26 October 2008
Heath and Regardez Moi are 2008 Australian Grand Prix Champions
A successful Australian National Championships held last weekend at Sydney International Equestrian Centre has earned Heath Ryan the crown of 2008 Australian Grand Prix Dressage Champion.
Heath and his 13-year-old black stallion Regardez Moi finished 2nd in the Grand Prix and 1st in the Freestyle which secured him enough points to be the overall winner. The competition was tight. Mary Hanna and her imported 8-year-old gelding Tango V won the Grand Prix and Rachael Sanna and Jaybee Alabaster were second to Heath in the Freestyle by just 0.105%
International Judge Cara Whitham (CAN) commented “A good strong competition especially the top three horses. The decision in the freestyle was very close between Jaybee Alabaster and Regardez Moi with the strength of the piaffe, passage and pirouettes favouring Regardez Moi.”
Congratulations Heath and Regardez Moi.
Watch the video "Dances with horses -The AUS Dressage Championships" courtesy of Peter Haynes
Full results
Pics L-R: Regardez Moi, Rachael Sanna and Jaybee Alsbaster, Kate Taylor-Wheat and Oscar B
13 October 2008
CHRIS CHUGG & VIVANT WIN 2008 AUSTRALIAN JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Exhibition Park, Canberra
The 2008 Australian Jumping Championships were held 9 – 12 October. The successful four-day show had a massive 2,840 entries, 270 riders and 610 horses. The rings were running well after dark under the lights at Exhibition Park. A huge thank you to the event organisers Peter Core, Grant Hughes and Peter Dingwall who did an amazing job.
Chris Chugg won the Senior Championships on Vivant. The combination did not have a rail down all show and won the first two classes allowing them the luxury of being able to ride a little slower in the third Championship class (where they were 2nd to Becky Allen and Koyuna Ted). This makes it back to back Australian Showjumping titles for Chris and Vivant.
“He is great talent and we are really excited about the next few years with him.” said Chris.
Recently returning from his Olympic campaign in Europe Vivant only came out of quarantine on Tuesday. Chris rode him on Wednesday and went straight to the Championships on Thursday.
"He was kept in work as long as possible and then in quarantine he was lunged everyday, he stayed pretty fit." “He really matured from his time in Europe,” said Chris “he went away a young Grand Prix horse and has come back a real Grand Prix horse, I feel I could front up to any 5 star class in the world on him now.”
Chris plans to compete Vivant on the American circuit next year in preparation for the 2010 World Championships in Kentucky.
“Europe was great, and he (Vivant) benefitted from the international arenas and big classes, but is it is too hard to get into the 5 star shows, the US will suit us better.” said Chris. “This horse will continue to mature and improve for the next 15 months and with some 4 and 5 star shows under his belt he could be very competitive at the World Games and also at London in 2012.”
Jamie Winning was in both the Young Rider and Senior Australian Championship competition. She demonstrated her great potential riding her talented imported Alcatraz gelding, Yandoo Vangelo to claim the ACT Insulation Services Senior Australian Championship Runner Up award. Jamie was equal sixth and eighth in the ISS Young Rider Championships.
Emily Blinkworth regained the Australian Young Rider Championship crown, won at Sale in 2006 riding her imported German mare CP Romantic Dream. Emily also took the Runner Up award riding CP Rolex.
Monique Barrett won the first Canberra Motor Works Junior Championship qualifier riding her sensational Snowy River Ginger Meggs. A fall in the practice ring just prior to the final qualifier saw Monique unable to take part. Even so, the 2007 Champions took sixth place overall, with Monique also in seventh place riding her Deo Juvante (another ex eventer, formerly ridden by Chris Burton). Thomas McDermott won the Junior Championship riding Merriwa.
Young rider Nakita Misner from the Southern Highlands rode her imported Warmblood mare, Naromine to win the Cosmorex Coffee bareback Challenge. Nakita and Naromine jumped a 1.70m rising oxer. Nakita was more surprised than anyone, claiming that she has never ridden the mare bareback and never jumped that high with her.
