Raeford, NC- Competitors in the USEF National Single Horse Championship set scorching paces through Richard Nicholl’s eight obstacle marathon course. Leading times through each obstacle dipped lower and lower as the afternoon went on. Sterling Graburn, Friday’s dressage leader, posted the quickest marathon score of the division; lengthening his overall lead and he heads into Sunday’s cone phase on a score of 116.33.

Graburn (Georgetown, KY) won today’s marathon and retained the National Championship lead, which is running in conjunction with the Southern Pines CDE, on the strength of quick smooth driving. Piloting his own Ulano, Graburn posted the leading times in hazards two and six.

The KWPN gelding was formerly a member of a Four-in-Hand team but is taking to the Singles division quite well. Graburn was pleased with his horse and their performance today barring a mishap in the final obstacle.

“It was great, other than the last hazard, when my rein got caught around my break petal. This is the third competitive marathon I’ve done with him.” Said Graburn; “He used to be part of a Four-in-Hand and he’s had to learn to go faster (as a Single). He’s smart and tries hard.”

Graburn enters the final phase tomorrow with an 8.43 point lead over Leslie Brendl and Fritz Grupe’s Uminco (124.76). Sara Schmitt and her own Kaboom stand third after the conclusion of the marathon on an overall score of 127.77.

The cones phase of the Southern Pines CDE gets underway Sunday at 8:00am ET with the Preliminary division. The winner of the USEF National Single Horse Championship will be crowned Sunday afternoon on the Twin Gates Farm Derby Field at the Carolina Horse Park.

For competitor information, times and results visit; http://drivingnewsusa.com/results/results2012/SouthernPines/

Follow the 2012 U.S. Driving Time here; http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2012Driving/

ENDS

For more information regarding the USEF High Performance Driving Programs, please contact Lizzy Staller at [email protected].