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.