The Eventers had a good weekend. Gold Medal Eventer Wendy Schaeffer placed 6th and 7th in the Senior Championship riding Koyuna Sun Magic (a top level Eventer who will be going to Adelaide CCI 4* next month) and Koyuna Sunset. Wendy and Koyuna Sun Storm to jumped two clear rounds and take second place in the Colliers PRD Mini Prix. Wendy also won two of the A&B classes, one on Koyuna Sundancer and the other on Koyuna Sun Storm. Wendy rode Lord of the Sun to 2nd in Saturday’s EFA Futurity Championship.
Chris Burton made an impressive debut show riding the Copabella Stud's wonderful imported stallion, Copabella Visage. The successful event rider and Visage had been placed earlier in the show and jumped two super rounds to post the faster of the two jump-off clears of five to win the Colliers PRD Mini Prix. Chris also placed 2nd in the futurity qualifier on Newsprint who will also be going to Adelaide CCI 4Star in November.
Shane Rose, a member of the Silver Medal Olympic Eventing team won the Equest World Nowra D Grade riding the ASH bred Ladybrook Remington and also won the Blinks Cement Products B & C grade on Statford Novalis.
Over the course of the weekend Shannon O'Meara had his float containing all his gear stolen from the show grounds. During Friday night someone literally hitched up the float and drove away with it. The jumping fraternity has contributed generously to getting Shannon back on the road. Emily Blinkworth, who won a Pessoa Jumping Saddle, donated by Canberra Saddleworld, as part of her Young Rider Championship prize, generously gave the saddle to Shannon to literally help him get back on his horses. It is to be hoped details of the stolen float and equipment will be posted on the Horse Deals website shortly.
Many thanks to the sponsors
ACT Insulation Services Pty Ltd
Equestrian Federation of Australia
Colliers International - Commercial Real Estate Colliers
PRD - Residential Real Estate
ISS Australia - ACT Office
Saddleworld
Canberra Motor Works
ACT Government
Horseland
Also thanks to the judges who judged the 2,840 entrants!
(Ring 1) Jan Goulding and Ann Sheehan, (Ring 2) Ann Sheehan and Daisy Pritchard, (Ring 3) Brigitte Cross
The course designers - (Ring 1) Leeson Sirett ,(Ring 2) Brad Longhurst, (Ring 3) Bob Harnas
The ground announcers John Vallance and Tim Dreverman
The Honorary Medical Officers -Dr Linda Mayer and Ms Jo Carrick-Bourne
The Chief Steward -Simon Barrey
The Medication Control Officer -Stella Saberton
The Entries Office Staff Ms Leslie Riley, Mrs Mary-Therese Daniel, Mrs May Vella
The caterer for the volunteers and sponsors -Mrs Edwina Mitchell
The co-ordinator of volunteers- Mr Gregory Calder The Ringmasters ;(Ring 1) Greg Vella, (Ring 2) Michael Archer
Full Results
L-R:Emily donating her new saddle to Shannon O'Meara, Junior Champ Tom McDermott Merriwa, Senior competitor Julia Hargreaves Copabella Haymen
YR Champ Emily Blinkworth CP Romantic Dream
10 October 2008
In what will be wonderful recognition for their achievements it has been confirmed that our Silver Medal Eventing Team accompanied by Bronze Medal Paralympian Georgia Bruce will participate in the presentation of the Melbourne Cup on 04 November.
In the pre-race spectacle the riders will come down the straight on horseback carrying the Cup before handing it over to fellow Olympians James Tomkins and Stephanie Rice.
Additionally, the riders will be involved in the Melbourne Cup Parade through the city of Melbourne on Monday 03 November.
So tune in or better still book a ticket to this year's "race that stops a nation."
30 September 2008
Dobsons Dominate Perth FEI World Cup Qualifier
Nicol Taylor reports from the Perth Royal World Cup Qualifier held Monday 29 September 2008:
David and Linda Dobson took out the first and second placings at the Perth Royal Show FEI World Cup Australian League Qualifier held in perfect conditions in front of a large public holiday Royal Show crowd on Monday September 29.
David Dobson riding the imported stallion Pico Bello finished on a double clear round. Pico Bello, a 17.1hh bay stallion by Calvados, has competed successfully in Europe and New Zealand and continued his World Cup form with two accurate and free flowing rounds.
