Severson Maintains Lead at Rolex CCI****
Apr 30th, 05
Eventing fans who have come to expect a blazing, foot-perfect cross-country round from Kim Severson and Plain Dealing Farm’s Winsome Adante were not disappointed at today’s Rolex CCI****. Putting in one of only three completely clear rounds, Kim and Dan maintained their score of 38.2, and have a sizable lead of 12.2 penalty points over second place Leslie Law and Coup de Coeur.
Kim withdrew her other horse, Maguire, after he pulled two front shoes on the steeplechase. Kim felt that because of Maguire’s relative inexperience at the Four Star level, that “Conditions had to be perfect in order for Mac to run. “He’s had a sketchy lead-up to Rolex,” said Kim, “And I wanted to give him the best ride possible. After a not so great go on the ’chase, I made the decision to withdraw him.”
In a statement yesterday, Leslie Law said that he was, “Going to try to be as competitive as possible; I didn’t come here for the beer.” Well, competitive he was, and he piloted Mr. Keith Scott’s Coup de Coeur to a nearly faultless cross-country round. Adding a mere 4.4 time penalties to his score have left Leslie with 50.4.penalty points.
Leslie spoke highly of his horse, and praised the big bay’s jumping ability, saying only that, “He felt a bit tired between the last two fences, but I’m very excited about his future potential. He might be a European Championship contender.”
Standing in third place is Phillip Dutton (AUS) on Ann Jones’s The Foreman. The Foreman posted a double clear round, as did Phillip’s other ride, Shannon Stimson’s Nova Top. Nova Top currently stands in fourth place, while Phillip’s other ride, Mr. Bruce Duchossois’s Hannigan added only 0.8 time penalties to move into fifth place.
Phillip thought Hannigan was a bit slow because the footing in the early morning was, "a bit heavy, but it dried out well during the afternoon. Also, the horse is still a bit green, and I thought it prudent not to push him too much.”
Once again, Michael Etherington-Smith’s course proved to be brilliantly designed. It weeded out the wheat from the chaff, with the most influential fence being number 17 a and b, the Craftmen’s Corners. Tiffany Loudon-Meetze and Above and Beyond, retired when her horse hung a leg, and Tiffany dropped off over his shoulder. Both horse and rider were unscathed. Robyn Fisher and Le Samurai, and Ralph Hill and Bad Boy Billy also had falls here. Robyn retired, but Ralph remounted and finished the course. Buck Davidson had a run-out with Private Treaty, but quickly jumped the option to incur just 20 penalty points.
The remainder of penalties were distributed around the course. Amy Tryon and Poggio II had an uncharacteristic run out at the last element of 16 a, b, and c, The Shelter and Stumps. Amy said that this mistake was, “Sheer rider error. I rode really, really badly. He did everything right, I just rode poorly.”
One of the day’s most inspirational rides came from the youngest of the 37 competitors, young rider, Sara Mittleider riding her own, El Primero. Sara attacked the course with the determination, and élan of a more seasoned competitor. She was one of only three or four horses who opted for the direct route at fences 15 a-d, The Hollow, and she made it look easy. Unfortunately, a run out at one of The Stumps marred an otherwise perfect round. This is a rider to keep your eye on.
With only 26 horses remaining in competition, tomorrow’s show jumping will begin at 1:00 pm.
Hope to see you at the Horse Park!
Alden Murray