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Jung Maintains Clear Lead after Cross-Country at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

Photos courtesy of Rolex.

30 April 2016, Lexington, USA – Michael Jung riding Fischerrocana FST put in a masterclass cross-country performance with a clear round and just 0.8 time penalties to maintain his position as the current leader after Day Three of the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Jung has led the competition from Day One after his near flawless Dressage test and now has the final Show Jumping phase tomorrow to put him one step closer towards the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize.

Phillip Dutton (USA) rode two brilliant rounds over the cross-country course despite difficult conditions in the rain, to finish Day Three in both second place riding Fernhill Fugitive and also in third place on Mighty Nice after the Day Three Cross-Country. A total of 64 competitors started the testing cross-country course with 56 finishing in front 34,500 passionate Eventing fans. Michael Jung was the fastest rider of all 64 competitors.

TOP FIVE RESULTS AFTER DAY THREE CROSS-COUNTRY

1. Michael Jung (GER), Fischerrocana FST, 35.2
2. Phillip Dutton (USA), Fernhill Fugitive, 47.5
3. Phillip Dutton (USA), Mighty Nice, 49.8
4. Maya Black (USA), Doesn’t Playfair, 49.9
5. Boyd Martin (USA), Shamwari 4, 50.2

Phillip Dutton
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Phillip Dutton

ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF EVENTING

“I am absolutely very happy about my horse [Fischerrocana]. She was absolutely fighting and really concentrating and always trusting me – that gives me as a rider a great feeling,” said current leader Michael Jung.

Lying in both second and third place, USA rider Phillip Dutton said, “It was not easy today with the conditions, especially as the day went on. I was so pleased with how my guys went and was a great learning experience for them.”

“This is my second time at Rolex. I did it last year with the same horse [Doesn’t Playfair] and that’s about as much experience as I have at this level. I wasn’t worried about any specific fences, but just more concerned about getting around safely with my horse and making sure I did the best thing for him,” said Maya Black (USA), lying in fourth position after cross-country.

Michael Jung has travelled to the Kentucky Horse Park as the new Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing ‘live contender’ and as defending champion of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover.

All eyes remain on Jung to see if he can repeat the form he demonstrated in 2015, by winning this year’s Rolex Kentucky, which will put him one competition away from the coveted USD$350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize.

Maya Black
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Maya Black

HISTORY OF THE ROLEX GRAND SLAM

In 2001 Rolex was inspired to link the three foremost eventing competitions in the world into a Grand Slam. Badminton – the British horse trials on which the modern sport of eventing was founded, Kentucky – the premier US event, and Burghley – the East of England’s showpiece event, formed the competition.

Every year these three events attract world class competition and crowds of enthusiastic supporters eager to bear witness to equestrian greatness. It became immediately apparent that, completing the challenge and winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, would require a series of outstanding performances from a remarkable athlete.

Since its inception in 2001, only one rider has risen to the challenge: Britain’s much loved and highly decorated team member, Pippa Funnell. In April 2003 she rode Primmore’s Pride to victory at Rolex Kentucky, beginning her Rolex Grand Slam campaign. A week later, this time riding double European champion Supreme Rock, Funnell was crowned Badminton winner. A few months later, Funnell reigned supreme at Burghley, riding Primmore’s Pride again, outperforming fellow Rolex Testimonee Zara Phillips, who finished in second place. Pippa Funnell immediately joined the ranks of sporting greats and became a Rolex Testimonee.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Rolex SA
Virginie Chevailler
virginie.chevailler@rolex.com
+41 (0)22 302 2761

Revolution Sports + Entertainment
Rod Kohler
rod@revolutionsports.co.uk
+44 (0)7770 647 662

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