Michael Jung (GER) and FischerRocana FST have taken a commanding lead at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA). Because that’s just what Michael Jung does.

The reigning world #1 has three jumping fences in hand over Phillip Dutton (USA), who sits in second and third places on Fernhill Fugitive and Mighty Nice.

Jung’s awe-inspiring performance on Derek di Grazia’s demanding cross country was, well, awe-inspiring. 

Only two seconds over the optimum time of 11 minutes 15 seconds, he posted the fastest time of the day.

“When I say ‘Come on, we can do this’, she trusts me completely. She’s an absolutely great mare,” said a visibly thrilled Jung. “When you finish a four-star course with a horse that has trusted you like that, it’s a great feeling.”

Jung aside, the leaderboard changed considerably.

Dutton, who was first out on course this morning, now has three horses inside the top 10. Maya Black (USA) and pony-like Doesn’t Play Fair have risen from 12th to fourth with one of the fastest rounds of the day. Boyd Martin (USA) is fifth on Shamwari 4 and 10th on the American Thoroughbred Blackfoot Mystery while Lauren Keiffer (USA) sits in sixth and seventh on Veronica, her 2014 runner-up, and home-bred grey gelding Landmark’s Monte Carlo. Buck Davidson (USA) and the home bred Petite Flower is in eighth place.

Boyd Martin summed up a challenging, but exciting day: “This is the pinnacle of the sport and it’s not meant to be easy—but I wouldn’t want to do it every weekend!”

Tune into the Jumping action tomorrow on FEI TV and the USEF Network.

 

Tweet
Pin1
Share362
363 Shares