EVENTING News


Kentucky Débuts for Two Kiwis
Wednesday, 22 April 2015


Tim Price is eyeing his début at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event as
a key component in a far bigger plan.

It is the only top-billing four star event the 36-year-old has yet to
start in. He’s taking Wesko (owned by Christina Knudsen and the Wesko
Syndicate), the 12-year-old bay gelding he won on at the four star rated
Luhmuhlen last year, and also started at Badminton and the 2014 Alltech
FEI World Equestrian Games.

“I wanted to take him somewhere where he will be rewarded for his
efforts,” says Equestrian Sports New Zealand high performance
representative Price. “I want a good finish for him to set him up for
autumn and beyond. I think he is the ultimate Rio (Olympics) horse. He
is the one I would like to go and win a medal on.”

But he’s quick to point out that Kentucky is at the front of his mind.
“I’m fully focused on that at the moment. What happens in the first
half of his season, will determine the second half.”

Heading to Kentucky will be Wesko’s first flight too, so Price is keen
to see how he handles it all.

“This fits nicely into his career path. He didn’t finish at worlds,
but tried his little heart out.”

Price has been working “long and hard” over the winter on fitness
and training for his horses.

“Wesko has never been so fit. This is probably his fourth campaign
with me and he always comes back stronger and fitter. I am very diligent
in his fitness preparation.”

The horse had a good two month break after the world champs, and is now
fighting fit. “We’ve had two open intermediate starts and he was
brilliant.”

Price is looking forward to seeing a “different brand of four star
eventing” to what he is used to in the UK and Europe.

Also competing at Kentucky is Kiwi Emily Cammock (nee Butcher) aboard
her own Dambala, who she recently won the Eventer of the Year crown at
the Farmlands Horse of the Year Show.

The combination have also won at three star level at Taupo and
Christchurch, while Cammock has previously competed at four star events
at Badminton in 2008 and Adelaide in 2005.

“I have wanted to do Kentucky for a wee while now,” says the
33-year-old Canterbury based rider, who has a one-year-old daughter.

“I rate this horse. He is the most amazing jumper. He was bred to
showjump and just jumps his heart out. We completely trust each other
and when it comes to the big fences, it is as much about that as it is
about ability.”

Her whole family – mum Viv Butcher, dad Michael Butcher, husband Matt
and daughter Katie – will be in Kentucky to see her compete.

ESNZ high performance coach Erik Duvander says he is pleased to see the
“vastly experienced” Cammock back in the limelight and competing at
four star level again.

And he says Price will learn plenty about that stadium feeling that
Kentucky offers.

“The horse had a bit of a bumpy ride at WEG but he’s come through
that looking much stronger and more mature.”

The Rolex runs from April 23- 26. Included in the start-list is three
time winner William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Michael Jung (GER).

New Zealand has a good record at Kentucky – Andrew Nicholson and
Quimbo won in 2013, while Blyth Tait also features twice on the trophy.

The prize money this year has been increased, with the winning pocketing
$US100,000. Riders are also vying for a shot at the $US350,000 Rolex
Grand Slam of Eventing, for the rider who wins Kentucky, Mitsubishi
Motors Badminton and Land Rover Burghley Four Star Events in succession.

The event is one of just six four star three day events in the world,
and the only one in the Western Hemisphere.

For more information, head to http://rk3de.org/ .