FAIR HILL, Md.--Monica Spencer on Artist, her 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Artist, was clean, no jumping and no time, over Pierre Le Goupil’s Cross-Country course on Saturday, Oct.18 at the Maryland 5 Star to lead going into the final phase 

Monica Spenser on Artist (Photo by Allen MacMillan for MaxMillan Photography)Spencer, who rides for New Zealand and is now based in the U.S., has a long partnership with Artist, a former racehorse she has developed to the top level of the sport.

Spenser on Artist won a team bronze for New Zealand at the 2022 World Championships and they have since become established in five-star competitors.

After the CCI5* Cross-Country, Spencer leads on a score of 23.7, with Felix Vogg of Switzerland  on the 14-year-mare Cartania second with a score of 28.3, and Mia Farley on Phelps third on 32.2.

“He was definitely ready to run, and I certainly let him do that on those lovely gallop strips,” said Spencer. “The ground was perfect. He was a machine, and I am very happy.”

“I think it was tough out there and you really had to fight for it the whole way, be ready to act on your feet and have a brave horse,” said Spencer. “It was as hard as we thought it would be, but we did it, so we’re very happy.”

The CCI5*-L cross-country field included 22 horses, of whom 13 completed the course.

Seven had no jumping penalties for a 32% clear jumping rate, with four inside the time for an 18% double-clear rate.

 

THE FASTEST round of the day belonged to Sophia Hill of Australia on her 14-year-old gelding Humble Glory, who completed the course in 10 minutes, 32 seconds.

Isabell Bosley on Conner (Photo by Allan MacMillan)In the  CCI3*-L, after the Cross-Country, the leaderboard remains unchanged among the top three riders.

Monkton, Md. native, Isabelle Bosley on Conner continues to hold the lead on 24.8,, with Alyssa Phillips on Rockett a close second on 25.5, and Olivia Dutton on Jewelent third with a score of 28.1.

“I kind of felt like I was back on a timber horse around the first bit of this track on Connor,” said Bosley. “He went out pretty bold, but once he settled into things and kind of got his groove going, he just ate it up. He felt super fit all the way around and came dragging me up the final hill, so I am just super thrilled with him.”

The MARS Maryland 5 Star continues Sunday with the CCI5*-L and CCI3*-L show jumping phases.

The event is being streamed globally via ClipMyHorse.TV and regionally via Maryland Public Television.