The 2024 Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event saw a significantly reduced field due to overnight withdrawals and on-course retirements. Liz Halliday and her horse Miks Master C emerged victorious despite the challenging course, maintaining their lead heading into the show jumping round. Halliday also sits in the top ten with her other mounts Cooley Quicksilver and Shanroe Cooley.
The competition remains tight with Will Coleman and Diabolo trailing closely behind Halliday, followed by Boyd Martin and Commando 3. The top seven riders are all within one jump fault of each other, setting the stage for an exciting show jumping finale.
The cross country course presented challenges, with a particularly tricky combination causing numerous refusals and retirements. Despite this, the overall clear rate was competitive, with only a few falls and additional retirements throughout the course.
Halliday and Miks Master C showcased their strong partnership and jumping skills, navigating the course flawlessly. Halliday expressed her pride in her horses’ performances, particularly highlighting the young Shanroe Cooley’s impressive run.
As the competition moves into the show jumping phase, the top riders will face off in a thrilling finale to determine the ultimate winner of the event. He displayed exceptional intelligence, a true talent in the making. Monster, as he is affectionately called, maneuvered his way around the course with ease, delivering four clear rounds, with the slowest one clocking in at 6.4 seconds. A successful day at the office is hard to come by, but today was one to celebrate. Liz, along with Miks Master C, triumphed at the Carolina International CCI4*-S last month, securing a victory gallop and a blue ribbon. With top contenders like Tamie Smith and Mai Baum withdrawing, and Tom McEwen and JL Dublin returning for another shot at victory, all eyes are on Liz and Miks Master C to see if they emerge victorious in the 4*-S.
Will Coleman and Diabolo made a significant leap from sixth place overnight to the forefront, being the only pair to go double-clear in the 4*-S. Will’s exceptional performance showcased his skill as a rider, also delivering a fast round with Off The Record. Acquiring the ride on Diabolo from Gemma Tinney last year, Will has shown great care for the horse’s well-being, withdrawing from events when necessary. Their partnership has yielded impressive results, with podium finishes in past competitions.
The challenging coffin complex proved to be a significant obstacle for many riders, with Will noting its difficulty. Despite the challenges, Will praised the course design, acknowledging its ability to test the riders and horses. As the competition heads into the show jumping phase, the leaderboard is set for a shake-up, with speed and accuracy being crucial for success.
Boyd Martin and Commando 3 round out the top three, showcasing a new partnership that has seen success in recent months. Boyd has been impressed with Connor’s performance, despite his quirks, and looks forward to a competitive show jumping round. With trust in his horse and confidence in the competition, Boyd anticipates a thrilling final showdown. “We have some top showjumpers here,” he acknowledged. “The goal is to ensure the horses get a good night’s rest, maybe do some flatwork in the morning, and give it our all tomorrow.”
Boyd, riding the German-bred gelding owned by Yankee Creek Ranch LLC, has seen improvement over time, especially with a flawless record on cross country. Connor, like Diabolo, rarely drops a pole, with only a few time penalties in his competition history. His speed will be crucial for success tomorrow in the tight top three.
Off The Record, Will’s 2021 Aachen champion, remains a strong contender despite adding a few time faults to their dressage score. The 15-year-old “Timmy” has proven himself at the 5* level, with consistent improvement at Kentucky. Their reliable partnership could still pose a challenge to the leaders.
The Liz, Will, & Boyd Show showcases Pan-American Games gold medalists Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake, who excelled in dressage but fell in the ranks due to time penalties. HSH Blake, at just nine years old, has shown promise at the 4* level, while Fedarman B, ridden by Boyd Martin, has also shown impressive results.
As the competition heats up, Olympic team selectors are watching closely as top riders compete at Rolex Stadium. Team EN will be providing updates on the leaders and eventual champions. Good luck to all competitors and Go Eventing!
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