The year 2011 begins what will prove to be the Derek di Grazia era. The longtime course designer, Michael Etherington-Smith, has mentored Derek for the past three years, and this year Derek steps out onto the international stage with his first four-star design. I have walked the course, and it is not at all what I had expected. If I were in Derek’s shoes (and I’m glad I’m not), I would have designed a three-star course on steroids. I would have wanted the riders to handle my course easily, gain confidence in my designs and look forward to returning in other years.
Two horses were held, but all 45 horses presented at the first horse inspection at the Rolex Kentucky CCI**** passed. The ground jury held Kristin Bachman's Gryffindor and Kelly Sult's Hollywood, but both were accepted on reinspection.
Phillip Dutton's Truluck, who was on the start list, did not present.
Because I want to keep this blog updated a bit more frequently through Rolex, the updates are going to be slightly less story like than my last few posts! Time and Internet access are going to get more difficult to find as the week carries on, so I figure I better just get some 411 out there, even if it lacks a little color!
Stats: age 44, Kalispell, Mont.
My Sedona: ch. m., 16 hands, 13 years, U.S.-bred Thoroughbred (Starbird Glacier—Past Noon, Sauce Boat), owned by Cindy Marvin.
Last year, this pair was sixth in the Bromont CCI*** (Que.), ninth in the Galway Downs CIC*** (Calif.), and 10th in the CIC*** at The Event At Rebecca Farm (Mont.). This spring they were fifth in a division of advanced at Twin Rivers Winter (Calif.).
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