Kevin McNab's Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam takes a stroll in a winter wonderland at Kentucky
After a year of Covid-19, followed by EHV-1, the news that Kentucky was going ahead was welcome and almost a sign of normality, especially with the cancellation of Badminton. The overseas riders and their owners pulled out all the stops, delved into their bank accounts and made it to the USA without any major hitches.
With William Fox-Pitt and Oliver Townend flying to Kentucky, we were almost expecting a volcano eruption, but it didn’t happen and we breathed a sigh of relief – things were going swimmingly. The yesterday, lying in a cosy bed in Melbourne and scrolling through social media, I saw the photos and videos of Kentucky Horse Park blanketed in snow. That was one I was not expecting. To be honest, I suddenly felt not too bad about not covering the event on the (frozen) ground.
Luckily for horses and riders that are left on the Start List, the snow melted and the ‘jog’ went ahead at 3pm as planned. From the original 75 entries we are now down to 63 starters but all who presented on the runway were accepted
Among the withdrawals are Britain’s Richard Coney and Oliver Townend, who withdrew Mermus R Diamonds and Tregilder before leaving Britain and William Fox-Pitt swopped horses to bring Oratorio instead of Little Fire, as previously reported.
Australia’s Clayton Fredericks withdrew FE Ophelia yesterday due to a foot abscess and Holly Jacks-Smither withdrew More Inspiration at the last moment after her horse More Inspiration was checked by vets at Kentucky Horse Park, who discovered a heart murmur.
Holly has now made the decision to retire More Inspiration saying on her social media that;
“To say I’m totally heartbroken is an understatement, however I am so thankful that the team at Kentucky found this and he is going to be ok. Thank you to everybody who has been part of this 13-year journey, what a wild ride it has been!”
A wild ride might be the mantra for this week’s action at Kentucky with freezing temperatures at night and wet, cold weather on the cards for cross country day. In view of that, the Ground Jury has changed the running order of the day with the CCI5* horses heading out on cross country before the CCI4*-S class
With the withdrawal of Clayton Frederick’s FE Ophelia, Jonelle Price is now the trailblazer and will kick off proceedings in the dressage on Thursday at 12:23pm Kentucky time
Livestream available through USEF (North America) and Horse & Country TV (ROW)
Defending Champions Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class Photos courtesy RedBayStock.com
Will Faudree (USA) and Mama's Magic Way
Meghan O'Donoghue, Dubarry of Ireland Best Dressed Award Winner with Kyle Ziegler of Dubarry
Dubarry presented awards for the best dressed riders in the first horse inspection. Meghan O’Donoghue was named the best dressed female and Will Faudree earned best dressed male. Each of them will receive a brand new pair of Dubarry boots.
