UNIONVILLE, Pa.--US Olympic Eventing Team member William Coleman on Diabolo was clean in stadium jumping to stay on 23.9 and maintain his lead in the Plantation Field International Three-Day Event $40,000 CCI4-S on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Will Coleman on Diabolo (Amy Dragoo Photography)Boyd Martin on Tsetserleg TSF was also clean to maintain second on 27, and Michael Nolan of Ireland on Carrabeg Hulla Balou added just 1.2 time faults to hang on to third on 29.4, though he is now tied with Shannon Lilley riding Eindhoven Garette.
A total of 173 horses are competing in the event across all levels from the CCI1-S up to the Four-Star. T
Although 38 horses started the CCI4-S division, only 34 will continue on to cross country tomorrow.
Twelve horses were clean, but only eight were in the time allowed.
Three horses received a CR, or Compulsory Retirement, for accumulating 20 or more jumping penalties, and one withdrew following show jumping.
“I tthought the courses were great,"said Coleman "I think Brody Robertson is doing a nice job and it’s nice to have another name for the show jumping for course design in this country. I’ve been pleased with what he laid out over the past couple of weeks, here and at Tryon, and the show jumping was an influential phase today. My horse felt good, though I must say he’s normally a bit better jumping after cross-country, so he was a little on the muscle, but he’s a quality animal and did the job well. He’s definitely ready to go cross country tomorrow!”
COLEMAN is also riding three less experienced horses this weekend.
Fahrenheit Addict placed 12th overall in the CCI3-S, which completed both show jumping and cross country today.
Box Como is 6th in the CCI2-S A, and his own Honest Man is 5th in the CCI1-S A.
“I didn’t really push Fahrenheit for time; he’s still in development and I just wanted him to have a nice run around the cross country, which he did, so I was pleased,” Coleman said. “Tomorrow’s a different track for the four-star, and hopefully it’ll be a good prep for our fall events. I haven’t competed here in a while, and I’m hoping I’ll do a good job out there.”
Martin, who is second on Tsetserleg TSF, is also fifth on Commando 3 and 17th on Miss Lulu Herself in the CCI4-S, as well as standing in second place after riding Kolbeinn around cross-country in the CCI2-S A.
“Thomas was amazing." said Martin. "He’s always a bit hit or miss in the show jumping and today he was right on the mark. Commando 3 was brilliant; he’s very careful and has a lot of scope, and he jumped like a champion. Miss Lulu Herself was jumping well too, but had an uncharacteristic rail down. Kolbeinn was a ripper in the two-star; unfortunately, Finterra took a little spook at the drop and I flew over his shoulder, but I’m still feeling good as gold to ride tomorrow.”
The event also features a Country Fair, and Martin’s wife Silva brought their three kids out to the event to enjoy the activities.
“I just ran into my family as they were busy on the mechanical bull and eating ice cream before they head to the bounce house,” said Martin.
In the CCI3-S, Ema Klugman of Australia on RF Redfern won the division on her dressage score of 28.8.
Alexandra Baugh finished second on Hubert Des 3 Arbres on 29.6, and Sharon White rounded out the top three with Jaguars Duende on 30.7.
The event concludes tomorrow with CCI4-S cross country, which begins at 1pm, and show jumping for the CCI1-S and CCI2-S divisions.
Patrons can enjoy Sunday brunch in the VIP tent overlooking the Main Arena – tickets are available at the door for $100.
Tailgating spots on the cross-country course can be purchased online for $250 at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/bfd0f1d8-e745-49ec-acbe-97ee73f4fd9f
Live scores can be found at https://evententries.com/#LiveScoresC3QAZNwTzL9pQcAHDGxblw==