DAY 1 Story
DAY 1 Story
Apr 25th, 08
Becky Holder and Courageous Comet Hold Considerable Lead After the First Day of Dressage at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Farnam Becky Holder experienced a birthday to remember today when she ended the first day of dressage holding a substantial lead with a score of 39.3 at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Farnam. "For once I don’t mind my dressage score being the same as my age," joked Holder. Rounding out the top three of 20 riders who rode today were Holder, Stephen Bradley and Brandenburg’s Joshua in second place with a 50.7 and Canadian Mike Winter and Kingpin in third place with a 52.6 who performed their dressage tests in the newly positioned arena that this year faces the pond instead of the trade fair. Holder and Courageous Comet found themselves in a similar situation in 2006 when the dynamic duo had the lead going into show jumping, but were unable to keep it. "In the past I’ve had some very good opportunities to be in the lead and stay in the lead in Kentucky and for various reasons I haven’t been able to see it through to the end," Holder stated. "I’m certainly hoping that I’ll be able break that pattern this weekend." Bradley and his mount finished third here in 2006 and had another good start today. The crowd showed their enthusiasm for the pair with a roaring round of applause as they left the arena. "He’s come to a new point in his rideability and correctness of his work and where he still gets tense a little bit in pressure situations, or I get nervous, he’s reached a whole new level in that respect," said Bradley. Canadian Mike Winter, riding Kingpin, scored his personal best Dressage score at the four-star level. "I am happy that my horse was very in balance, uphill and in front of my leg, and I am hoping that will carry over to cross country and show jumping and that I’ll be able to apply that quality canter to the jumping phases," said Winter. He added that the Canadian team should be competitive at this summer’s Olympics and will be in medal contention for the world championships. It was an unfortunate day for veteran rider Jane Sleeper and her mare UN—one of two mares at this event. Entering the ring quite alert yet seemingly unfocused, UN didn’t settle down enough to pay attention to her rider, making leaping lead changes throughout the test, leaving them in last place. Today’s ground jury consisted of Martin Plewa from Germany, Nick Burton from Great Britain and Jo Young from Canada. The remaining 21 riders will perform their test tomorrow. Gina Miles and McKinlaigh will not ride tomorrow; the pair had to withdraw due to a case of colic. Heather Johnston and Jeannie Blancq Putney Georgetown College Equine Scholars Program Georgetown, KY