Photo courtesy of Rolex.
30 April 2016, Lexington, USA – Michael Jung riding Fischerrocana FST has maintained his position as the current leader after Day Two of the dressage phase of the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and now has his sights firmly set on the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize.
Allison Springer (USA) riding Arthur are now lying in second place behind Jung, with Marilyn Little (USA) riding RF Demeter in third place, after the Day Two Dressage. A total of 71 competitors completed the dressage phases with riders represented from nine nations.
TOP FIVE RESULTS AFTER DAY TWO DRESSAGE
1. Michael Jung (GER), Fischerrocana FST, 34.1
2. Allison Springer (USA), Arthur, 39.7
3. Marilyn Little (USA), RF Demeter, 42.5
4. Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (USA), Fernhill By Night, 43.0
5. Philip Dutton (USA), Fernhill Fugitive, 43.1
ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF EVENTING
Jung has all his options covered ahead of Saturday’s 29 fence cross-country course and said, “At the moment we will try to go fast. My horse feels very happy and very strong, but that can change tomorrow morning. Rolex Kentucky and the Rolex Grand Slam are very important to me. It’s a very long trip here – I am not coming here to having a nice holiday. I come here to win!”
Competing in their seventh Rolex Kentucky, Allison Springer said, “It’s always so emotional and wonderful to be here. I’ve had such a long partnership with the horse [Arthur]. He’s tricky, but it brings a tear to my eye just to be able to be here where the crowd cheers you on. It’s just such a great feeling here.”
Marilyn Little was thrilled with her ride and said, “There were some moments of brilliance today, but there were also a few mistakes. It was certainly one of her more relaxed tests.”
Michael Jung has traveled 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 are now 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.
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