Tag Archives: Michael Jung

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Eventing/H.T.

Jung Closes In on Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Prize after Leading Dressage at Badminton

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Photo courtesy of Rolex.

6 May 2016, Badminton, UK – Michael Jung (GER) continued his winning form from the Rolex Kentucky event last weekend to lead the 2016 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials after the Dressage phase, to set him on course for the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize.

With a stunning dressage score of 34.4, Jung, riding his double gold medal winning horse La Biostheetique-Sam FBW, leads the 77 strong field of competitors with the UK’s Emily King in second place riding Brookleigh and fellow compatriot, Andreas Ostholt, in third place riding So Is Et.

Only these three riders posted dressage scores under 40 and now head into Saturday’s challenging cross-country course with one of the closest set of scores in the competition’s history.

TOP 5 RESULTS AFTER DRESSAGE

1. Michael Jung (GER), La Biosthetique-Sam FBW, 34.4
2. Emily King (UK), Brookleigh, 36.8
3. Andreas Ostholt (GER), So Is Et, 38.2
4. Francis Whittington (UK), Hasty IMP, 40.0
5. Christopher Burton (AUS), Nobilis 18, 40.3

ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF EVENTING CHALLENGE

Speaking at the post-dressage press conference, a delighted Jung said, “It is always in my mind [Rolex Grand Slam] and the pressure is on, but this is normal like in every competition – when I go to any big competition like a 4* I try to win for sure. I am always looking step by step – the dressage is over but now we are concentrating on the cross-country and then we will look to the next day.”

Competing at her very first Badminton, 20-year-old Emily King said, “I’m absolutely over the moon. ‘Brook’ was really good; he went in the ring and warmed up very well and kept that into the main arena. I knew he was capable of doing such a good test. He kept his cool very well so I was over the moon!”

“I think the ground will be perfect for the cross-country, so the conditions can’t be better. If it stays like this tomorrow too, I think we will have a great day and enjoy the day,” said Ostholt, currently lying in third place.

Having won both the 2015 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and the 2016 Rolex Kentucky, Jung is now just one competition away from the coveted USD$350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize. He has traveled to Badminton straight from Kentucky to try to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing.

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.

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Virginie Chevailler
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+44 (0)7770 647 662

Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., FEI

Emily King Challenges Jung at Badminton

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Emily King (GBR) and Brookleigh (Sebastian Oakley/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 6 May, 2016 – Emily King (GBR), the youngest rider at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR), fourth leg of the FEI Classics™ 2015/2016, produced the performance of the day and is in second place behind first-day leaders Michael Jung (GER) and La Biosthetique Sam FBW at the end of the Dressage phase.

King scored 36.8 in a beautiful test on the 13-year-old Westphalian Brookleigh and is 2.4 penalties behind the Olympic champion, who retains pole position going into Saturday’s Cross Country.

King’s riding was calm and mature and she and the hogged black gelding made an elegant picture. “I feel really proud,” said the 20-year-old.

“Brookleigh can do a good test, but he also has a tendency to get behind the leg or be lively, and it was great that this time he was exactly as good in the arena as he had been in the warm-up.

“I’m excited rather than nervous – at the moment! This will be his longest course but the good ground should suit him.”

King, whose mother, Mary, won Badminton in 1992 and 2000, finished fourth on her CCI4* debut at Pau (FRA) last year. She said: “I’ve been coming to Badminton every year since I was born, and this has always been the most important event to me.”

Andreas Ostholt (GER) and Francis Whittington (GBR), who performed their Dressage tests Thursday, are now in third and fourth places.

As anticipated, Christopher Burton (AUS) and the 11-year-old Nobilis 18, a horse originally produced by Jung, are among the leaders, in fifth place on 40.3. Their test had some lovely moments, with just the odd mistake coming in the half-pass and one flying change.

Although the absence of two of Britain’s best riders, former winners William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Pippa Funnell (GBR), who was injured in a fall last weekend, the younger generation have certainly risen to the occasion.

Dani Evans (Raphael ll) and Izzy Taylor (Allercombe Ellie) are in joint sixth place and Oliver Townend is eighth on the New Zealand Thoroughbred Black Tie, once a winning racehorse on the flat.

