to travel to Saumur CCI3* in France so, as his entry had already been accepted for Kentucky, he decided to utilise it as a good experience for his horse. That means that the in-form show jumping eventer Marilyn Little and RF Demeter are in third place on 51.3, William Fox-Pitt riding Catherine Witt’s Seacookie, last year’s 4* winner at Pau, are in fourth place (51.5) and Sinead Halpin riding Manoir de Carneville is fifth (51.7)
The sole Australian representative at Kentucky this year, USA based Kate Chadderton (above) riding Collection Pass also rode today and is currently in 29th place – go Kate!