While the stallion seemed to be making hard work of earlier rounds at the show, he found form and stepped up to the testing track in the World Cup class. "I was really very pleased with Pico Bello's improvement during the show, as this is the first serious show we've had the opportunity to prepare for since bringing the horse back from Queensland in September last year after the equine influenza outbreak. Given today was his fourth day's jumping and the temperature was quite hot, he is developing very nicely," David Dobson said after the class.
Linda Dobson rode the promising nine-year old Indoctro grey gelding, Argyle Stables Indigo into second place with just one time penalty incurred in the first round. Indigo continues to impress with his clean jumping and never looked like touching a rail. He proved a little strong in the first round, which cost time, but Indigo opened up and travelled well in the second round.
Matt Godwin recovered from a delayed start after losing a shoe at the practice fence on Kavorca to finish in third place on a total of eight jumping penalties from the first round, finishing on a good note with a clear second round. Alison Rowland finished a credible fourth place on Sennic on a total of nine penalties.
A field of seven riders competed over a testing track built by course designer Fred Freeman, who said the clear skies and good footing made for a perfect day’s competition. “The Perth Royal Show organisers allowed me plenty of room to build a true World Cup track on their magnificent arena with a big open track enabling the riders to really keep going forward, as they should at this level of competition,” Mr Freeman said.
The competition was run over two rounds, with all riders invited back to compete in the second round against the clock. The second round consisted of eight obstacles raised in height and included the doubles 7b and c, and ending over 10a and b.
The minor placings went to Anna McGregor on Mandarin in fifth place, Chad Donovan on Westphalia Park Amicus in sixth, and Chaise Ludgate on Barrabadeen Tycoon in seventh place. Both Anna and Chaise are members of the 2008 National Young Riders Squad, while Linda Dobson and Indigo are on the National Development Squad.
The valuable opportunity for these riders to compete at World Cup level was endorsed by David Dobson: "Even though we don't field very many horses in the World Cup events in Western Australia, these events are critical for the longer term development of our sport, not so much for producing a host of grand prix horses, but the event itself provides inspiration and aspiration for our young riders. The lower end of the sport would be significantly weaker without these World Cup events," David Dobson said. "It is very exciting for our sport to have the Commonwealth Bank support the World Cup event for the fourth year running," he said.
The riders now have three weeks to prepare for the second World Cup class to be held in WA, at the magnificent State Equestrian Centre indoor arena on 18 October. Leading the FEI World Cup Qualifiers in Australia after nine rounds is Amy Graham (SA) on a total of 83 points, from Clem Smith (Qld) on 78 points and Julia Hargreaves (NSW) on 63 points.
For more information on the FEI World Cup Qualifiers and to view the current standings click here
Above: Winners David Doson and Pico Bello, 3rd place to Matt Godwin and Sennic
2nd to Linda Dobson and Indoctro
Photos courtesy of Nicol Taylor
21 September 2008
Photo courtesy of Kit Houghton
Clayton wins 2008 HSBC FEI World Cup Final
Australia’s Clayton Fredericks is the World Cup Champion- once again.
Fredericks, 40, is only the second person to win two Eventing World Cup titles. Last weekend 19-21 September Fredericks rode 13-year-old Ben Along Time to victory in Deauville (FRA). Ben is the same horse on which he won the final in Malmo, Sweden in 2005 and rode to a Team Silver Medal at the Olympic Games last month.
Linda Algotsson (SWE) is the only other rider to have two World Cups adorning her mantelpiece, winning back-to-back titles at the start of the competition in 2003-04.
Owners Peta and Edwin McAuley and Clayton can now add the victory to Ben Along Time’s impressive list of successes. The Irish Sport Horse by Cavalier Royale was purchased as a 4-year–old and his resume now includes 1st at Malmo World Cup Final in 2005, 2nd at the 2006 World Equestrian Championships CH4* as well as a Team Bronze Medal, 1st at Kentucky CCI 4* in 2007, Olympic Team Silver Medallist in 2008 and now World Cup Champion for the second time.
Finishing 10th in this year’s Final was fellow Australian Kevin McNab. In his first World Cup Final and his debut to competition in Europe Kevin rode a perfect cross-country round on the 10-year-old Gameplay improving his position 18 places after the dressage.