Several experienced riders are clustered together on scores in the mid-40s, just a little off the pace of the leaders, and some have expressed disappointment with their performances.

Bettina Hoy (GER), 14th on a score of 44.0 with Designer 10, lost marks for tension and a mistake in a flying change, and Sir Mark Todd (NZL), 17th on 44.8 penalties, reported Leonidas ll to have been “uptight”.

Laura Collett (GBR), 37th on 48.2, looked as if she would challenge the leaders with Grand Manoeuvre before mistakes crept in, and Zara Tindall (GBR), 36th on 48.0, who is chasing Olympic qualification on High Kingdom, said the 15-year-old was “a bit too jolly” after an 18-month absence from major competition.

Beautiful sunny weather has created a relaxed atmosphere at the famous British venue, but the atmosphere is expected to hot up Saturday when riders tackle Giuseppe della Chiesa’s (ITA) challenging Cross Country course. Oliver Townend (GBR) will show the way on one of the world’s most experienced horses, Armada, at 11.30am (local time).

See how this thrilling competition unfolds on www.feitv.org (geo-restrictions may apply for certain territories – please check on FEITV.org for further details).

Live results and Radio Badminton available on www.badminton-horse.co.uk.

Use hashtags #FEIClassics #Eventing.

By Kate Green

Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials Media Contact:

Julian Seaman
Head of Media
J.Seaman2@sky.com
+44 7831 515736

FEI Media Contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145

Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., FEI

German Duo Steals Early Lead at Badminton

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Michael Jung (GER) riding La Biosthetique Sam (Sebastian Oakley/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 5 May 2016 – No German rider has won the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR), fourth leg of the FEI Classics™ 2015/2016, in its 67-year history, but two of them are currently heading the leaderboard after the first day of Dressage and few would bet against this being the year that history is made.

Michael Jung (GER), who flew straight to Badminton after his victory at Kentucky (USA) on Sunday, and La Biosthetique Sam FBW lead Andreas Ostholt (So Is Et), the two German riders earning the only sub-40 marks of the day.

Last to go, Francis Whittington (GBR) gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about when scoring 40.0 penalties on Hasty Imp to slot into third place at this stage.

Jung has become a great favourite in Britain and a packed crowd gave him a warm reception after his test, which was obedient and soft with some expressive canter work. The Ground Jury, President Marilyn Payne (USA), Andrew Bennie (NZL), and Angela Tucker (GBR), gave him nines for his riding.

“It’s the ease of it all that makes him such a pleasure to watch,” explained Olympic Dressage gold medalist Carl Hester, who was commentating.

“Sam was really good,” said Jung of the 16-year-old gelding that has given him Olympic, world and European titles as well as victory at Burghley last year.

“Before today, I felt he was quite nervous and that I hadn’t done enough work with him, but in the end he was very relaxed. I must thank all the people who have been looking after him while I was ‘on holiday’ in Kentucky.”

Ostholt, 38, who has not competed at Badminton for five years, is only 3.8 penalties behind, on a mark of 38.2 on So Is Et, a 13-year-old Westphalian gelding. “I have not scored in the thirties for two years, so it’s a good feeling,” he said.

Ostholt, whose brother Frank was placed at Badminton in 2007, is Head of the Riding Unit at the German Military Sports School at Warendorf.

Whittington said he was “over the moon” but was not going to allow his achievement to go to his head at this early stage of the competition. “I came here with no expectations,” he said.

“The horse has to work hard at this level and I am going to focus on one thing at a time. The main thing is that I need to concentrate [in Saturday’s Cross Country] and ride forward.

“I’ve changed my mindset following a great conversation with Joseph Murphy (IRL) in Ballindenisk recently. It’s cleared my mind and reminded me why I do this – for the fun of it. I’ve been here before [well placed after Dressage] and know it can all change overnight so I’m just going to enjoy the moment.”

Clarke Johnstone (NZL), who has returned to his home country to live, is in fourth place on the 12-year-old grey New Zealand Sport Horse Balmoral Sensation with a mark of 40.8.

