Darren Chiacchia and Windfall Claim the Rolex Kentucky Modified Four Star Three-Day Event

In addition to the CCI**** division, this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event also hosted a Modified Four Star Three-Day Event that was, in part, patterned after the format to be used for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Open only to U.S. Citizens and Foreign Riders residing in North America who have already qualified for the Olympic Games under FEI rules, the Bayer Modified Four Star division marks the first time ever that horses and riders had the opportunity to run the shortened distance prescribed for Athens.

In a dramatic finish, overnight leader Nathalie Bouckaert was the final competitor out on course riding West Farthing. Coming to the very first fence on the stadium jumping course, the 11-year-old English thoroughbred gelding put on the brakes, resulting in four penalties for the refusal. Once underway, Bouckaert of Chatsworth, GA, picked up an additional eight jumping penalties as well as six time faults to drop down to seventh position with a three-day total score of 56.6.

Her misfortune was to Darren Chiacchia’s benefit as the Pan American Champion moved into top spot to secure victory riding Windfall II, an 11-year-old black Trakehner stallion. Despite having the final fence on course down to incur four penalties, Chiacchia’s winning score of 45.2 had him well in front and secures his place as one the United States’ top hopefuls for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

“I think that Windfall has answered all of the questions, but it still up to the Selectors and until it is in print, anything can happen!” noted Chiacchia of Springville, NY. “He’s positioned himself well, and proven that he is a horse that you can count on in all three phases.”

Once again, victory was just out of Dutton’s reach. One of four penalty-free stadium jumping performances catapulted the two-time Olympic Team Gold Medallist into second place with Hannigan, a 13-year-old Irish thoroughbred gelding, also formerly ridden by Lukfin.

“It’s good to move up the rankings when you can, but I was truly sorry for Nathalie,” commented Dutton, who had given the heartbroken Bouckaert a sympathetic hug when she broke down during her interview. “I’ve known both Hannigan and Nova Top for quite a while and when I get in the saddle, I know what they will do.”

While Dutton continues to ride for his native Australia, he is based in West Grove, PA, and Australian Olympic Selectors were on hand to observe his performance. As for his hopes, Dutton commented, “They play their cards close to their chest, but if luck is on our side, I hope to be in Athens.”

Finishing in third position was John Williams of Middleburg, VA, and his handsome 12-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding, Carrick. Sitting sixth after dressage, Williams slowly but steadily found himself improving in the standings over the three days, helped by a clear cross-country performance. Williams and Carrick were instrumental in the Team Gold Medal victory at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain.

Two dropped rails in the final stadium jumping phase moved Amy Tryon of Redmond, WA, down to fourth position with her long-time partner My Beau, a 14-year-old Canadian thoroughbred gelding, while 2003 Pan American Championship Team Gold Medalist Stephen Bradley of Leesburg, VA, and the Russian thoroughbred, From, rounded out the top five with a final three-day score of 54 penalty points.