Lexington, KY – July 28, 2017 – Anna Dryden was the first rider to set foot in Rolex Stadium on Friday morning. The adult amateur competitor from New York, who only five months ago gave birth, was determined to have strong finishes in the High Amateur Owner/Junior Speed class on both of her horses, Zartoes and Petrushka III. Although she lost her reins on the way to fence six on Zartoes, the pair still went clear in a time of 67.950. She continued to lead the class until she reentered the ring on Petrushka III and completed the course almost two whole seconds faster,in a time of 66.045. Charlotte Jacobs and Bartani S took home third place honors in the class of seventeen.
The early morning win held more significance for Dryden as it marks her return to serious competition after pregnancy. Although she normally trains with Allison Robataille, Dryden is working with Chilean Olympian, Samuel Parot, on this trip to Kentucky. She credits Parot’s can-do attitude with giving her the confidence to go in the ring with an expectation to win and allowing her to enjoy the moment.
Dryden is no stranger to the winner’s circle in the High Amateur Owner division. Before she gave birth to her second child, she and ‘Petra’ consistently had top placings together including a a win in the same division on August 3, 2016. The thirteen-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, Zartoes, is a slightly more recent acquisition to Dryden’s string, being purchased only a year and a half ago. Dryden is hopeful that once she regains her post pregnancy fitness she will have the opportunity to show Zartoes in bigger classes and put her extra scope to good use.
Amateur and professional show jumping competition will continue through the weekend as part of the Kentucky Summer Classic. Spectators who are interested in seeing all the action up close are invited to come to the Kentucky Horse Park tomorrow to participate in ‘Hats Off to Kentucky’s Horse Industry’ Day. The all-day affair offers fun family activities including arts and crafts, pony rides, educational booths, and equestrian competition, and it’s all free! Hats Off Day is the only day of the year an entire family can enjoy the Kentucky Horse Park and all it has to offer, at no cost! Spectators are encourgaged to stick around for the main event in Rolex Stadium, the $50,000 Rood and Riddle Grand Prix that will begin promptly at 7:30pm.
For more information on ‘Hats Off Day, please click here.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Anna Dryden – High Amateur Owner/Junior Speed class, winner
On Petrushka III:
“The horse that I won on is named Petrushka and I bought her from Shane Sweetnam and Spy Coast 2 years ago. I just had a baby two months ago and am coming back and she is just coming back so it was great to to get a win under out belt.”
On her plan in the High Amateur Speed class:
“My plan was to ride tough and Samuel (Parot) just kept saying that I could do it, and giving me confidence. I am a rider that really needs confidence and Samuel does a great job of telling me that I could do it and to be tough.”
On traveling to Kentucky to horse show:
“I show here a lot and it’s one of my favorite shows. The footing is perfect and I love the big ring because I can gallop and that really helps me perform. It can sometimes be hard to fly back and forth from New York but it is definitely worth it.