Badminton first-timer Jesse Campbell (NZL), lying fifth, had the doubtful privilege of going into the arena after Jung, but he didn’t let that affect his concentration and the 13-year-old New Zealand Thoroughbred Kaapachino, a reliable performer in the Dressage phase, produced a good test for 40.8.

“I’m a little on edge,” admitted Campbell, one of the tallest riders on the circuit, who revealed that things got off to a frenetic start when he lost his car keys and had to squeeze into Jock Paget’s suit for the first Horse Inspection.

“Kaapachino’s walk is always on the delicate side and I mucked up the halt, but I have to be pleased. Badminton is the reason you do this sport. I’ve wanted to come here ever since I sat up all night to watch Mark Todd win on Bertie Blunt in 1996.”

Five nations are represented in the top seven, with the 2014 winners Sam Griffiths (AUS) and Paulank Brockagh in sixth place ahead of Ireland’s Sarah Ennis on BLM Diamond Delux in seventh.

Riders have been making early assessments of Giuseppe della Chiesa’s (ITA) Cross Country course, which follows the same anti-clockwise direction as in 2015. It’s the Italian designer’s third year at Badminton and German team trainer Christopher Bartle considers “the pendulum has swung back to 2014,” which was generally considered a tougher course than last time.

He comments: “There is a lot to jump out there and you have to take confidence from fence to fence, but at the same time it is definitely doable.”

Blyth Tait (NZL), currently 17th after scoring 48.5 on Bear Necessity V, is also well placed to offer an interesting perspective on the track, as this is the first time he’s ridden at Badminton for 13 years, having retired from the sport in 2004.

“I feel as if I’ve never been away,” said the former Olympic and world champion. “I’m feeling pretty brave now, but that may have changed by Saturday! The course is strong all the way and I’m not so keen on all the left turns – at Huntsman’s Close, the Gatehouse New Pond, and the Lake, among others – where it would be easy to run out.”

Tait finished runner-up at Badminton three times in the 1990s. “I’d be thrilled with a top 10 finish this week, but I must admit it would be nice to nail this event before I retire… again.”

There are several smart combinations yet to perform their Dressage tests – the penultimate rider Friday, Christopher Burton (AUS) on Nobilis 18, is strongly fancied to challenge Jung – and Carl Hester expressed the opinion that the competition was still wide open for “a mistake-free, expressive test” to take the lead.

See how this thrilling competition unfolds on www.feitv.org (geo-restrictions may apply for certain territories – please check on FEITV.org for further details).

Live results and Radio Badminton will also be available on www.badminton-horse.co.uk.

Full results: www.badminton-horse.co.uk.

Use hashtags #FEIClassics #Eventing.

By Kate Green

Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials Media Contact:

Julian Seaman
Head of Media
J.Seaman2@sky.com
+44 7831 515736

FEI Media Contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145

Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38

Eventing/H.T., FEI, FEI, Kentucky Three-Day, Show Jumping

Michael Jung Makes History at Kentucky

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Michael Jung (GER) and FischerRocana (Red Bay Group LLC/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 2 May, 2016 – The packed crowds at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA), third leg of the FEI Classics™ 2015/2016, roared their approval of Michael Jung’s (GER) back-to-back victory on FischerRocana, realising they were in the presence of greatness.

The world number one has an unbeaten record at America’s premier venue, having won on all his three visits, which includes the world title back in 2010.

“I like this place a lot,” said Jung, smilingly acknowledging the crowd. “The people are very friendly and my horse, Roxie, likes it as well. She is getting better and better. I’m learning all the time from her.”

Richard Jeffrey’s Jumping track proved influential and any hopes of applying pressure on Jung evaporated when he was left with four fences in hand to win. He did use up one, when the 11-year-old mare just clipped the second part of the double, but his winning margin of 13.3 penalties is thought to be the biggest in Kentucky’s CCI4* history.

Lauren Kieffer (USA) will surely have done her Olympic selection chances no harm with second place – a repeat of her 2014 result – on another mare, Veronica. This was a rise of four places thanks to achieving the only clear round, albeit with one time penalty, in the top 14.

