Could this be the year that a U.S. rider will win the Kentucky 5-star three-day event for the first time since 2008?

It’s something that’s wondered annually about the championship at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The prospects were looking up early this afternoon before a crowd of 7,158, when U.S. world championships team silver medalist Tamie Smith turned in the best dressage test of her career on the illustrious Mai Baum, marked at only 24.2 penalties (the equivalent of 75.83 percent in straight dressage).

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)

“I couldn’t ask him to be better. I’m thrilled,” Tamie said of the 17-year-old German sport horse.

And then Tom McEwen of Great Britain came along with JL Dublin and glided through his test with such style that the horse seemed to be on autopilot. He moved into the lead at the Land Rover fixture, with an impressive 22.6 penalties (the equivalent of 77.44 percent, which would be impressive in any dressage rider’s book).

Tom obviously has a special relationship with the horse he took over late last season from Nicola Wilson, after she suffered a spinal cord injury in a horrific fall from the gelding at Badminton in 2022.

Twice Tom referred to “Dubs” as a person; the first time as “the kindest person you could ever meet,” the second time as a “lovely, lovely person.” I’m guessing if he could take the 12-year-old Hanoverian to a local pub for a beer and a chat, he would.

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)

When he was paired with Dubs, there were “a few things to get to know about each other. Hidden secrets we didn’t know about each other. Over the winter, we built a partnership.”

Though that partnership with Dubs is young, it looks firmly engaged with a horse who “loves just being on the stage.” Tom, obviously a perfectionist, talks about a little more “polishing of the diamond,” though his luster already is impressive.

Tom is pleasant and gracious, giving the credit for developing this star to Nicola, as he should, of course.

The game in Lexington is just beginning. The second group of competitors will ride their dressage tests on Friday. Then comes the biggest test, cross-country, over yet another thoughtful and cleverly composed course put together by Olympic designer Derek di Grazia. That’s not all of course. On Sunday, the final exam will be a show jumping route designed by Steve Stephens, who also has an Olympic designing credential.

So don’t give up hope for a U.S. victory.

Liz Halliday-Sharp already is in the hunt for the U.S. with third place today on the sensitive DeNiro Z, who had a spook down the centerline at the start of his test, getting a bit unsettled, then working out of it. Though DeNiro is not as flashy as Mai Baum, Liz is on a very respectable 29 penalties with the 15-year-old Dutchbred gelding.

Liz Halliday Sharp and DeNiro. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)

It’s also worth noting she is leading the 4-star Short with another of her horses, Cooley Nutcracker (24.5). And guess who’s second in that competition? Tamie, with Solaguayre California (27.6). Looks like a friendly rivalry.

Tom, meanwhile, is loving Kentucky on his first visit.

Tom McEwen waves to the crowd as he leaves the stadium on JL Dublin. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)

“It’s one of the greatest talked-about events I’ve ever been to. It’s been a pleasure to come, everyone’s so super friendly,” he said. Speaking about the Rolex Stadium, he commented with a touch of awe, “TV didn’t quite do it justice.”

He was advised by his countrymen who had been here that Kentucky is about “racehorses, bourbon and tobacco. It’s great to be able to take in other cultures.”

Click on this link for today’s 5-star results.Click here for today’s 4-star results.