Weather during the cross-country phase played a key role in the outcome of this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, held in Lexington, Ky., at the Kentucky Horse Park on April 25-28. While some riders, including American winner Kim Vinoski on the 9-year-old Thoroughbred Winsome Adante, had the luck of going before incessant rains hit on Saturday, others struggled with pelting rain and less-than-desirable footing in the afternoon. Out of 34 competitors who went out on course once it started raining, 10 withdrew their horses, five retired on course, and three were eliminated.

At the start of cross-country, British rider William Fox-Pitt was leading with Springleaze Macaroo with a dressage score of 36.20, but he withdrew before starting the cross-country course (Phase D). With 16.8 time faults after the steeplechase (Phase B), Fox-Pitt said his horse was struggling