Kieffer won the Land Rover Ride of the Day prize as the US rider nearest the optimum Cross Country time on Landmark’s Monte Carlo but a disastrous five rails down dropped that partnership from seventh to 18th.

Phillip Dutton (USA) also plummeted, from second to 13th, with 20 Jumping penalties on Fernhill Fugitive, but he still finished fourth and fifth on Mighty Nice and Fernhill Cubalawn.

Maya Black (USA) enjoyed a career best in third place on the spring-heeled Doesn’t Play Fair.

The scarcity of clear rounds at the top of the leaderboard meant that four faults was good enough to elevate Boyd Martin (USA) from 10th to sixth on Blackfoot Mystery, Sir Mark Todd from 12th to seventh on NZB Campino and Elisa Wallace from 14th to eighth on Simply Priceless.

As attention turns to the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials this weekend, Jung has now risen to taken the lead in the FEI Classics™ as well as setting himself up for the Rolex Grand Slam. His great horse La Biosthetique Sam is already en route for the famous English venue.

“My dream is to win Badminton, of course, but we will have to see what happens,” he said. The rest of the world has been warned.

About the winner

Michael Jung (GER), 33, is the first rider in history to hold Olympic, World and European titles simultaneously and the first to win five championship titles consecutively, culminating in the European title at Blair Castle (GBR) last year on FischerTakinou.

He first came to prominence in 2009, when he won the Luhmühlen CCI4*, the FEI World Cup™ Eventing series final in Strzegom (POL) and an individual European bronze medal in Fontainebleau (FRA), all on La Biosthetique Sam.

The pair went on to win the world title in Kentucky (USA) in 2010, double European gold in Luhmühlen in 2011 and double Olympic gold in London (GBR) in 2012.

In 2013, they were second at Badminton CCI4*, last year they finished third at Kentucky (USA) and then added the Burghley CCI4* title to their collection.

Jung won a second European title, at Malmö (SWE) in 2013 on Halunke, and in 2014 finished second at Luhmühlen and won world team gold and individual silver medals on FisherRocana FST, also the winner of Kentucky in 2015.

He lives in Horb, Germany, where his parents, Joachim and Bridgette, own a riding establishment.

FischerRocana FST is an 11-year-old mare by Ituango XX out of a Carismo mare, owned by Joachim and Bridgette Jung.

Full results on www.rk3de.org.

See full standings: www.fei.org/fei/events/fei-classics.

Use hashtags #FEIClassics #Eventing.

See FEI Classics™ hub: www.fei.org/fei/events/fei-classics.

By Kate Green

Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Media Contact:

Marty Baumann
Press Chief
info@classic-communications.com
508-698-6810 x 10

FEI Media Contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145

Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38

Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Kentucky Three-Day, Show Jumping

Michael Jung Wins Back-to-Back Titles at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

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(LEXINGTON, KY) – May 1, 2016 – Michael Jung defends his title at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover in spectacular fashion for a back-to-back win.

The heavy downpour of rain paused as the formidable pairing of Germany’s Michael Jung and Fischerrocana FST entered the packed stadium and to the delight of the crowd claimed their second consecutive victory at the Kentucky Horse Park. Jung wasted no time in celebrating his incredible achievement, with the 25,000 spectators standing on their feet to applaud their new hero as he galloped his lap of honor.

Lauren Kieffer (USA), who Saturday won a Land Rover Discovery Sport for achieving the Land Rover Best Ride of the Day, made sure to keep the pressure on the reigning Olympic Champion, producing a stunning clear round on her bay mare, Veronica. With a final score of 52.5, Kieffer moved up the leader board to secure not only second place but also the USEF Championship Trophy awarded to the highest placed American rider. Maya Black (USA), despite having a rail down, took the third spot aboard Doesn’t Play Fair.

Jung commented on his win: “My personality is calm but when you wait the whole day for your round it does make you nervous. It feels absolutely perfect to win. Kentucky is a very nice place; everywhere you look around is unbelievable and I am very happy to win here.”

Kieffer beamed afterwards. “Veronica jumped beautifully. I couldn’t be happier; she really tried her heart out. It feels fantastic to come second; it has been a really good weekend for sure. I am thrilled.”

