The sport horse world is currently caught up in widespread Jung Fever, and for good reason. The World’s top-ranked rider and his mare FischerRocana put forth a picture perfect weekend in anything but perfect conditions to win their second Rolex Kentucky in as many tries. There’s really no way to overstate their performance, and due attention is required.
Though there can be only one champion, there were in fact a number of “wins” over the weekend in Lexington…
Like the unwavering consistency of Phillip Dutton, who piloted a pair of entrants into the top 5. And Lauren Kieffer with her fabulous mare Veronica, who finished runner-up here for the second time in three years, not to mention a top 20 finish for her 4* rookie Landmark’s Monte Carlo.
And how about 60-year-old Mark Todd, who quietly steered NZB Campino to a 7th place finish 38 years after competing in the 1978 World Championships, the precursor to this very event. The man is a machine.
Rolex Kentucky is a hellacious gauntlet for even the most seasoned veterans in the game, so you can imagine the nerves churning through the Rolex rookies. Yet, these newcomers persevered, finished the weekend and are rookies no more:
Daniela Moguel and Cecilia. Moguel’s route to Rolex is a rather unorthodox one. She does not hail from an equestrian family and Mexico is not exactly known for producing world class event riders. But together with her thoroughbred mare (and her fiance, who groomed all weekend) Moguel proved she belongs among the international elite, notching a top 30 finish in her first trip to Kentucky and becoming the first Mexican to complete a 4* event.
Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me. The Canadian rider qualified for Rolex Kentucky four years ago with Smart Move, but had to withdraw before the event. She returned this year with Smart Move’s full brother Honor Me and made it through all three phases in good order. She’s also a fabulous writer.
Avery Klunick and In It to Win It. This pair have spent past 8 years together and clearly look out for each other. The 22-year-old Klunick and her 16-year-old New Zealand Sport Horse exit their first attempt at the 4* level with a 35th place finish (and only one slipped bridle). 22 and a 4* in the bag? Impressive.
Sydney Conley Elliot and Cisko A. The Louisianan brought her 10-year-old Westphalian gelding to Kentucky for their first taste of 4* and found it to be quite agreeable, finishing among the top 40 in their maiden run.
Ashley Johnson and Tactical Maneuver. Riding an OTTB she produced herself, and admittedly nervous in her first dance on the big stage, Johnson dug in and made it through her first attempt at the 4* level.
Kurt Martin and Delux Z. Martin is another “self-made horseman” and an obvious natural. The Pennsylvania native brought 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse “Lux”, a horse he picked out a few years ago, to his first 4* and delivered a top 25 performance. Not too shabby.
Here are a few riders whose careers figure to take a few leaps forward after solid performances at Rolex 2016:
Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair. The Washingtonian and her 15.3h 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding made a lovely debut last year finishing 22nd. This year they made the leap all the way to 3rd place, thanks to one of the best XC rounds of the day. Black developed this horse all the way up from the Novice level, and their chemistry is as undeniable as their future is bright.
Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect. The locally based Knowles has competed at Rolex Kentucky every year since her 2013 debut. And each time she has been eliminated on cross country until this year, when she put in an expert gallop on her OTTB Sound Prospect, capping things off with a strong showing in the stadium to finish 16th overall. Lookout for this duo down the road.
Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless. Wallace’s horsemanship prowess is no secret. From rescued mustangs to rescued thoroughbreds, magic seems to happen when they get into Wallace’s hands. Finishing 17th in their debut last year, Wallace and her 12-year-old Australian Thoroughbred “Johnny” were back at this year, finishing 8th. With her first 4* top 10 under her belt and more time to cast her magic, expect big things from this combination going forward.
Mackenna Shea and Landioso. The 23-year-old and her Bavarian Warmblood gelding made their debut here a year ago and were in 6th place after dressage. Then, Shea lost her seat early in the cross country, and that was the end of their 4* debut. The second time proved to be the charm as Shea stayed on and the pair finished 29th. The future is bright for this Tamie Smith protege.
Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. Ok, ok, so Boyd’s career hardly needed much of a boost, but he got one anyway in the form of his newest OTTB “Red”. Competing in his first 4*, Red finished 6th overall, overcoming a shaky dressage test with a breathtaking gallop around the XC course, plus a fine effort in the stadium on Sunday. Though Boyd was not ready to commit, it would appear this thoroughbred is poised to represent the USA in the Rio Olympics, and many more 4-stars to come.
Leah Lang-Glusic and AP Prime. Lang-Glusic and her $750 OTTB made their Rolex debut last year, but never got the chance to gallop when the gelding showed some minor swelling in one of his legs, forcing Lang-Glusic to make the tough call and withdraw after dressage. After doing right by her horse a year ago it was great to see them finally get the green light to gallop this year, putting in a stellar cross country round. If he ever gets settled in for dressage then this duo would certainly be able to improve on their 33rd place finish here in their first full weekend at Rolex.
Of course, a tip of the cap to every rider and horse who competed at Rolex Kentucky this year. Getting to this stage takes immeasurable dedication day in and day out. Michael Jung is the champion, but he’s not the only winner.