Rolex

William Fox-Pitt of the UK lead Parklane Hawk to a the coveted top prize at the Rolex CCI**** in Lexington, KY over the weekend. The pair was an odds on favorite to win one of the few prizes Fox-Pitt hasn't taken home.  The strapping 16'3, 12 year old New Zealand-bred TB  also won the 2011 Land Rover Burghley CCI**** in England, the Blair Castle CIC*** (also in England) and the Blenheim CCI*** (England) in 2010.  You can bet that this duo has a very good chance of being on the podium later this year in London. 

 

Parklane Hawk is a former racehorse. There were 21 Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds scheduled to run in the event.  He raced in New Zealand as Park Lane, made 19 starts, including six over hurdles and steeplechase fences.  He never won a race. 

This victory gave Fox-Pitt two legs toward the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing.  He would be only the second person to do this.  But the third leg, the Badminton Horse Trials in England this weekend has been cancelled due to weeks of rain.  Rolex will have to decide what event to put in its place.

Some world class riders had some trouble on this course.  Andrew Nicholson of New Zealand and Karen O'Connor had not a not-so-good day on Calico Joe and Veronica respectively.  Calico Joe refused and hit the log at the first element of the ninth obstacle prompting him to withdraw.  O'Connor lost her balance and fell off in the first water jump.  Becky Holder and Courageous Comet, a Rolex and Olympic veteran, were eliminated.

Overall, the Americans faired well this year.  A surprising second place finish put Marshall, Virginia-based Allison Springer in the spotlight for the Olympics.  Her 16'1 hand US-bred Irish Sport Horse, Arthur made a very strong showing.  They have never placed in a four-star. 

As expected, Karen O'Connor and her new mount, Mr. Medicott had a strong showing, finishing in the top five.  This one is a strong contender to make the Olympic Team.  Rising star Will Colemand and Twizzel had a strong showing finishing fifth.  He is based near Charlottesville, Virginia.

(Samantha Clark photo)



Here is a list of the top 12 placings:

 William Fox-Pitt/Parklane Hawk (GBR) 41.3 + 0 + 4 = 45.3
2 Allison Springer/Arthur (USA) 39.8 + 3.2 + 4 = 47.0
3 Boyd Martin/Otis Barbotiere (USA) 51.0 + 0 + 0 = 51.0
4 Karen O’ Connor/Mr Medicott (USA) 44.2 + 6.8 + 0 = 51.0
5 William Coleman/Twizzel (USA) 51.3 + 0 + 0 = 51.3
6 Jonathan Paget/Clifton Promise (NZL) 44.8 + 0 + 8 = 52.8
7 Andrew Nicholson/Qwanza (NZL) 55.8 + 0 + 0 = 55.8
8 Boyd Martin/Remington XXV (USA) 45.3 + 7.6 + 4 = 56.9
9 Marilyn Little-Meredith/RF Demeter (USA) 49.0 + 2.8 + 12 = 63.8
10 Phillip Dutton/Mighty Nice (USA) 58.7 + 0 + 8 = 66.7
11 Peter Barry/Kilrodan Abbott (CAN) 60.3 + 3.2 + 4 = 67.5
12 Phillip Dutton/Fernhill Eagle (USA) 59.0 + 0.8 + 8 = 67.8