Girls Rule Rolex!
Girls Rule Rolex!
Apr 30th, 06
Reversal of fortune is not uncommon in the sport of three-day eventing, but never was it more apparent than on today’s cross-country course. First place rider Darren Chiacchia riding Timothy Holekamp’s Windafall II, withdrew after he had several uncharacteristic refusals. Darren’s first problem occurred when Windfall II ran out at the C element of fence 8, the coffin. Darren then retired from the course when Windfall II refused the second element of The Head of the Lake. The Head of the Lake also claimed second place rider Kim Severson aboard Plain Dealing Farm’s Royal Venture. “Vennie” had been a bit reluctant to jump the first water, fence 7 A/B, but strong, tactful riding on Kim’s part convinced him not to stop. Sadly, at The Head of the Lake, Vennie hesitated at the drop in, hit the top rail, and pecked on the landing. Kim went over Vennie’s right shoulder, and received a proper drenching. Both Kim and Vennie were none the worse for wear, but Kim thought it prudent to retire. Another victim of The Head of the Lake was the second horse out of the start box, William Fox-Pitt riding Mr. Keith Scott’s Coup de Coeur. The big bay fell at the drop into the lake, hung a leg, and in a dramatic fashion managed to pitch William right over his head. Again, both horse and rider emerged unscathed, but very wet. The only rider in the top three placings after dressage to post a double clear was Heidi White riding her own Northern Spy. Heidi had a gorgeous ride, and said afterwards that, “ The course was really wonderful. It’s probably the best ride I have had on a four-star. He was pulling me the whole way home.” Other double clears were had by Becky Holder riding Tom Holder’s Courageous Comet, Becky and Comet currently stand in first place, followed by Polly Stockton (GBR) and Anne Henson’s Tom Quigley. Women hold the top five spots; in fourth place is Jessica Heidemann on her own French Twist, and standing in fifth is Amy Tryon on The Woodstock Group’s Woodstock. All scores can be found on the RK3DE website. The final vet inspection will be held tomorrow at 8:30 am. See you at the Horse Park! Alden Murray