The U.S. team lead after cross country Photo: StockImageServices.com
The United States Eventing Team achieved four double clear cross-country rounds over the Wayne Copping designed cross country course at the 2015 Pan American Games today. Beginning the day with a narrow lead over host country Canada, the U.S. athletes added nothing to their overall total of 133 to remain at the top of the team standings while Brazil, third after dressage, moved into second on the strength of four double clear rounds to remain on 136.70. Following a fall on course by Canadian team rider Kathryn Robinson, Canada now sits in third on 159.
First to tackle the course for the Americans was Philip Dutton on Thomas Tierney and Ann Jones’ Fernhill Fugitive. The Olympic veteran had a beautiful trip over the rolling course, finishing with no jumping penalties and within the time allowed. “I was pleased with my horse. I did not have any trouble with the jumping, but I had to work the whole time to keep my minute markers. He kept a good even speed the whole way around.” Dutton and Kieffer remain tied for seventh individually on 48.40.
Next on course for the U.S. Team was Lauren Kieffer on Marie Le Menestrel's young mare Meadowbrook's Scarlett. Kieffer was appreciative of the course evaluation offered by her experienced teammate who had gone first. “Obviously, [Dutton] going first, he brought back some great feedback. He said to ride like we planned and [that plan] worked [for me] all the way around. We were spot on.” Kieffer praised her talented and sensible horse. “She is only eight and she has never been in crowds like this. She was all business the whole way around.”
Marilyn Little left the start box on RF Scandalous sitting in third place after a successful dressage test on Friday. The agile mare, owned by Raylyn Farms, Inc. and Phoebe and Michael Manders, excelled on the cross-country course and added nothing to their dressage score. “It was so much fun and a great course to ride. She came out of the start box on fire and gave me a great ride.” Little now sits in second individually on 40.30 following the elimination of Robinson.
Last to contest the cross-country phase for the U.S. was Olympic veteran Boyd Martin aboard the Pancho Villa Syndicate’s Pancho Villa. Always a factor on the cross-country, Martin had an excellent ride, finishing on his dressage score. Due to a fall on course, Martin was held between fences 16 and 17 for several minutes. Martin noted of the hold, “my horse freshened up and I got to take a couple of deep breaths. Then, he jumped fence 17 like it was fence 1.” Martin was pleased with his horse’s performance on the challenging course. “I was a little bit nervous with some of the turning questions. He is not the best turner, but was real honest. I was really happy with him.” Martin goes into Sunday’s show jumping phase in fourth place individually on 44.30.
Ruy Fonseca and Tom Bombadill Too on course in Normandy
In the individual competition, Ruy Fonseca of Brazil riding Tom Bombadill Too leads on 38.90 after a double clear on the cross country. Fonseca has no room to manoeuvre going into the show jumping phase with Marilyn Little of the United States in second place (40.30) riding RF Scandalous while the Canadian rider Jessica Phoenix is poised to defend her gold medal from the 2011 Pan American Games with a score of 42.10.
As the last rider to compete cross-country for Canada, Phoenix had a sea of fans cheering her around the course. Many rushed to the final fence to help bring her home; a loud cheer went up as she crossed the finish line with no penalties riding Pavarotti, a 13-year-old bay Westphalian gelding (Pavarotti van de Helle x Foxiland) owned by Don J. Good.
Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti Photo: CealyTetley.com
"Canadians are the most amazing fans in the world!" said Phoenix, 31. "To have the Pan Am Games in our own backyard is incredible, and to have everyone here supporting us has just been overwhelming."
