Seconds after Kim Severson made her final salute, a crowd of nearly 15,000 broke into thunderous applause, for once again Kim and Plain Dealing Farm's Winsome Adante had put in a near perfect dressage test. The crowd had even more reason to be ecstatic when Kim's score of 38.2 was announced. Kim was a bit surprised at her score, as she felt that "Dan's" test at Rolex 2004 was a better test, but that, "He really felt on today". And "on" they were. Kim has a commanding lead of 7.8 points over nearest rivals Darren Chiacchia and Leslie Law (GBR).

 

Earlier in the day, Leslie, riding Mr. Keith Scott's Coup De Coeur took the lead away from yesterday's leader, Jan Thompson on Task Force, with a brilliant and accurate ride to score a 46.0. His moment of glory was short lived when just two horses later, Darren Chiacchia on last year's CCI**** Modified winner, Windfall II tied Leslie with the identical score of 46.0.

 

Darren had one awkward moment with Timothy Holekamp's Trakehner stallion when he chose to switch leads during the first canter serpentine. When asked why he had the bobble, Darren laughed, and said, "I don't know what happened. I was cantering, and then all of a sudden I thought 'Oh my God! I'm on the wrong lead'! He's never done that before, and it was obviously a little rider/horse miscommunication."

 

Also tied are Amy Tryon and Andrew Hoy (AUS). Amy, riding her Olympic mount, Poggio II put in a wonderfully controlled, yet exuberant test to post a score of 47.4. Exuberance is something Poggio II has in abundance, and he makes short work of cross-country with his flamboyant jumping style.

 

Andrew, on Mrs. S Magnier's Moonfleet, also scored a 47.4. The big (16.3 h.h.) brown Irish gelding showed remarkable extended work, and was one of the few horses who really opened up on the extended canters. Andrew thinks the world of this horse, and feels confident that he can meet the challenges of Rolex's demanding cross-country course.

 

Kim, Darren, and Leslie all feel that Michael Etherington-Smith's course is one of the best they've seen, although the general consensus is that the water this year is more difficult than it has been in years past.

 

Leslie stated that, "The course really never lets up. There are some very technical combinations that will require very accurate riding. You have to be dead on at the water. The distance between the ducks allows no room for error, and if you miss your stride to the first duck you'll be in trouble". Leslie also commented on the fact that this is his horse's first Four Star, and he'll see how Coup De Coeur is jumping before making the decision to really "go for it." "Naturally, I"ll be competitive as possible; I don't want to be here just for the beer," Leslie said during this afternoon's press conference.

 

When asked about the possibility of the rain that's been forecasted for tonight, and it's effect on her horses, Kim replied, "There's no horse I'd rather ride in the rain than Dan. I've never had to ride him in really terrible weather, but I have the utmost faith in him." Kim also mentioned that her other entry, Maguire, was "a bit green at this level, and would see how the course was riding before making any decisions."

 

In any "event," tomorrow should prove to be another exciting day at Rolex Kentucky.

 

Hope to see you at the Horse Park!

 

Alden Murray