Also representing Australia was Olympic Team Silver Medallist Lucinda Fredericks. After a wonderful start to the event Lucinda unfortunately had an uncharacteristic fall off her mare Headley Britannia, who was jumping brilliantly. Lucinda says that she perhaps was “a little too blasé”. Lucinda will bounce back to fight another day.
Well done to the Australians.
Final Results
All photos courtesy of Kit Houghton
(Above:)Pippa Funnel (GBR) 2nd, Clayton, Frank Ostholt (GER) 3rd
(Above Left): Clayton and Ben in the Dressage (Below): on the XC
14 September 2008
Heath Ryan wins Sydney CCI 3*
Heath held on to his lead in the Horseland CCI 3* by a narrow margin. Heath had 3 rails down on the Medallion gelding but still won the class by 0.8 penalties. Heath says the horse had a questionable start to his career (which was meant to be Dressage). Mystery Whisper was so naughty that noone would ride it. Heath decided to try eventing the horse, and said for years it was it was really annoying as even at the lowest grades he was the one who had to ride it because of it's behaviour. After some years the horse came to the party and this weekend it looked like a dream ride.
Kerrie Bowman and Fox Hill Aphrodite had 1 rail to finish 2nd and Chris Burton and Unrepentant dropped one place to 3rd with 2 rails down. Hamish Cargill and Sandhills Tiger also lowered 2 poles to finish 4th.
There were no clear showjumping rounds in the CCI 3*, Jessica Mitchell was the only other 4 faulter on AEC Storman but unfortunately Jess also incurred 4 time faults.
Leaders after the XC Lauren Balcomb and Kootamootoo were deserving winners of the CCI 2* being the only combination to jump double clear today. Christopher Burton and Kolora Stud Secrets retained their 2nd position with a clear jumping round but 1 time fault. Sam Lyle was 3rd on Star Vision clear with 2 time. 4th Cassie Lowe and Bentleigh Gambler also clear with 2 time.
The showjumping in the Australian Sports Commission CCI 1* proved to be very influential. Of the 35 combinations to jump there were only 4 clear rounds. The first two riders were unaware of how difficult it was to make the time and incurred 14 and 21 time faults. Another rider incurred 35 time faults. In all 8 riders had more than 15 time faults. So with riders struggling to ride fast enough the quality of jumping suffered and rails fell readily. It makes you wonder if the time for eventing showjumping at this level is too fast and perhaps a slower time would encourage nicer rounds. Class leader Judith Clarke and Diablito withdrew at this morning's veterinary inspection. Sam Lyle and Foxridge Aspen moved up from 2nd to win the class with 4 faults but a lovely round. Chris Burton and Capricorn Zenith moved up from 10th to 2nd with a double clear. 3rd went to Cassia Montgomery and Foxdale Illusion, 4 faults. 4th to Indonesian rider Endarjanto Sumarsono and Aswatama Frankie Jay. 5th, 6th and 7th placegetters (Madeline Wilson, Andry Prasetyono and Madeline Wilson again) moved up from their post XC positions of 13th 15th and 17th places demonstrating how a good round on the final day can really alter the placings.
The EFA NSW CCN Pre-Novice was won by Chris Burton on Jaybee Calypso with a clear round. So that means Chris won the Pre Novice and was 2nd in the CCI 1*, 2nd in the CCI 2* and 3rd in the CCI 3* - an amazing effort. Tarsha Hammond and Gatineau finished 2nd also with a clear round. Bella Mobray was 3rd after the XC but sadly withdrew at the veterinary inspection. Emma Mason climbed into 3rd on Tainui Lad with a clear jumping round. 4th Stevie-Jade Shakoff Tickety Boo again with no jumping faults. Claudia Graham dropped from 4th place to 7th with one expensive rail.
Korea's Sung-Soo Kim was a convincing winner of the Eventing NSW Asian Pacific Challenge aboard Kylie Robert's Costalot. Sung-Soo Kim jumped a clear round but with 3 time over what was a modified version of the CCI 1* track to win by 11.2 penalties. He was coached by Sandy Lucas. 2nd was Japanese rider Masanobu Ito on Bandman who had just one rail. Also with one rail down was 3rd placegetter Gurvinder Singh Gill of India riding Rancho Tallahasse who improved his position from 6th. Unfortunately for Japan's Naoki Okawa who was in 2nd place after the XC Mr. Apples favourite phase is apparently not the showjumping, he incurred 48 jumping fauts and 1 time fault but still only dropped to 7th place.
