Nineteen-year-old Tim Lips (NED), riding Concrex Oncarlos, has taken an early lead after the first day of dressage at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the first leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™. He is 3.2 penalties ahead of Oliver Townend (GBR) and his new ride Carousel Quest with William Fox-Pitt (GBR), last year’s top-scorer in the HSBC FEI Classics™, third on Navigator.
Fifty horses from nine nations passed the first horse inspection on the evening of Wednesday, April, 22nd and came before the ground jury, David Lee (IRL) President, Marilyn Payne (USA) and Nicoli Fife (NZL).
Europeans dominate
The first day’s dressage has been headed by the European contingent, but there are a number of good US partnerships to come forward on Friday, 24 April,, including the defending champion Phillip Dutton (USA) on Connaught, and former dual World Champion Bruce Davidson.
The stadium where the dressage is being held is part of the major plans in place in the build up to the Alltech FEI World Equestian Games 2010.
Tim Lips (NED), one of the youngest riders competing at this level – he is 40 years younger than Bruce Davidson – produced a beautiful and accurate test showing off the lovely paces of his stunning horse Concrex Oncarlos.
Tim was third last to go on the full day of dressage and coped well with the pressure of riding in this impressive arena. Having recently competed at Fontainebleau on his younger horse, this must have put him in good stead to compete at Lexington. Tim, who is an experienced show jumper, was a very good junior and young rider and his father, Martin Lips, rode at international level.
QUOTES
Tim Lips : “I have spent the winter training with Anky van Grunsven and I was quite confident that if I could keep Concrex Oncarlos calm he would produce a good score – it worked!”
RESULTS
1st Concrex Oncarlos/ Tim Lips (NED) 42.0
2nd Carousel Quest/Oliver Townend (GBR) 45.2
3rd Navigator/ William Fox-Pitt (GBR) 46.7
Detailed results are available on the official website of the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event.
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