King rules Kentucky three-day

Tuesday, 3 May 2011 11:38

Mary King has become the first ever rider to finish both first and second at the Rolex Kentucky Four-Star, Three-day event. Riding Kings Temptress (47.7) and Fernhill Urco (49.7) faultlessly in the show jumping round to claim the victor’s Rolex watch, Mary has told press that she had problems sleeping on Saturday before the event; worried that Fernhill Urco would still be tired after the cross country, King found herself nervous, an out of character trait for the eventing veteran.

Both horses were on excellent form, and even though the cross-country course had been drenched by rain, the ground had drained well and turned out an amazing run, with deep footing and a well-designed set of jumps; and after a fantastic run, King was guaranteed a top spot with both horses.

"I always feel with a three-day event that the cross-country is the big day and that whatever will be, will be in the show-jumping. You just hope that they pick up their feet and it all works out," said Mary.

When King returned to the ring on Kings Temptress, she had the luxury of knowing that she'd already won. Plus, she could afford to knock down a rail in her second round and still claim first and second places.

All of the riders at the three-day event performed admirably, and despite riders falling on the cross-country route the competition was a close call for the runner-up positions. Animal Friends congratulates Mary King for her impressive string of riding victories, and look forward to repeat performances in future events.