As Olympic eventing gets under way at Greenwich Park, at least five nations are making a play for the podium
U.S. eventer Karen O'Connor had her hands full with Mr. Medicott, who gave a parting salute to the judges after his Olympic eventing dressage testWhile Ingrid Klimke leads on Butts Abraxxas with 39.3 penalties, followed by Dirk Schrade aboard King Artus (39.8), they are likely to be overtaken today by their strongest entry, world and European champion Michael Jung, who rides the multi-talented Sam as the dressage phase wraps up tomorrow afternoon.
One of the most formidable fields ever seen at the Games served notice that it will be quite a battle before anyone steps on the podium Tuesday. Great Britain, likely to give Germany its toughest fight, enjoyed a polished performance from the durable Mary King. Her well-ordered ride on Imperial Cavalier that earned 40.9 penalties produced cheers and flag-waving from the partisan packed stands, set against the amazing backdrop of the London skyline.
All three Australians who rode today finished in the top eight, and New Zealander Jonathan Paget stands sixth on Clifton Promise. Those four countries are the chief contenders for the medals, which will not be awarded until completion of another day of dressage, followed by cross-country and show jumping.
And where was the U.S.? The highest American finisher, Karen O'Connor, ranked ninth on Mr. Medicott with a score of 48.2 penalties. She had a lovely test in general, but her mount was bouncy at the start and finish, losing points for his exuberance.
"Something caught him out of the back of his eye and he set sail," she said.
Still, O'Connor managed to keep him under control as she pushed to insure he was going forward. Her approach got the ultimate compliment from her husband, Canadian coach David O'Connor.
"Good riding," he told her.
She was surprised at what her horse did, but she noted that stands are high and "he loves to have a look at stuff."
O'Connor's teammate, Boyd Martin, found himself with the unwelcome task of being first to go, but turned in a competent performance on Otis Barbotiere to rank 13th (50.7) with several flying changes that were quite exuberant.
Although the squad's rookie, Tiana Coudray, has produced some lovely dressage tests with the handsome gray, Ringwood Magister, he didn't have his usual zing and they are ranked 18th with 52 penalties.
It's not possible to produce any definitive intermediate team standings, since some squads, including Great Britain and New Zealand, had only two of five riders taking part yesterday. Of the teams that had three riders going, Australia led with 133.2 penalties, followed by Germany with 137.6 and the U.S., much further back on 150.9. The calculations also are complicated because only the best three of five scores count for each team.
Still, you could perhaps spot an early trend. Asked to assess the U.S. performance, Jim Wolf, the U.S. Equestrian Federation's director of sport programs said, "I thought it was an okay start, but tomorrow's another day and we have two strong combinations coming up. I think we're still in the hunt."
A lot of ground needs to be made up by the final American starters, Will Coleman on Twizzel and two-time team gold medalist Phillip Dutton with Mystery Whisper, an Australian import who has had a lot of hopes pinned on his capability.
"I've got no reason to believe he can't put in a really good test," Dutton said of his horse.
"My guy has settled in well and is getting used to the atmosphere. Hopefully, we'll have things on our side. I didn't come here not to go for it. It's day one of four long competitive days."
ON THE RAIL -- Sinead Halpin of Pittstown didn't make it past the staging area of the venue as the USA's first alternate, since all the team horses were sound. Now she's regrouping and heading for England's Burghley 4-star in September with Manoir de Carneville, who was 15th there last year.
She returned to New Jersey this weekend to teach so she could earn some money for her return to Great Britain.
Bow Brickhill Stables in Milford is hosting a clinic for her tomorrow and Monday. The cost is $150 for riders and $25 for auditors, or $50 for those who want to attend a dinner tonight, when Halpin will discuss training with the team in England for the last few weeks.
Contact John Alexis at bbhstables@embarqmail.com to make reservations...
A charity polo match next Sunday in Colts Neck will benefit the Vet-I-Care Foundation, which raises funds to help pet owners who cannot afford veterinary care, forcing them to euthanize their animals. Tickets include dinner, an open bar, and entertainment. Gates open at 4 p.m. at the Buck Mills Park. For more information or to buy tickets, contact
Eileen Schuck at Eschuck@vet-i-care.org or call (609) 259-8300, extension1153.
N.J. ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE
Sunday: Horse Park of N.J. Horse Trials, Route 524, Allentown; Liberty Network Side-Saddle Show, U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation, Pottersville Road, Gladstone; Warren County Farmers' Fair English/Western Open Show, Route 519 and Strykers Road, Harmony; Common Sense for Animals Show, Changewater Stables, 483 Route 519, Stewartsville; UPHA Children's Benefit Show, Gloucester County Dreampark, 400 Route 130 South, Logan Township; Smoke Rise Riding Club Show, 1 Talbot Dr., Kinnelon; Baymar Farm Show, Harbor Road, Marlboro; N.J. Pony Breeders and Owners Show, Delaware Valley Horsemen's Association Showgrounds, 299 Ringoes-Rosemont Road, Sergeantsville; Kings Polo Classic, Buck Mills Park, Buck Mills Road, Colt Neck (gates open at 4 p.m., match starts at 5 p.m., kingspolo.org).
Wednesday: Sussex County Benefit Show, Sussex County Fairgrounds, Plains Road, Augusta.
Thursday: Thursday Night Dressage Show, DVHA Showgrounds, 299 Ringoes-Rosemont Road, Sergeantsville.
Friday: American Quarter Horse Association Show, Sussex County Fairgrounds, Plains Road, Augusta (through next Sunday); Hawk Hollow Ranch Dressage Show, U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation, Pottersville Road, Gladstone (through Saturday); Beginner/Camp Show, DVHA Showgrounds, 299 Ringoes-Rosemont Road, Sergeantsville; Woodedge at the Park, Horse Park of N.J., Route 524, Allentown (through next Sunday).
Saturday: Dressage at the Meadow, 640 Powell Road, Mt. Holly; Tinicum Park Polo, Tinicum Park, 974 River Road/ Route 32, Erwinna, Pa. (one mile south of the Frenchtown, N.J. Bridge, 2-4 p.m., tinicumpolo.org).
Next Sunday: Delaware Valley Horsemen's Association Hunter Show, DVHA Showgrounds, 299 Ringoes-Rosemont Road, Sergeantsville; Vet-I-Care Charity Polo Match, Buck Mills Park, Buck Mills Road, Colts Neck (contact Eschuck@vet-i-care.org for tickets).
Nancy Jaffer may be reached at nancyjaffer@att.net.