"I was just hoping to finish in the top five today" said the US rider after jumping from 3rd to 1st with a clear stadium jumping round.

Top Canadian is Jessica Phoenix with Bogue Sound in 18th place; event wraps up with stadium jumping on Sunday.

Top Canadians in the Maryland 5* ahead of XC are Jessica Phoenix/Bogue Sound and Holly Jacks-Smither/Candy King, sitting 11th and 12th.

Top Canadian in the CCI5*-L is Jessica Phoenix with Bogue Sound; Kurt Martin (USA) leads the CCI3*-L aboard D.A. Lifetime.

The first horse inspection in Elkton saw just one horse spun; Canada has 5 entries in the 5* and 3 in the 3* going into the dressage phase.

FHF is raising $1 million to finalize construction of the cross-country course and auctioning a customized trailer worth over $52,000.