Saturday 13 September
Heath retained his lead on Mystery Wisper in the Horseland CCI 3* class jumping clear and just adding 8.8 time faults to his score which is now 47.1. His lead is now 7 points over Christopher Burton Unrepentant (54.1). Chris was the only rider home within the time moving him up from 6th place. In 3rd place is Kerrie Bowman and Fox Hill Aphrodite (55.9) who jumped a lovely round but 5.2 time dropped them down one place. Also clear with 5.2 time was Hamish Cargill on Sandhills Tiger to hold onto 4th place (56.9). The rest of the field jumped clear with the exception of Emma Armstrong and Voortrekker and Craig Barrett and Sandhills Darcy who each had 20 penalites. In all the 3 star rode very well and the horses coped well with the hot conditions (over 30 degrees!).
The EFA NSW CCI 2* was marred by the tragic loss of Rachael Lee's Freestyler. Freestyler collapsed between fences on course and at this stage the cause of death is unknown. Rachael was dazed and bruised and was taken to hospital to be examined but was given the all-clear. We offer our sympathies to Rachael and all the people who knew and loved this magnificent horse. The CCI 2* faired the worst in regard to performance. Of the 20 starters there were 8 clear rounds. 4 combinations had jumping faults, 4 were eliminated and 4 retired on course. Lauren Balcomb and the reliable Kootamootoo are now leading (54.4), Georgia Clifford and It's Monty and Christopher Burton on Kolora Stud Secrets are equal 2nd (54.8), these two not only got the same Dressage mark they both incurred 0.4 time. 4th is Sam Lyle and Star Vision (55.6). There is not a single rail separting the top 4 combinations which will make tomorrow's Showjumping very exciting.
The Australian Sports Commission CCI 1* was much less dramatic. The placings barely changed with 35 horses (out of 43) jumping clear and most of them within the time. The top 5 positions remain the same.
The NSW Institute of Sport CCN Pre-Novice was also smooth sailing for most riders. 28 clear rounds (out of 38 starters) mostly within the time.The only change to the top 5 positions was Emma Mason and Tainui Lad slipping form 4th to 5th with 0.8 time faults. A nice result for the horses and riders at this lower level. There is less than a rail between the the top 3 combinations, Christopher Burton Jaybee Calypso, Tarsha Hammond Gatineau and Bella Mobray Ganesh.
The majority of Eventing NSW Asia Pacific Challenge Trophy riders enjoyed a good day. The leader remains Sung-Soo Kim of Korea on Costalot (47.4), 2nd is still Naoki Okawa of Japan riding Mr Apples (51.7). Overnight 3rd place was lost by Rajesh Pattu (IND) when he missed the last fence therefore eliminating himself. 3rd is now Masanobu Ito of Japan on Bandman (57.6). 10 out of 14 combinations in this class jumped clear rounds 6 of them within the time. Well done to the Course Designer Wayne Copping, the Ground Jurys and officials as well as the huge number of volunteers who make the day run smoothly. It was great effort. Photos to come.
Friday 12 September
Heath scored 38.3 penalties to take a commanding lead. Trailing by 12.4 points is Kerrie Bowman and Fox Hill Aphrodite (50.7) followed by Jessica Mitchell and AEC Storman (51.5). Currently in 4th place is Hamish Cargill on Sandhills Tiger (51.7). The rest of the field are in the 50’s, with Craig Barrett and Sandhills Darcy in 9th on 57.8 penalties.
Keira Byrnes and Fox Hill are leading the field of 20 horses in the CCI 2* with 49.4 penalties. In second place is Freestyler ridden by Rachel Lee (54.0), third is Lauren Balcomb on Kootamootoo (54.4).
The CCI 1* was a tough class of 43 horses. Judy Clarke and Diablito took the lead on 45.2 just ahead of Sam Lyle Foxridge Aspen (45.9). Georgia Clifford Kolora Stud Falkrich 11are currently 3rd (51.0). Cassia Montgomery and Foxdale Illusion are in 4th place (51.9).
