The Canadian, aboard Christiano who “likes to go fast”, claimed victory in the $5,000 FEI 1.45m Two-Phase in a field of 47.

Jordan Coyle and Keep Me With You edged countrymen Darragh Kenny and Philip McGuane; two Canadians place in top 10.

Germany’s Michael Jung and 'Chipmunk' won the 5*-L, while Canada's Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS charged from 14th to 3rd in the 4*-S.

"She’s a boss mare — she runs the stable and is in charge and very confident in herself,” said the US rider after their CSI5* grand prix victory.

The small but mighty contingent of Canadians had a great cross-country day; Jessica Phoenix sits 13th with Fluorescent Adolescent in the CCI5*-L.

Boyd Martin and Tom McEwen take over second and third place in the CCI5*-L; Canada's Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent are 20th.

The American aboard Gray’s Inn took the welcome class of the Kentucky International CSI5*, a qualifier for Saturday’s $400,000 Grand Prix.

The German historically does well in this phase, but he broke his own record with an 18.6 pp at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event.

In the CCI5*-L, 34 combinations are moving forward to the dressage phase, including the sole Canadian entry, Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent.

Olympic champion Christian Kukuk tops the start list; Canada will be represented by Tiffany Foster and Mario Deslauriers.