Heels Down Rewind: Michael Jung Makes Three-peat History at Rolex Kentucky
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And the Oscar Goes To…
It wasn’t the shock of the century, but it was a historic record. “The Terminator” Michael Jung came, saw, and conquered, winning the Rolex Kentucky CCI**** for the third consecutive time – which has never been done in the history of the event. And all on the same horse – his beloved fischerRocana FST, the diminutive 12-year-old mare owned by his parents, Brigitte and Joachim, who made the trip to Kentucky with Michael. The German rider has never been to the Kentucky Horse Park and not won (World Equestrian Games 2010, Rolex Kentucky 2015, Rolex Kentucky 2016, Rolex Kentucky 2017).
The two-time Olympic champion also earned his 10th four-star title, surpassing Ginny Leng and Lucinda Green MBE for the number of wins at the level. At this rate, he is well-poised to surpass the record-holder for CCI4* wins: William Fox-Pitt with 14.
Rolex first-timer Madeline Backus was the youngest rider in the field and landed a spot in the victory gallop with the big guns. She and P.S. Arianna finished 20th, and had no jumping penalties to their first four-star cross-country course – a course that sent several veterans in the sport (like Buck Davidson and Boyd Martin) walking home. On an endearing note, the young rider held bake sales to raise money to fund her Rolex debut.
Stranger Things
Mr. Medicott, an 18-year-old Olympic gold medal mount, emerged from a two-year injury hiatus to finish fourth with Phillip Dutton as the highest-placed American pair behind Michael Jung (GER), Maxime Livio (FRA) and Zara Tindall (GBR). “I was quite unsure about what to do and whether to bring him. He’s been off for nearly two years,” said Phillip. “I probably could have had him a bit more fit, as I’ve only done one horse trials on him in two years. He’s such an incredible horse and this will be his last time at this level so it’s a great way for him to finish.”
Speaking of records, Phillip Dutton has completed 40 completions at Rolex Kentucky. “I wasn’t aware of it,” Phillip laughed. “I hadn’t been counting but it sounds like a lot.”
Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection collided with an unexpected obstacle on cross-country: a spectator. The pair galloped close to the ropes on course and hit a male spectator, who from all accounts is fine. Hannah Sue’s first words after crossing the finish flags were, “I hit a guy!”
Matt Brown’s horse Super Socks BCF completed approximately half of Derek di Grazia’s influential cross-country course with no front shoes. “He unfortunately jumped out of his front shoes somewhere before the Head of the Lake,” said Matt, who finished the weekend in fifth place.
Find the full results here.