"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.

Colleen Loach snags 5th place in CCI4*-L with FE Golden Eye; Jessica Phoenix takes 6th and 8th with Watson GS and Wabbit.

The Canadian event organizer is being recognized for her selfless work promoting the sport of eventing in Canada and around the world.

How to watch the premiere event at Fair Hill October 14-17, and CrossCountry 2 app is now available for eventers.

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

A number of Canadians contested the 2*, 3* and 4*-S divisions in Aiken, SC including Kyle Carter, Dana Cooke and Leslie Grant-Law.