Several top horse-and-rider combinations have scratched from the Rolex Kentucky CCI**** entry list.
British phenom Oliver Townend, who’s attempting to win the last leg of the Rolex Grand Slam and capture the $350,000 prize, withdrew Carousel Quest. The horse was considered his most-likely winner, having last year won the Land Rover Burghley CCI**** (England) and placed eighth at Kentucky.
However, Townend still has two newer rides on the roster—Ashdale Cruise Master and ODT Master Rose—and he stated in March that it likely wouldn’t be in Carousel Quest’s best interest to travel too much this spring. Instead, Townend would rather save the gelding for a bid to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky this fall.
Phillip Dutton withdrew three horses, including Woodburn, who will instead contest the Mitsubishi Badminton CCI**** (England) the weekend after Kentucky. He also scratched his very experienced mounts Truluck and Connaught. He’ll still ride three in Kentucky though—The Foreman, Kheops Du Quesnay and Waterfront.
Buck Davidson scratched his horses My Boy Bobby and Ballynoe Castle RM. Like Townend, Davidson felt My Boy Bobby, who placed third at Rolex Kentucky last year, didn’t need another four-star run and should be saved for the fall. He’ll also aim Ballynoe Castle RM for the WEG. He will ride up-and-comer Titanium this year at Kentucky.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Reggie (Ballynoe Castle RM) is better than ever. After talking with [team coach Capt. Mark Phillips] and selectors, it was determined that he did not need to do another four-star. He will train and compete through the summer and hope to give his best performance in September. So it’s time for Ty to step up. Reggie is enjoying his two-week break,” said Davidson.
Three other U.S. riders also scratched: Ashley Adams opted to give Vaunted more time to recover from an ankle surgery last fall, and Holly Payne’s Madeline is still on the mend from a fall in the water complex at The Fork CIC*** (N.C.) on April 3. Barbara Crabo also withdrew Eveready II.
Australian rider Clayton Fredericks, who won Rolex Kentucky in 2007, withdrew The Frog. Heelan Tompkins of New Zealand scratched Sugoi, and Canadian Sandra Donnelly will not bring Buenos Aires.
Be sure to visit www.chronofhorse.com starting Wednesday, April 21, for ongoing coverage of the Rolex Kentucky CCI**** including an exclusive course walk with Jimmy Wofford.
