Defending champion Kim Severson has scratched her three-time winner, Winsome Adante, from the Rolex Kentucky CCI****, and last year’s runner-up, The Foreman, has been scratched by Phillip Dutton.

After winning the Rolex Kentucky CCI**** three times and coming out strong at the spring competitions, including a second-placed finish in the CIC-W*** at The Fork (N.C.) in April, Severson decided not to risk running “Dan” at Kentucky again this spring.
 
“I don’t have a ‘bye’ [for team selection]—it’s at my own risk,” said Severson. “I don’t want to risk running and injuring him. I’m confident in the way he’s gone this spring, and I think it’s best for him. I think his record speaks for itself, but I will be wondering until they name the team.”

Dutton and Severson will still be competing, however—Dutton has Amazing Odyssey and Connaught entered, and Severson will be riding Royal Venture.

Severson had only one other concern for Dan, her Olympic individual silver medal partner and 2002 World Equestrian Games team gold medalist: “I hope he’s not upset he’s not going,” she said with a laugh. “I think he really likes Kentucky. I’d love to take him, because he’s awesome. But I can’t just take him because I’d like to; I have to do what’s best for him.”