For the seventh year running Land Rover North America returned as presenting sponsor of the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, continuing their longstanding support of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and equestrian sports. As one of six annual Four-Star Eventing competitions around the world (alongside the Olympic Games and World Championships), the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the most prestigious competitions in the world. It is therefore an official selection event for the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team, and will be attracting the world’s best riders.

For any equestrian fans unable to attend the event, the NBC telecast of the Rolex Equestrian Championships presented by Land Rover will allow those to stream and enjoy it from home on May 8th from 1:30-3:00pm EDT.

To learn more about the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover, please visit: www.RK3DE.org.

About The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover is the nation’s premier Three-Day Event and one of the most prestigious equestrian competitions in the world. The Fédération Equestre Internationale (International Equestrian Federation – FEI), the world’s governing body of equestrian sports, has designated the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event as a ‘Four Star’ eventing competition, the highest designation, which is given only to the Olympic Games, World Championships, and six annual events around the world. “Rolex Kentucky” is the only Four Star event in the Western Hemisphere. Known as the “Best Weekend All Year,” the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, April 28 – May 1.

Contacts:

Deb Sandford
Nat’l PR Comms & Events Manager
Jaguar Land Rover
North America, LLC
949.510.0529
dsandfor@jaguarlandrover.com

Marty Bauman
Chief Press Officer
Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event
508.698.6810
marty@classic-communications.com

Leah Oliveto
Director, Communications
United States Equestrian Federation
859 225 2053
loliveto@usef.org

Eventing/H.T., Kentucky Three-Day, Show Jumping, USEF

Lauren Kieffer Claims Second Rolex/USEF CCI4* National Championship Title

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Lauren Kieffer and Veronica (RedBayStock.com)

Michael Jung Scores Back-to-Back Win at 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover

Lexington, Ky. – The 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover (RK3DE) came to its conclusion with Sunday’s show jumping phase over Richard Jeffery’s challenging track. The U.S. contingent was impressive at the RK3DE, taking eight of the top 10 places on the leaderboard. Finishing second overall, Lauren Kieffer won her second Rolex/USEF CCI4* National Championship with Veronica with excellent performances in each phase. However, it was Michael Jung (GER) and fischerRocana FST who led America’s only four-star event from start to finish, winning back-to-back titles after claiming top honors in 2015.

Kieffer (Middleburg, Va.) steadily climbed the leaderboard throughout the competition with solid performances with Team Rebecca, LLC’s Veronica to finish second overall and claim her second Rolex/USEF CCI4* National Championship. She and the 2002 Dutch Warmblood mare had a lovely, accurate dressage test to receive a score of 43.9 from the Ground Jury of Ernst Topp (GER), Sandy Phillips (GBR), and Andrew Bennie (NZL). The duo attacked Derek di Grazia’s challenging cross-country course in rainy conditions, collecting 7.6 time penalties. Kieffer and Veronica had an excellent show jumping round with a single time penalty to finish on a score of 52.5.

“There was definitely a lot of planning going into this one. It was certainly a goal from the beginning to have good performance. Last time it was a bit of a pleasant surprise. I couldn’t be happier with her, for sure,” Kieffer said of winning her second national title. She added, “I think it is important to notice that the U.S. really dominated the leaderboard for the first time. We had a lot of nations here, so the U.S. team has been working hard to raise its game and it is starting to show, and hopefully everybody continues on with that heading into the summer.”

In only her second RK3DE appearance, Maya Black finished in third place overall and was the Rolex/USEF CCI4* National Reserve Champion with Dawn Dofelmier’s Doesn’t Play Fair. Black (Clinton, Wash.) and the diminutive 2005 Holsteiner gelding had a fluid dressage test to score 45.5. The pair had an efficient cross-country round, only incurring 4.4 time penalties. Black did not let the pressure of her position on the leaderboard affect her and rode a confident show jumping round with Doesn’t Play Fair, having a single rail at fence 9 to finish on a score of 53.9.

