Almost the entire 56-entry roster made it through the first horse inspection on April 25 at the Rolex Kentucky CCI****, with the exceptions of Stuart Black and Fleeceworks Starlight and Cathy Wieschhoff and Ocotillo.
But Fleeceworks Starlight didn’t even make it to the jog. She reportedly stepped on her shoe clip beforehand and was consequently scratched from competition.
Kristen Bond and Fleeceworks Blackout almost joined Black on the bench when they were initially held for re-inspection. But after a second trot, judges passed Bond and Blackout.
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Wieschhoff and Ocotillo, however, weren’t as lucky. After presenting twice, the pair was unfortunately deemed unfit for this year’s competition. Australian Ryan Wood and Koyuna Azgard were also held for re-inspection but passed after their second trip up and down the lane.
The ground jury accepted Jonathan Holling and Direct Merger, but his other mount, Lion King II, didn’t appear in the jog order even though he was originally slated to run.
As always, a few standouts made some amusing and loud fashion statements for their fans including Great Britain’s Ian Stark, who jogged Full Circle II while wearing a Scottish kilt. Will Faudree amused spectators again this year wearing his customary cowboy hat and a mustard yellow suit while jogging Antigua.
