And the forecast looks like conditions will make for a particularly influential cross country test. This won't be a dressage show, that's for sure! But we're gonna enjoy the tests all the same, obvi haha. (Or, at least I will, once I'm on the grounds tomorrow to watch the second half go!)
With all that said, it should come as no surprise that I'm really excited. I have a LOT of favorites out in the field riding this weekend. Lots. SO MANY. Some have already withdrawn (Covert Rights, whyyyyy?)... but mostly I'm pumped to see my heroes - both two- and four-legged - make their way through this historic event.
But y'all maybe aren't here to read about me gushing like a 12yr ol (unless you totally are, which is also cool). You're here for something approaching compelling content, right?
And so I present to you: My Rolex Prediction.
I predict that Phillip Dutton is going to win the Rolex Kentucky 4* with his partner Fernhill Cubalawn.
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| Cuba laughs in the faces of puny brush fences |
FERNHILL CUBALAWN (Con Capitol - Corse Lawn, Arkan)
Phillip Dutton
Dutton got the ride on "Cuba," a 2003 Holsteiner gelding, in June 2014 when he was acquired from Alexandra and Paul Green by new owners Tom Tierney and Simon Roosevelt. And the pair proceeded to their first win together at the Cosequin CIC** that July.
They finished 5th at Cuba's 4* debut at Rolex last April (Cuba was the highest placed American horse), then went on to jump clean in the Nations Cup at Aachen CIC*** (where the US team finished 3rd).
We're hoping for a strong finish from this team!
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| the mighty PDutty sits chilly into the water at the Fair Hill 3* |
And of course, now that I've laid it down on the line like that, let's take it a step farther. I want to hear from you.
Specifically, my questions are:
Who do YOU think is going to win? Who is your favorite? Why?
Do you love the dark horses who come in from behind to rise to glory? Or are you a stalwart believer in one of those perennial top-of-the-leader-board riders?
I wanna hear all about it!! Either in the comments or in a post of your own!
And why not, let's make it interesting: Should you accurately predict the winner, perhaps I'll throw in a little priiiiiize. Same story if there's multiple winners. Perhaps a little something something from Beka's shop Straight Shot Metal Smashing??
As much as I want an American to win, I think Micael Jung is going to win again.
ReplyDeleteUgh apparently I can't spell...they really need a way to edit comments on blogger.
DeleteI THINK Michael Jung will win - they don't call him Ze Terminator for nothing! But I'd like to see an American win. I could go for any number of favorites of mine - Phillip, Doug, Sinead, Allison - any of them. But being in an Olympic year I'd love to see Clark Montgomery at the top. He's been doing so fantastically in the UK and it would cement what I think would be a well earned Olympic spot. Underdog? I'd love to see Mikki Kutcha be up towards the top. She's from my Area and it'd be great to see her do well.
ReplyDeleteAnd...I'm a moron since Clark isn't even IN Rolex this year. Doh! That's what I get for commenting before I've had any coffee! So, editing to say I'd like to see any American win :)
DeleteHard to bet against MJ, although I really want a TB to win!
ReplyDeleteRolex is such a cool event with so many memories for me. The first year I went I got to meet (and pet!) the iconic Teddy O'Connor <3
ReplyDeleteTeddy O'conner was the best, I seriously tear up if I watch a video of him. Obviously MJ, but incase he is abducted by aliens (I'd say breaks a bone but we know that doesn't stop him) then I'm rooting for Blackfoot Mystery, or Anthony Patch, or or or. I'm too distracted by their shiny pretty ponies to really choose a winner.
ReplyDeleteblackfoot mystery <3333
DeleteI'm with the general consensus that MJ will win. I have to say my favorite is Elisa Wallace & Simply Priceless. Would love to see them finish top ten.
ReplyDeleteI really do think Jung will take it again. But I'm holding out hope that Allison Springer and Arthur can pull it off!
ReplyDeleteI think Michael Jung will win- I hope he does and on the same horse as last year. How neat would that be? Also, how neat would it be to clinic with him, watch him train, etc? I know he doesn't do that kind of thing, and it's too bad since I know he grand prix show jumps, 4* events, and I believe he's worked to some of the FEI dressage levels. Anyway, I'm also rooting for Shame on the Moon and Emily, only because my trainer started Delta and competed her through the 2* level, at which time Emily bought her.
ReplyDeleteShamwari 4!!!!
ReplyDeleteoooh thats a good estimate!
DeleteOhhhhh, well I'll be cheering for practically everyone. BUT I throw out the winner as Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville. I'd also be happy with Phillip and Mighty Nice :)
ReplyDeleteThata girl. I knew I liked you!
Deletei WANT lynn symansky and donner to win, but i feel like mark todds gonna win. just a random feeling based on nothing,
ReplyDeleteIt's hysterical, my hubby has no great love for my horse, but is a huge eventing fan, and has what he calls "his people". So he will be rooting for Buck, Boyd, and Phillip :)
ReplyDeleteMy guess is Michael Jung though I'd like to see Buck win.
ReplyDeleteNot to be a Debbie Downer, but I really wish MJ was wearing a helmet...he's the only one I've seen so far with a top hat.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I'd love for a TB to win!
I was super disappointed too.
DeleteI have to go with Michael Jung, and if he does, he'll deserve it. That's a guy who really puts in the work. He doesn't just stick to eventing- his horses go to Grand Prix dressage shows and also do the Grand Prix jumpers. For heavens sake, the guy won Burghley with a broken ankle and then STILL rode in-and won- the FEI European Championships the following weekend. I'm an OTTB fan through and through, but MJ is, quite frankly, amazing.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a fabulous weekend at Rolex! I have some pro favorites, but I always cheer extra hard for the people who are maybe a little more 'relatable' - the ones who came up through the levels on their OTTB, that sort of thing :)
ReplyDeleteUm, you know my French princess gelding is going to bring your Cuba down, lady. Go Tate go!
ReplyDeleteThis is a tough one. Because I have multiple favorites who aren't really THE favorites. I got to interview Barb Crabo from Arizona and she's a total horse girl. She would ride a bus or two every day in high school to get out to the barn. She bred her horse Eveready and was there when he was born like 18 years ago. This is their 4th attempt and she's never made it to the last day show jumping. Last year she fell on like fence #4 XC day. Being from AZ it didn't help that it was completely rainy. So if she even placed in the top 10 I'd love it.
ReplyDeleteI also respect Bunnie Sexton so much. I love that her first time riding at Rolex was last year and she was like 52 or 53. I saw her interview on I think Eventing Nation and she seemed very grounded. And she's from CA so I'm biased.
And I LOVE Elisa Wallace. What she does with the Mustangs is amazing and her hubby Timothy with his Horse Hubby blog are awesome. That is a true horsewoman. Just watching her on YouTube with that amazing saddle-less, bridle-less Mustang makeover routine almost brings me to tears it's so beautiful.
And Leah Lang-Glusic (not sure I'm spelling right) is from IL and got an OTTB for under $1,000 and she's at Rolex for the 2nd time this year. I love the underdogs.
I don't have a prediction. I hope that you have a great time!!
ReplyDeleteHonestly I suck at keeping up with the times and basically have no clue of anyone who is competing *fail*
ReplyDeleteI think the Terminator (Michael Yung) will win. My emotional favorite is Doesn't Play Fair and Maya Black. I love the quirky little ones, what can I say? And man, would I love to try to sit that trot!
ReplyDeleteSo jealous that you are down there. I went down a few years ago and have been dying to go back since then.
ReplyDelete