Maya Black and Doesn't Play Fair (RedBayStock.com)
Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair (RedBayStock.com)

“I have had ‘Cody’ for about five or six years now and I have brought him up the levels. He is a great little horse and he has been a pleasure to bring along. As many people know he is not a pleasure to deal with in the barn, but he comes to work every day so he has really been enjoyable to train and travel around the country with,” Black said of her feisty partner. “It has been a good season this spring. I have put some different pieces together and I am really pleased to be here.”

Jung demonstrated why he is number one in the world throughout the weekend at the Kentucky Horse Park. He had a fabulous dressage test with fischerRocana FST and earned a score of 34.4. Jung gave Brigitte and Joachim Jung’s 2005 Deutsches Sportpferd mare a determined ride over the tough cross-country track, adding 0.8 time penalties to their dressage score. He and fischerRocana FST had a significant lead going into the show jumping phase, and though they knocked a rail at 4B, they defended their 2015 title by finishing on a score of 39.2. Jung is only the third rider in the event’s history to win consecutive titles and is now one step closer to winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, a feat that will be accomplished if he wins the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials CCI4* next weekend.

“The big thing I have to say is thank you to all the people who help me so that I can come back again and compete with so many good horses; also that next week I can go to Badminton and that I have another horse for the Olympic Games,” Jung said of his supporters. “It is such a big pleasure and I am very proud of it. The people and every horse had a little part in a very big success for the whole team.”

Dubarry of Ireland sponsored the fourth annual $20,000 Dubarry Team Challenge and the USA came out on top of the standings with a final score of 178.5, followed by New Zealand with a score of 238.0 and the composite team of Australia, Germany, and Great Britain with a score of 298.5.

Watch every ride on demand on the USEF Network.

For more information about the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover, visit rk3de.org.

View complete results

By Kathleen Landwehr

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T., Kentucky Three-Day, Show Jumping

Michael Jung Delivers Back-to-Back Wins at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

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Photo courtesy of Rolex.

1 May 2016, Lexington, USA – Michael Jung riding Fischerrocana FST kept both his cool and overnight lead to secure a back-to-back victory at the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Jung led the competition from Day One after his near flawless Dressage test and fastest Cross-Country ride of the whole day.

Coming into the final Show Jumping phase and last to go into the packed Rolex Stadium, Jung had three fences in hand, but delivered another masterclass round with just one rail down to win the event and set him on course to challenge for the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize at the Badminton Horse Trials in the UK in just four days’ time.

With 54 starters for the final Show Jumping phase on day four of the competition, Lauren Kieffer (USA) delighted the 25,000 patriotic home fans, riding Veronica, to take second place behind Jung. Maya Black (USA) continued her amazing weekend in just her second Rolex Kentucky to take third place riding Doesn’t Play Fair.

TOP FIVE FINAL RESULTS

1. Michael Jung (GER), Fischerrocana FST, 39.2
2. Lauren Kieffer (USA), Veronica, 52.5
3. Maya Black (USA), Doesn’t Playfair, 53.9
4. Philip Dutton (USA), Mighty Nice, 57.8
5. Phillip Dutton (USA), Fernhill Cubalawn, 59.4

ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF EVENTING

Speaking after his victory, Jung said, “I am very proud of my horse; she has tried all weekend for me in the dressage, cross-country and now today in the show jumping.  I now travel to Badminton tomorrow and will meet my other horse there, La Biothesque Sam. He is in really good form and so I am really looking forward to Badminton. [The Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing] is a hard challenge as you can see just one person has won it so far and so it is very special on a very high level. Badminton is a tough competition; it is a hard competition, but I will go there to try to win it!”

“Veronica jumped so beautifully; I couldn’t be happier as she really tried her heart out. It feels fantastic to come second; it has been a really good weekend for sure. I am thrilled,” said a delighted Lauren Kieffer.

Third placed Maya Black said, “It’s only my second Rolex. I never dreamed that I would be sitting next to these two great riders [Jung and Kieffer]. My horse can be a bit difficult but he was fabulous all weekend!”

Michael Jung 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.

Having won both the 2015 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and the 2016 Rolex Kentucky, Jung is now just one competition away from the coveted USD$350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize. He now travels to the UK to compete in the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in just four days’ time to try to win the Rolex Grand Slam.

