Becky Holder and Courageous Comet galloped boldly around the course, jumping into the lead with the day’s third double clear.  They made the difficult combinations look like novice questions.

Heidi White and Northern Spy went clean and fast to move into second place with their go over Michael Etherington-Smith’s course.  Northern Spy’s big gallop and forward attitude embodied a true cross-country horse.
   
Amy Tryon was the first rider to turn in a double clear round aboard Woodstock.  The pair took all the fast routes and just squeaked in under the time.
   
William Fox-Pitt was the first casualty of the day, turning a complete somersault with Coup de Coeur at the Head of the Lake.  He was the second rider on course, and the first rider, Buck Davidson, took the long route with Hyperlite after a peck on the landing of the drop in.
   
But Phillip Dutton proved that the straight route at the Head of the Lake was possible when he cantered through with Connaught on his way to a clean round.  Riders seemed divided about what to do there after his ride, many choosing the slow route.
   
Mara Dean, who stood in third place after dressage with Nicki Henley, was forced to retire after they slid into the ditch at fence 14, the Ditch & Palisade.
   
Ursula Brush was having a fantastic go in her first time riding at Rolex Kentucky with Bru Maguire, when she had a fall at fence 26A, the first element of the last water, the Banks & Splash.  Brush was able to remount and continue.
   
Laine Ashker had a much better ride than last year with Eight Saint James Place.  In their first go at Rolex, he bounced the Footbridge, and she broke her neck.  This time they finished clean and with just a few time penalties.  

Kristen Bond had a stop with Blackout in the last element of the first water, The Pond.  The pair galloped on to make the time, even after taking the slow route at the Head of The Lake. 

Kristin Bachman had a stop at fence 16C, the Shelter & Stumps, but rode an otherwise excellent course in her first Rolex outing.

Jonathon Holling retired Lion King after a stop at fence 8, the first element of the coffin, Uncle Frani’s Birch.
   
It wasn’t a great day for Canada.  Penny Rowland retired Windswept after two refusals, one at fence 12, the Sunken Road, and one at fence 17, the Triple Brushes.  Garry Roque retired Waikura after stops at the coffin, and Mike Winter retired Kingpin after a stop at fence 7C and another one at fence 8A.
   
Stephen Bradley withdrew the fourth-placed From before cross-country.  Peter Green withdrew Magical as well.