The first CCI4*-L of 2020 is taking place at Galway Downs International this weekend, and although the field is small (just 11 are in the hunt following cross-country) it’s mighty.

Featuring heavy hitters from both sides of the country, it’s U.S. Olympian Boyd Martin who currently owns two of the top three placings following dressage and cross-country in Temecula, CA. Martin sits in third position with Long Island T and in the lead with Luke 140.

“After a disappointing dressage test, Long Island T was absolutely spectacular on cross country,” said Martin. “He was the first horse on course and he was jumping bold and brave, looking for every fence.”

With just 10 points separating the field from start to finish, Martin was added nothing but time faults to his dressage score for both mounts.

Just one pair, Tamra Smith riding her daughter Kaylawna Smith-Cook’s Passepartout, was able to successfully make the time across the course designed by Australia’s Clayton Fredericks in conjunction with Bert Wood.

Tamra Smith and Passepartout. ©Kim F. Miller

“Luke was equally as good as ‘Ludwig’ for cross-country,” Martin remarked. “And that’s thanks to (fellow Olympian and current seventh placed competitor) Phillip Dutton, who has been riding him all year while I’ve been rehabbing from some old injuries.

“They’ve definitely built the course up to scratch for a four-star,” he continued, “The first three minutes were full of twists and turns, then he opened the track up with some long gallops before bringing the last minute back to twist and turn again. Your horse had to be adjustable, balanced and extremely fit.”

Boyd Martin and Long Island T. ©Kim F. Miller

Dutton, also joining from the east coast, had been sitting in second following dressage with Fernhill Singapore, but added an unfortunate 15 penalties on cross-country to drop to seventh.

Texas-based Rebecca Brown has two in the hunt with Dassett Choice and Fernhill Fortitude, currently in fourth and ninth respectively; and California based Erin Kellerhouse with Woodford Reserve and Hawley Bennett-Awad (a Canadian also based in CA) with Jollybo are also still in the mix.

The third horse inspection will take place early Saturday morning (Hallowe’en… will anyone show up in the spirit of the day?!) before stadium jumping decides the fate and finish of this four-star Saturday afternoon.

It’s still very much anyone’s game.