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

Competitions, Eventing/H.T., FEI, Kentucky Three-Day

Michael Jung Widens the Gap after Cross Country at Kentucky

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Michael Jung and FischerRocana FST (Red Bay Group LLC/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 30 April 2016 – Michael Jung (GER) and FischerRocana FST were breathtaking to watch across country at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA), third leg of the FEI Classics™ 2015/2016, and now hold a commanding lead.

The seemingly unstoppable Olympic and European champion has three Jumping fences in hand over Phillip Dutton (USA), who is in second and third places on Fernhill Fugitive and Mighty Nice.

The world number one gave a masterclass in brave, accurate riding in difficult conditions, as pouring rain and wind made Derek di Grazia’s course a true test of horsemanship.

Jung took the most economic lines and encouraged his gallant mare all the way, finishing the course with a flourish and the most enormous flying leap over the last fence. He was only two seconds over the optimum time of 11 minutes 15 seconds, which was the fastest time of the day.

“When I say ‘Come on, we can do this,’ she trusts me completely. She’s an absolutely great mare,” a visibly thrilled Jung said touchingly. “When you finish a four-star course with a horse that has trusted you like that, it’s a great feeling.”

Jung aside, the leaderboard changed considerably and time proved influential on a track that contained not only big island fences but combinations on continually turning lines and ground that turned from slippery to sticky as the rain poured relentlessly down.

The masterful Dutton, who was first out on course, now has three horses inside the top 10, as Fernhill Cubalawn has risen from 19th to 10th.

Maya Black (USA) put up a great performance on the pony-like Doesn’t Play Fair and has risen from 12th to fourth with one of the fastest rounds of the day. Boyd Martin (USA) is fifth on Shamwari 4 and 10th on Blackfoot Mystery, an inexperienced American Thoroughbred and bred just down the road from Kentucky.

Lauren Kieffer (USA) is in sixth and seventh on Veronica, her 2014 runner-up, and Jaqueline Mars’ home-bred grey gelding Landmark’s Monte Carlo. Buck Davidson (USA) rode a brilliantly determined round on Petite Flower, a horse bred by his father, Bruce, and is in eighth place.

American riders dominate the top of the leaderboard after Sir Mark Todd (NZL) dropped six places to 12th on NZB Campinowith 13.2 time penalties. His compatriot Jock Paget is 15th after a good round on Clifton Signature, while Blyth Tait on Xanthus III had a run-out at 14a, and, disappointingly, Tim Price tipped off Bango at the final combination.

Mention should be made of Daniela Moguel, the first Mexican rider ever to compete at Kentucky; she finished clear on Cecelia with 14.8 time penalties to lay a creditable 24th of the 56 finishers. “I feel amazing!” she said afterwards. “I can’t describe it. My mare was unbelievable. She said: ‘Hold on; I got it!’”

Allison Springer, the runner-up after Dressage on long-time partner Arthur, endured a nerve-racking long wait for her round. She set off at the end of the day amid great expectations, but any chance of her pressing Jung in Sunday’s finale evaporated with a run-out at the flowerbed in the coffin at fence 24c.

Marilyn Little, third after Dressage, also had a bitter disappointment. Somehow, she arrived 53 seconds late into the start box, but this problem became irrelevant when she parted company from RF Demeter on landing over the table fence at 22.

Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp decided to withdraw Fernhill by Night, third after Dressage, because the horse had sustained a minor injury that had required stitches just a few days before the start of the competition.

Boyd Martin summed up a challenging but exciting day: “This is the pinnacle of the sport and it’s not meant to be easy – but I wouldn’t want to do it every weekend!”

Full results: http://rk3de.org/results.

All Jumping action will be on FEI TV (www.feitv.org) and live results on www.rk3de.org.

Use hashtags #FEIClassics #Eventing.

See FEI Classics™ hub: www.fei.org/fei/events/fei-classics.

By Kate Green

Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Media Contact:

Marty Baumann
Press Chief
info@classic-communications.com
508-698-6810 x 10

FEI Media Contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145

Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T., Kentucky Three-Day

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

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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
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
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

Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Kentucky Three-Day, Revolution Sports

Jung Maintains Leads at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day with Sights Set on Rolex Grand Slam

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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