Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist. Photo by Atalya Boyner Photography.
A chilly morning greeted us today at the Kentucky Horse Park for the early final horse inspection for both the CCI5* and CCI4*-S divisions.
We did have a couple of withdrawals overnight:
In the CCI5*, Harry Meade withdrew Graffenacht, who had been equal 11th after cross country but unfortunately lost two shoes during her run and did come out this morning a bit too sore to continue on. Harry expects the 14-year-old mare to be just fine to come back for another run soon.
In the CCI4*-S, Buck Davidson withdrew Cooley Candyman, who was sitting on a top 15 position after cross country. Buck unfortunately broke his leg and dislocated his ankle when he hit his leg on the BC element of fence 12, a solid brush corner in the Spring Water. Buck is scheduled to have surgery on Tuesday and expects he’ll be back on his feet and in the saddle soon.
Also in the 4*, Skyler Voss withdrew Argyle, who was in 32nd after cross country.
On to the jog itself, all other horses were presented and the drama was fairly low. We did have one horse — Allie Knowles’ P.S. I Love You — sent to the hold box in the CCI4*. P.S. I Love You was subsequently withdrawn from the hold box to save him for another day. In the CCI5*, Jennie Brannigan’s ride FE Lifestyle was sent to the hold box. Afterward, “Foxy” was re-presented and subsequently accepted by the Ground Jury.
We will now move on to show jumping, which begins at 10:30 a.m. for the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S and at 2:20 p.m. for the CCI5*. Between the two, a couple of special occasions: Bruce Davidson Sr. will be doing an autograph signing at 12:30 p.m. at his statue outside of Rolex Stadium, and Lauren Nicholson’s Vermiculus will have a formal retirement ceremony in Rolex Stadium during the lunch break as well.
One last shoutout for the jog report: our top grooms of the weekend have been named for a $1,000 Grooms Award sponsored by Buckeye Nutrition (also, a big shout to the MARS Equestrian team for walking around handing out donuts this morning, you literal lifesavers). In the 4*-S, Ali Kuhn’s groom, Whitney Grabe, took home the honor for her care of Little Hail. For the CCI5*, it was Adam Short who won the award for his care of Tom McEwen’s Brookfield Quality.
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