Rutledge and Covert Rights, a nine-year-old thoroughbred cross gelding posted a career best 42.3 in the horse’s first outing at the CCI4* level. The test was highlighted by collected to extended canter work which scored a unanimous eight from all three judges.
Mackenna Shea, the youngest competitor in the field, rode her own Landioso through a clean test to score a well-deserved 44. Shea, a USEF Eventing Developing 25 Program alumnus, is competing in her first Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. The pair is currently in sixth place.
Defending Rolex/USEF CCI4* Eventing National Champions Lauren Kieffer and Veronica, owned by Team Rebecca, kicked off the last session of the afternoon with a superb test, scoring a 44.3 to take over eighth place.
Rounding out the top placings for the U.S. in ninth are Marilyn Little and RF Demeter, owned by Team Demeter. The fancy mare was rewarded for her consistent and expressive trot tour to earn a score of 44.6.
Currently tied for first place are Michael Jung of Germany with La Biosthetique-Sam FBW and Tim Price of New Zealand with Wesko on a score of 36.3. Defending Rolex Kentucky Champions William Fox-Pitt of Great Britain and Bay My Hero are in third place on 38.5. Jung and fischerRocana FST, who led after day one, are now in fourth place.
The eagerly anticipated cross-country phase gets underway tomorrow at 9:45am ET. Watch a complete review of the course with USEF Eventing Developing Coach Leslie Law and catch all the rides live tomorrow on the USEFNetwork.com.
The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF Sponsors and Members.