“That was the naughtiest he’s been to jog, actually ever,” said Liz Halliday-Sharp (USA) on Wednesday, laughing about her longtime partner Deniro Z after Kentucky’s First Horse Inspection at the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event presented by Mars. “But that’s a good thing because when he’s spicey like that it’s because he’s feeling great, and that’s what we want.”
Halliday-Sharp was one of 31 riders who jogged their 38 CCI5*-L horses at the First Horse Inspection. All of the horses passed. The Kentucky Three-Day Event in Lexington runs from April 27-30, 2023.
Zara Tindall (GBR), who is riding Class Affair, said she’s always loved riding in Kentucky. “It’s always great to be here. I love the whole show, the atmosphere, the horses are always looked after incredibly well, and it’s always an amazing competition,” she said.
Will Coleman (USA) will be riding Off the Record in his third Kentucky and five-star rookie Chin Tonic. Coleman spoke about his thoughts after an initial walk around Derek di Grazia’s cross-country course. “It’s got a few new wrinkles. Derek always kind of changes it from year to year. There’s plenty to do out there. It looks five star for sure. … I haven’t had enough time to develop any fears yet,” he added when asked about whether there were any specific challenging fences. “The coffin looks serious. The Head of the Lake is always a big question. There are questions all around. That’s kind of how Derek designs. You have to ride from start to finish.”
Entries and Ride Times
The dressage phase for the five star will begin at 1:30 p.m. Thursday with 20 horses and riders competing. The remaining horses will compete in the dressage phase on Friday.
Additionally, the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S will also kick off tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. There are 49 horses scheduled to ride in the dressage phase Thursday and Friday.
Below is a photo gallery of some of the CCI5*-L horses and riders from the First Horse Inspection.
For a complete list of the CCI5*-L entries and dressage ride times, click here.
For a complete list of the CCI4*-S entries and dressage ride times, click here.
To explore livestream options to watch the CCI5*-L and CCI4*-S comhttps://manentailequine.com/petitions, click here.
Thanks to Mane ‘n Tail Equine for our coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, including rider interviews, competition reports, horse spotlights, photos, videos and more!
