The elegant chestnut Navigator and William Fox-Pitt of Great Britain produced a smooth and consistent test to take the early lead this morning (April 23) during the first day of dressage action at the Rolex Kentucky CCI****.
Fox-Pitt and Navigator, in his first four-star outing, had lovely trot work but a few sticky changes in the canter work. Nevertheless, their solid scores, with many 7s and 8s during the serpentines and half-passes, left them at the head of the pack.
Jolie Sexson, Martinez, Calif., and the attractive gray Killian O’Connor are close behind in second with 47.3 after a standout test that featured beautiful changes and a well-balanced serpentine. The judge at C, David Lee (IRL) had her first on the scorecard. Sexson was obviously pleased with their performance as she exited the ring with an ear-to-ear grin to ample cheers from her West Coast fans sitting in the sun-filled stands.
Brandenburg’s Joshua and Stephen Bradley, one of the most experienced duos in the ring this morning, presented one of their trademark tests that was accurate and consistent. The 14-year-old dark bay was the picture of elegance as Bradley’s masterful ride left them tied for third with 48.2. The judge at E, Nicoli Fife (NZL), gave them first-placed marks for their solid test.
The Canadian contingent in the stands also had reason to cheer when Selena O’Hanlon rode a consistent and rhythmical test with Colombo to stand tied with Bradley for third (48.2). The judge at M, Marilyn Payne (USA), liked her best.
Canadian Mike Winter also produced one of his best tests to date with the flashy chestnut King Pin and now stands tied for fifth with 50.3. Similarly, Canadians Diana Burnett and Manny performed well for a 52.7
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Phillip Dutton, the defending champion, went second in the order this morning with Woodburn, Chronicle prognosticator Jim Wofford’s pick to win this year’s event. Their workmanlike test showed off Woodburn’s obedience and elastic gaits, leaving them in striking position with 50.3.
Father and son Bruce and Buck Davidson went early in the order on their mounts, Jam and Ballynoe Castle RM. With a few mistakes and some tense moments, they stand eighth and ninth (59.7, 60.8), respectively.
Argentine Jose Ortelli Jr. rode the bay JOS Aladar to 63.2 to stand in 10th.
Kristin Schmolze did her best to control a hot Cavaldi, but with breaks in the extended trot and walk movements, and poor changes, they stand last of the morning’s 11 competitors with 70.2.
