HORSE INSPECTION
HORSE INSPECTION
Apr 24th, 08
The 2008 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Farnam Kicks-Off the Season Bringing First Timers and Seasoned Veterans to the Bluegrass Lexington, KY -- With uncharacteristically beautiful weather, the 30th anniversary of the 1978 World Three-Day Championships, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Farnam got underway this afternoon with the traditional jog. This year’s event is also unique because U.S. riders are vying for a spot on the 2008 Olympic Team. A slim field of 43 horse-and-rider combinations, dressed in their usual Sunday-best, presented at the inspection with three horses being held. Two passed upon re-inspection, and one withdrew leaving a field of 42 to start Dressage tomorrow morning. The first of two mounts for Australian Boyd Martin, Neville Bardos, was held when first presented and passed on second presentation 20 minutes later. USA’s Jonathan Holling’s unique-colored Dun To A T—originally Darren Chiacchia’s mount—was held and passed upon second inspection. USA’s Will Faudree and Antigua were held and later withdrew. According to Robert Costello Antigua popped an abscess earlier in the day. Olympian Amy Tryon and her trusty mount Poggio II did not present. This year’s field includes two young riders and 10 international entries including one from Great Britain three from Australia and six from Canada. Crowd-pleasers included Karen O’Connor with the diminutive Theodore O’Connor and the hometown favorite Dorothy Crowell with her Kentucky-bred Radio Flyer. Great Britain's Polly Stockton and her muscled-up British-bred Thoroughbred, Charles Owen Tangleman, started off the horse inspections. Other standouts included Olympian Kim Severson and her new mount Tipperary Liadhnan who made an impressive showing at their first Rolex together. Pan Am Games’ Individual Bronze medal-winner and member of the Gold medal-winning team, Gina Miles and McKinlaigh ate up the ground during their trot-up. Dressage will begin in the morning with the first test being ridden at 10:00 a.m. by Karen O’Connor on her first of two mounts—Theodore O’Connor. By Heather Johnston and Jeannie Blancq Putney Georgetown College Equine Scholars Program Georgetown, KY