The Pre-Novice class is also a large field of 40. Christopher Burton and Jaybee Calypso are leading 43.8, 2nd is Tarsha Hammond riding Gatineau (46.8). Bella Mobray and Ganesh are in 3rd (47.8) and Emma Mason on Tainui Lad is 4th (49.4).
The Asia Pacific Challenge Trophy is being run with a CCI 1* Dressage test and Showjumping but with Pre-Novice Cross-country. 14 riders from 4 countries (Korea, Thailand, Japan and India) are contesting the Trophy all of whom are on borrowed horses. Korea’s Sung-Soo Kim rode a lovely test aboard Costalot to take the lead on a score of 47.4. Naoki Okawa of Japan and Mr Apples are second on 51.7. 3rd to 1996 winner Rajesh Pattu of India riding Rancho Illanois. However, it proved a very tough day in the office for some of the class with penalty points mounting up to 3 figures for one rider. Three of the Indian riders had their hands full and only just managed to control their horses enough to stay in the arena. Let’s hope they have had the worst of it and enjoy a better time tomorrow and Sunday. The Cross-country courses look superb and the going is ideal. Best of Luck for a safe and fun ride for all tomorrow.
Thanks to Main Event Photography for the photos.
Bates Sydney Three Day Event web site Results page
Keira Byrnes and Fox Hill, Chris Burton and Jaybee Calypso
4 September 2008
4 Aussies ride at Burghley CCI 4*
The following Australian riders are competing this weekend at Burghley (4-7 September)
Andrew Hoy Moon Fleet - Brown Gelding, 16.2, 17, Strong Gale owned by Mrs Susan Magnier & Rider
Matt Ryan Bonza Puzzle - Chestnut Gelding, 16.0, 16, Family Ties owned by Mr & Mrs M Roe & Rider & Mr & Mrs C Gething-Lewis & Mrs A Pople & Mr & Mrs A Finlay
Paul Tapner Innonothing - Bay Gelding, 16.3, 12, Basildon Bond Cassie owned by Mrs Jenny Waaler & Rider
Stuart Tinney Vettori - Grey Gelding, 16.3, 12, Voltaire II, Silver Fern owned by Mrs Karen Tinney & Rider & Ms Kathy Ward
Following yesterday’s veterinary inspection 71 horses will start the competition. Brandenburgs Joshua ridden by former winner, American rider Stephen Bradley – did not pass the inspection and was withdrawn from the competition.
Dressage starts today with Stuart Tinney the first Australian rider to compete (number 15) followed by Paul Tapner (number 36). Andrew Hoy (number 50) and Matt Ryan (number 63) will ride on Friday. Sam Griffiths was entered but has withdrawn his horse Connigar Bay.
William Fox-Pitt will be looking to maintain his lead in the HSBC FEI Classics - a series consisting of the world’s five four-star events. At the end of each season, which concludes after Les Etoiles de Pau in October the rider with the greatest number of points will be awarded prize money of $US 150,000
Fox-Pitt is riding 2005 Burghley winner Ballincoola – a 16 year-old who has been around Burghley on 5 previous occasions. Fox-Pitt is also riding Tamarillo, the 2004 Badminton winner for his first time at Burghley.
Also keen for a win at Burghley is American Phillip Dutton who is currently in second place in the HSBC standings.
Phillip is riding the 12 year-old gelding Woodburn.
Current HSBC standings:
1 William FOX - PITT GBR 25
2 Phillip DUTTON USA 15
3 Nicolas TOUZAINT FRA 15
4 Rebecca HOLDER USA 12
5 Lucy WIEGERSMA GBR 12
6 Frank OSTHOLT GER 12
7 Stuart TINNEY AUS 10
8 Missy RANSEHOUSEN USA 10
9 Caroline POWELL NZL 8
10 Stephen BRADLEY USA 8
11 Andrew HOY AUS 8
12 Sharon HUNT GBR 6
Burghley web site - click here
Good luck Aussies!!
