Michael Jung riding Fischerrocana FST put in a masterclass cross-country performance with a clear round and just 0.8 time penalties to maintain his position as the current leader after Day Three of the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Jung has led the competition from Day One after his near flawless Dressage test and now has the final Show Jumping phase tomorrow to put him one step closer towards the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize. Phillip Dutton (USA) rode two brilliant rounds over the cross-country course despite difficult conditions in the rain, to finish Day Three in both second place riding Fernhill Fugitive and also in third place on Mighty Nice after the Day Three Cross-Country. A total of 64 competitors started the testing cross-country course with 56 finishing in front 34,500 passionate Eventing fans. Michael Jung was the fastest rider of all 64 competitors. TOP FIVE RESULTS AFTER DAY THREE CROSS-COUNTRY 1. Michael Jung (GER), Fischerrocana FST, 35.2 2. Phillip Dutton (USA), Fernhill Fugitive, 47.5 3. Phillip Dutton (USA), Mighty Nice, 49.8 4. Maya Black (USA), Doesn't Playfair, 49.9 5. Boyd Martin (USA), Shamwari 4, 50.2 ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF EVENTING "I am absolutely very happy about my horse [Fischerrocana]. She was absolutely fighting and really concentrating and always trusting me - that gives me as a rider a great feeling", said current leader Michael Jung. Lying in both second and third place, USA rider Phillip Dutton said, "It was not easy today with the conditions, especially as the day went on. I was so pleased with how my guys went and was a great learning experience for them." "This is my second time at Rolex, I did it last year with the same horse [Doesn't Playfair] and that's about as much experience as I have at this level. I wasn't worried about any specific fences, but just more concerned about getting around safely with my horse and making sure I did the best thing for him", said Maya Black (USA) lying in fourth position after cross-country. Michael Jung has travelled to the Kentucky Horse Park as the new Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing 'live contender' and as defending champion of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover. All eyes remain on Jung to see if he can repeat the form he demonstrated in 2015, by winning this year's Rolex Kentucky, which will put him one competition away from the coveted USD$350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize.
