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U.S. Team riders fresh from the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games are dominating the standings at the 11th Annual Plantation Field International Horse Trials with Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin, and Lynn Symansky leading the CIC3*, CIC2* A, and CIC2* B divisions, respectively.
The Rio Olympic bronze medalist was the best of the CIC3* in the dressage aboard Dr. Kevin Keane’s Sportsfield Candy (Condios x Angel of Harlem, by Cruising). The 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding earned a score of 29.7. Dutton, who is locally based, took the ride over this summer as Dr. Keane is sidelined with a broken leg.
“There were a couple of little parts that weren’t as polished, but he is just such a beautiful, rhythmic mover and very correct, so that always helps the score along,” Dutton said. “It’s been fun to have the ride over the summer while Kevin has been healing from his injury. We’re hopeful he’ll be able to take the ride back after Morven Park.”
Riding for Australia, Clayton Fredericks is second with Diana Crawford and Hugh Wrigley’s FE Ophelia (Ocordo x Argentina, by Argentan). The 11-year-old Zweibrucker mare sits on a score of 31.5.
“It’s nice to have her back out. She’s really matured and getting established now at this level. There were a couple little blips, but all the pieces are there,” Fredericks said.
Allison Springer follows very closely with Lord Willing (Lord Z X Legende IX, by Coriano), a 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by the Lord Willing Syndicate, on 31.6.
“He was a really good boy today. He was actually a little bit more nervous than he’s been in a while — that’s where you saw him jig in the walk a bit. But what he does well he does so well. He’s such a super athlete,” she said. “He was nervous, but he’s been so reliable in the dressage ring. He used to feel pretty nervous in the show jumping, and now he’s been reliable in there too.”
The CIC3* competitors will tackle Chris Barnard’s tricky show jumping track tomorrow beginning at 1:36 p.m. and will continue over Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross-country on Sunday beginning at 10:30 a.m.
The 84 CIC2* entries have been divided into dual divisions, which are headed up by WEG riders Martin and Symansky.
Martin and Long Island T (Ludwig von Bayern x Haupstsbuch Highlight, by Heraldik xx), a 12-year-old Oldenburg/Thoroughbred gelding owned by the Long Island T Syndicate, sit on a score of 25.7.
“Long Island T did a brilliant test on Wednesday. I got home from WEG on Tuesday, so it was a pretty awesome result considering it was the first time I’d ridden him in a few weeks,” Martin said. "I’ve got a really great group of people helping me—Mike Pendleton has been schooling the horse along with Silva (Martin, Boyd’s wife), and to be honest he felt better than ever.”
Symansky piloted The Donner Syndicate’s RF Cool Play (Condors Champion x Roxana, by Radscha), a 10-year-old German Sport Horse gelding, to a personal best score of 23.
There has been a schedule change for the CIC2* divisions. Both will show jump Saturday, September 22 at 8:30 a.m. and follow with cross-country also on Saturday beginning at 1:38 p.m.
Spectators at Plantation Field can get a front row seat to one of North America’s premier competitions all while enjoying a variety of festivities including a Country Fair, Beer Garden, Kid's Korner, and much more. General admission is $20 per day on Saturday and Sunday. To purchase tickets, please visit www.plantationfieldinternational.com.
The Plantation International Fun Run 5K will be held Saturday, September 22 at 7:30 a.m. and will tour the cross-country course. Walkers and dogs welcome. A $20 entry fee includes a weekend pass and t-shirt.
New this year, Plantation Field has partnered with the Retired Racehorse Project to showcase the incredible athleticism and talent of the American Thoroughbred. Enjoy a demonstration Saturday, September 22 at 12:00 p.m. by horses slated to compete in the $100,000 Thoroughbred Makeover next month, and on Sunday don’t miss racing legends face off in the Real Rider Cup, which will be held during the lunch break in the main arena.
Live Streaming is available through USEF Network and will continue with the CIC2* show jumping Saturday at 8:30 a.m.
To learn more about Plantation Field, please visit www.plantationfieldinternational.com.
For scoring, click here.