L -R Stuart Tinney, William Fox-Pitt (Ballincoola), Zara Phillips
Photos by Jan Milne
Watch the Aussie Olympic riders on video click here
Australia makes it to the Team Jumping Final
Edwina Alexander and Itot du Chateau
Australia made it to the 2nd round of the Team competition after taking equal 8th place with Germany.
Congratulations to our Team in Hong Kong! Edwina Alexander riding Itot du Chateau was one of only five riders with a clear round. Matt Williams and Leconte 6 were among 12 combinations with four faults when they dropped a rail at the last fence. Both Laurie Lever (Drossel Dan) and Peter McMahon (Genoa) had 16 faults.
Only the top eight teams (inc. equals) advance to the second round of the Team competition. Since that round is also the third Individual Qualifier, the 50 best-placed riders are also allowed to participate. Our team members are all among the top 50 so even if Australia had not qualified to progress as a team to the next round, all team members would have be able to.
Individual Standings: Total Penalties after 2nd Qualifier Place
Edwina Alexander 4 =8
Matt Williams 8 =16
Laurie Lever 17 =37
Peter McMahon 20 =47
What a great result so far! Congratulations to our Jumping Team and all those who have supported them to get here including the horse owners, Team management. the AOC and the Australian Sports Commission.
Above top: L-R Matt Williams, Laurie Lever
Above: Peter McMahon
13 August 2008
Silver medal for Australia - and oh so close for Meagan Jones!
In the early hours of this morning Australia’s Eventing Team finished second to Germany in the Eventing Team competition. Great Britain took home the bronze medal.
It was a great effort by the Australians who took the fight for gold right down to the wire. Sonja Johnson (Ringwould Jaguar) jumped clear, Clayton Fredericks (Ben Along Time) had one rail and Megan Jones (Irish Jester) who was the last of the Australians to jump also had one fence down giving the Germans just three rails (12 penalties) breathing room.
The Australian Team discounted the scores of Shane Rose (All Luck) who had two rails and Lucinda Fredericks (Headley Britannia) who were clear jumping but incurred two time faults.
Either Australia or Germany could have won gold right until the last rider cantered into the arena. From Germany Andreas Dibowski (Butts Leon) jumped clear followed by Ingrid Klimke (Abraxxas) who had one rail as did Hinrich Romeike. A performance that was good enough to earn them victory by just 5.1 penalty points.
In a nail-biting finish Australia’s Megan Jones finished the individual competition in fourth place, the best of the Australian riders. It was an extremely close competition with the top six-placed competitors separated by less than four penalties (one rail) before the start of the final round of jumping. Megan and Irish Jester incurred an expensive four faults for knocking one rail down the last fence on the course costing them the silver medal.
Hinrich Romeike (Marius) of Germany won the individual gold medal, second place went to American rider Gina Miles (McKinlaigh). Kristina Cook (Miners Frolic) of Great Britain filled the third-place dais.
12 August 2008
Australia jumps for Gold
A great performance on cross-country day has placed Australia in second position going into tonight’s show jumping.
Germany has the lead by just 3.9 penalties sitting on a score of 158.1. Great Britain is currently in third position on 173.7.
The team jumping will start from 9.15pm (EST) tonight and then the top 20 riders will jump a second round to determine the individual medals. (Trot-up will take place at 6pm EST)
Yesterday all five of the the Aussie riders were clear of XC jumping penalties (Sweden was the only other countries to have all five riders home without any jumping penalties).
Individually Megan is now in 3rd position and Clayton is in 4th. Lucinda is in 11th position after incurring 27.2 time faults. Sonja is in 13th place and Shane was the fastest round of the day moving him up 30 places on the scoreboard into 16th position!
Germany is holding first and second places individually at this stage. With less than a rail between Australia and Germany tonight will be a close fight for the gold medal
Eventing Team -results so far
Eventing Individual -results so far
Live Streaming Link - watch the action live online.
Click on the TV on the first screen, then once the second screen opens up select 'Sport TV' from the first drop down box (at the bottom of the screen) and the required 'channel' (see below) then click the play button.
Note: There are links below the 'TV' on the first window that opens. These have listing times for what will be shown on each channel. Eventing is referred to as "Military" (ie "Military Dressage" is "Eventing Dressage")
