Phillip Dutton Dominates Cross Country at Jersey Fresh

Rain, wind and chilly temperatures stormed the grounds at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event (JFI), presented by B.W. Furlong & Associates, as riders prepared to tackle Capt. Mark Phillips’ new cross-country course. Phillip Dutton advanced to the top of the CCI3* rankings with Mr. Candyman with a score of 58.9. Cornelia Dorr held the lead with Louis M with a score of 45.8 in the CCI2*. In the CIC3* Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous continue their lead on a score of 53.7. Overnight leader Lauren Kieffer with D.A. Duras maintained the top position of the CIC2* with a score of 50.9.

The CCI3* was the first division to start over Capt. Phillips’ course. Dutton and Mr. Candyman efficiently negotiated the obstacles, adding just 8.4 time faults, topping the leaderboard with a 58.9. Making huge strides up the leaderboard, Lizzy Jahnke and Princeton jumped from tenth to second place after cross-country with 18 time penalties added to finish on 74.8. Dom Schramm and Bolytair B moved into third with a score of 79.4.

“I want to congratulate everyone. All the organizers tried really hard to make it as good as it can be to make it safe for the horses and riders,” said Dutton. “Obviously, it got more challenging as it got wetter and wetter.”

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Dutton commented on his rides and the weather, “I was excited to take mine out to see how they would go in these conditions. Mr. Candyman is a work in progress and he handled it all very easily now. He might be brave enough to move up.”

With the rain and wind steadily increasing as the day progressed, the CCI2* division was the only section with riders producing double clear rounds, adding no time or jump penalties to their score. Talented young rider Dorr, held onto the lead with Louis M and moved up the ranks with her second horse Sir Patico MH. Producing two of only four clear rounds in the division, Dorr heads into Sunday’s competition in first place on her dressage score of 45.8 with Louis M and third place with Sir Patico MH on a 53.7. Maintaining their second place standing, Boyd Martin and Kyra finished cross-country with 2 time penalties for a total of 52.2 heading into Sunday’s competition.

“He was fabulous,” said Dorr. “He is much more use to these conditions than my other horse, it was good to get that confidence for both of us.”

In the CIC3*, there was quite a shake-up in the standings. While Little and RF Scandalous held onto their lead, the duo incurred 16.0 time penalties added to their dressage score. Littlewill head to Sunday’s show jumping phase on a score of 53.70, still with a healthy lead of 13.10 points. Making huge strides, Jennie Brannigan and Cool As Ice soared from tenth to second place after their cross-country round adding 18.0 penalties to their score for a total score of 66.80. Boyd Martin and Testserleg moved from eighth to third place, with just 2.8 penalties behind Brannigan with a score of 69.6.

“I thought the footing was holding quite well,” said Little. “By the time I was galloping around it was heavy going. She (RF Scandalous) is very courageous and tough horse. I thought the course jumped quite well and she gave me a great ride.”

Kieffer and D.A. Duras bested the CIC2* field with only 4.0 time penalties added to their score for a total of 50.9. Moving into second place is Sharon White with Cooley On Show on a score of 51.8. Sara Kozumplik Murphy piloted Ruben D’Ysieux to third position with a score of 59.9.

“He was really good”, said Kieffer about D.A. Duras. “I very much appreciated how much effort everyone put in to make the distances safe. The nice thing is that I felt I wasn’t going too quick, he’s a nice and efficient horse. As riders, we have to get use to riding and experiencing conditions such as this.”

The final phase of the competition, show jumping, for all CCI and CIC competitors will take place in the Grand Prix ring on Sunday, May 14, starting at 10:00 a.m.

Spectators can take in the beautiful competition and fantastic shopping opportunities as the JFI 2017’s Trade Fair returns, and is centrally located amidst all the competitive action. Shoppers and browsers will find a wide array of products and services that will appeal to all providing a great opportunity to pick up that perfect last-minute Mother’s Day gift!

The 2017 Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event is taking place at the Horse Park of New Jersey, a premier venue that draws top equestrian competitors across a multitude of disciplines. JFI invites all to join us for a fun and action-packed weekend. Additional details regarding the 2017 schedule of events and competition updates are posted at www.jfi3d.com.

The Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event is administrated by the Horse Park of New Jersey, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, charitable and educational organization that relies on sponsors, volunteers and members to sustain operations.

Further information about JFI is available at www.jfi3d.com.