75-point haul for Dutton and outright Series lead at the turn of the year
Phillip Dutton delivered a commanding performance at Qualifier 3 of the US Equestrian Open at TerraNova, securing a 1-2 finish with Azure and Quasi Cool. This impressive result not only marked Phillip's first win in the CCI4*-S at TerraNova but also ensured he will enter 2025 as the outright leader in the US Equestrian Open standings with 75 points.
In many ways, Qualifier 3 followed the expected script—though Sara Kozumplik’s retirement with Rock Phantom yesterday added an unexpected twist. Coming in as the strong favorite, Phillip capitalized on his horses’ CCI5* experience and prior wins at this level, showcasing why he’s one of the most consistent performers in the sport.
The course at TerraNova once again highlighted cross-country speed as the defining factor. Azure, the fastest horse in the field based on EquiRatings Speed Ratings, was the only horse to keep time penalties in single digits, adding just 9.6. This speed, combined with solid performances in the earlier phases, was decisive in securing victory. It’s worth noting that the only rider ever to jump clear and make the time on this course remains Lauren Nicholson with I'll Have Another, who accomplished the feat in March this year.
Over the coming days, the US Equestrian Open Podcast Review (stay tuned to this fan site for updates) will take a deeper dive into not only Phillip’s performance but also the standout rides from Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis and Briggs Surratt, who delivered big final-phase efforts to secure third and fourth, respectively. Corture, Briggs Surratt’s mount, boasts a stellar cross-country record, and the big climb we anticipated materialized, thanks to their exceptional performance across all phases. Jennie’s consistent ride with Flower Girl further cements her position as a strong contender in the series.
Like Morven in Leg 1, TerraNova proved to be a venue where cross-country prowess is king—a hallmark of this exciting series.
You can view the full updated leaderboard for the series here
Looking Ahead
The US Equestrian Open series format, designed to reward both participation and performance across multiple qualifiers, continues to attract top talent and deliver compelling storylines. With its innovative structure, the series offers an incredible platform for both seasoned professionals and emerging competitors to showcase their skills and make their mark.
So far, the season has highlighted the exceptional depth of talent across the field, with both rising stars and established names delivering standout performances. TerraNova's CCI4*-S was no exception, providing yet another example of how the series is shaping the future of equestrian sport. We will be back for a busy March!
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Don’t miss a moment of the action as the US Equestrian Open unfolds across its 2024-2025 season. We will following these riders and horses between now and when we get going again in March.
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The journey to the final at Morven Park CCI4*-L in October 2025 is just beginning—be sure to follow along as the series continues to deliver high-stakes excitement and unforgettable moments!
