With just over a week to go until the first horse inspection at the Rolex Kentucky CCI****, names are starting to come off the original list of 90 due to injuries and re-routes. We’ll update this list as withdrawals are announced.

Jennie Brannigan and Catalina

On April 15, Brannigan announced via her Facebook page that she was withdrawing the mare to focus on a spring CCI***.

“After a lot of thought and conferring with Phillip [Dutton] as well as Catalina’s awesome owners Candace Kircher and Nina Gardner, we have decided that it would be in our girl’s best interest to withdraw from Kentucky and give her more time at the three-star level and run her at [the Jersey Fresh] CCI***. She has become a horse I respect so much for showing up and showing class beyond her experience, but in all honesty she’s one of the best horses I’ve gotten to ride, and I want nothing but the best for her future, as well as mine. I know its the right thing to do. Thank you to my sponsors as well as owners for always making it easy to do the right thing by my horses. I look forward to Catalina’s future.”

Jennifer McFall and High Times

McFall announced April 18 via her Dragonfire Farm Facebook page that High Times incurred a minor injury during his final preparations.

“Although the beginning of our season this year was extremely successful, the lead up to Rolex unfortunately has not gone according to plan after ‘Billy’ sustained a minor injury. As a result, we have made the tough decision to withdraw from Rolex. I want to thank The High Times Syndicate, my family, sponsors and coaches for their endless support! I look forward to many more exciting things with Billy in the near future, and I’m thrilled to be spectating at Rolex to cheer everyone on who will be competing this year.”

Tim Price and Wesko

New Zealand’s Price withdrew Wesko, who finished second at Rolex last year, but he still has the greener Bango entered. Horsetalk.co.nz reported that Wesko incurred a soft tissue injury and will be out the rest of the year.

Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken

Schmolze and “Rox” will not try for a fourth go at Rolex after the gelding sustained a bone bruise, she announced on April 13.

“I’m sad to have to report that I have withdrawn Ballylaffin Bracken from Rolex. Rox recently sustained a bone bruise that just needs more time than we have right now to fully heal. Thankfully this is only a minor injury, and we will aim for a three-day later in the season. In this sport as we all know, timing is everything, and this time it is not on our side. I wish all of my friends the best of luck who are competing this year, and I’m very grateful for the continued support of my sponsors, owners, friends and family.”

Phillipa Humphreys and Sir Donovan

Humphreys withdrew “Donald” on April 19.

Alexandra Knowles and The Dark Mark

On April 19, Knowles posted on her Facebook page that the gelding will head to the Jersey Fresh CCI*** (N.J.) instead.

“After a lot of consideration, I have decided to wait to contest a CCI**** with The Dark Mark. I think the world of this horse and don’t think rushing him would be in his best interest for the long term. I am very excited to be competing Sounder [Sound Prospect] at Rolex this year and equally as excited to re-route The Dark Mark to Jersey Fresh in a few weeks. I can not thank Jennifer Smith enough for her constant support of this horse and his future.”

Anna Collier and Gleaming Road

Collier announced her withdrawal on April 21.

“We were very excited to draw #28 for both Rolex and Badminton and had hoped to clear the Badminton waitlist. In the midst of this, Gleam had a great final prep run at Twin in California but came back with a bit of a bug. Unfortunately, it will be too soon to ship and run him at a big event. We need a bit more time to put the Gleam back in Gleaming Road:) We want to thank everyone for their continued support of Anna and Gleam and their dream to compete in Europe!

We are on to Plan B for Burghley!”

Eliza Farren and Bantry Bay’s Dublin

On April 21, Farren announced on her Facebook page that she was withdrawing.

“This has been a VERY tough decision for me, but I just wanted to let everyone know that Dublin and I will not be going to Rolex this year. As I always say things happen for a reason. Thank you to everyone that has supported us in our journey, we couldn’t have done it without you!”

Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly

Coleman announced on his Facebook page on April 24 that “Oboe” sustained an injury at his final event.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce OBOS O’Reilly will not be contesting this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event due to an injury sustained at his last competition. We had the highest of hopes for Oboe this year, and we are gutted to say they will not be fulfilled. Thank you as always to our wonderful team of vets, farriers and support staff for their continued guidance and to the incredible members of the Four Star Eventing Group who have humbled us with their compassion and understanding. After a successful year in 2015, Oboe has earned this bit of rest and we look forward to having him back out again soon!”

Maddy Mazzola and Mojito

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Catchascatchcan and Fly Me Courageous

Kozumplik Murphy made an announcement via her Facebook page on April 23 that “Catch” wasn’t quite ready after a few issues during his lead up events, while “Ziglet” incurred a mild injury during his last gallop.

“My heart is breaking a bit to have to say that I will not make the journey to Rolex tomorrow as planned. I found out a couple of hours ago in our final jog, that the Ziglet has an injury. I feel very lucky to have caught it before we ran cross-country next Saturday, at which point it would have been very bad indeed. Since Catch is only 9, and has lost a bit of confidence this season, I had already decided after The Fork that I would only do the the dressage phase at Kentucky. He is sound and happy, and will be just fine, but I feel his future is more important than one horse show. I want to wish the very best of luck to all my friends, I cannot quite make the journey to watch in person, but my heart will be with all of you….every step. Thank you to my vets, to the incredible people that work for us at Overlook, to my husband, and to my best friend Edy. This is by no means the worst news to get in horses, I have been there for that. This is just a momentary heartbreak.”

Allie Sacksen and Sparrow’s Nio

Sacksen announced her withdrawal on April 24 after “Nio” incurred a small soft tissue injury in the field.

“This morning I noticed Nio take some awkward steps in the field. We immediately had Dr.Tom out to look at him and he found a small soft tissue injury. It is in Nio’s best interest to therefore withdraw him from Rolex as the risk to cause further injury would be too great. Nio has taken me so far in my career and I care too much for him to even consider risking his lifelong health. He will recover and I look forward to many more trips with him in the future,” she said. 

Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac

On April 25, Roberts announced he was withdrawing via Facebook.

“Unfortunately Kelecyn Cognac, owned by the very generous and supportive Levelly-Connolly family, will not be making the trip to Kentucky this year. We made the decision to withdraw him from Rolex this morning. Thanks to all who have been supporting me and this class horse, my spirit is lifted during this set back knowing that we will be fighting fit very soon. Rio 2016 Rolex 2017 take over the world 2018!”

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights

Rutledge announced on her Facebook page on April 26 that she is withdrawing Covert Rights.

“It is with a heavy heart that Colleen has made the decision to withdraw Covert Rights from Rolex. He has not been 100% comfortable very recently and rather than risk him when we know it is not in his best interest to compete this weekend, we’ve opted to reconsider our options. We are confident that he will be back to his normal self very soon.”

Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace

Martin announced on April 27 she was withdrawing Quantum Solace via Facebook.

“I’ve decided to withdraw Quantum Solace from the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event this morning because he was not feeling like himself. We think he may have a viral infection, and it’s in his best interest not to compete this week. I’m really disappointed, but I hope to be back with ‘Nacho’ in the future. Id’ like to thank Drs. Stuart Brown and Nathan Slovis from Hagyard Equine Medicine and USEF Eventing Team vet Susan Johns for all their help. I’m so grateful to my coach, Buck Davidson, family, team and sponsors for all of their support.”

Rachel McDonough and Irish Rhythm

McDonough annouced via Facebook on April 27 prior to the jog.

“A really hard announcement but after careful consideration and what is a difficult decision we have decided to withdraw Oliver from this years Rolex. Oliver was not feeling his normal self, and I feel this is the best decision for my boy. I know him too well and he has given me more than I could have ever dreamed, to push him if he is not feeling his normal fiery self would be a disservice to this amazing partner. We will be back out in full force but giving my boy the best chance possible for a great next run. Till next time Kentucky! Thank you to everyone for their concern but we will be putting our sights onto the next! Such a big thank you to Genevieve Faith and Carolyn Drover who have been awesome taking care of me and Oli- sorry the fun was cut short girls! Looking forward to being able to watch some of the best and get some free sideline lessons. Good luck everyone!”