Kingpin Died On Rolex Kentucky Event Course
Mike Winter's Horse Collapsed During Cross Country Competition
Jun 20, 2009
A successful Three-Day Eventing competition viewed by an audience of more than 19,000 at the newly constructed stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Kentucky was marred by the death of popular eventing horse Kingpin, owned by Canadian Mike Winter and Kingpin Syndicate.
Kingpin suffered collapse after sticking his landing over Obstacle Number 10 (the Trakehner) during the cross-country course competition. Dr. Kent Allen, Event Treating Veterinarian, stated that Kingpin wasn't injured in any way from jumping Obstacle Number 10.
The post mortem report stated Kingpin's death was related to natural causes, rather than injury, Dr. Allen explained.
The Board of Directors, Event Officials, and staff of the Rolex Kentucky Equestrian Events, Inc. extended sympathy to Winter and the Kingpin Syndicate for the death of their star competitor. Almost 2,000 volunteers helped organize and put on the annual Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.
Routine Examination Cleared Kingpin for Competition
Dr. Allen indicated that Kingpin had been examined routinely as part of the day's competition and found to be fit.
Winter reported there had been no problems with his horse during the previous portion of the cross-country course.
The course consisted of 16 individual jumps with an optimum time of 92 seconds. Only thirty-five of fifty-two entrants completed the course.
Olympian Phillip Dutton On Cross Country Eventing
Quoted in Horse Illustrated in the May 2009 issue, Olympian Phillip Dutton said, "Arguably, the Thoroughbred is the best breed for cross-country because of its speed and endurance" ("The Ultimate Athlete", by Toni McAllister).
The four-time Olympian rode three Thoroughbreds in eventing that proved top of the line in equestrian competition. All three, The Foreman, Tru Luck, and Woodburn, were successful flat track racers previous to entering the world of eventing.
Dutton's equestrian events with Thoroughbreds include:
Tru Luck --- team Gold and individual Silver --- 2007 Pan American Games, Rio de Janeiro
The Foreman --- four-star events Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and Burghley Horse Trials, England
Connaught --- World Equestrian Games; Rolex Kentucky 2008 champion; 2008 Olympic Games
Winners in 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event
- First (Rolex Trophy) --- Lucinda Fredericks aboard Headley Britannia, Australia
- Second (Bank One Trophy) --- Bettina Hoy on Ringwood Cockatoo, Germany
- Third (USET Foundation Pinnacle Cup) --- Bruce Davidson, Jr. with My Boy Bobby
- Best Conditioned Award --- Opposition Buzz ridden by Nicola Wilson, Great Britain
- The J.D. Reeves Perpetual Trophy (highest placed young rider) --- Madeline Blackman with Gordontown, New Jersey
- Zeppa International Trophy (best presentation in first and second horse inspections) --- Arthur and Allison Springer, Virginia
- Coman Trophy --- Mr. and Mrs. Hounseel, Great Britain
- Carimati Cup --- Lucinda Fredericks
2010 World Equestrian Competition
In 2010, the Kentucky Horse Park will host the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in its new world class stadium.
