Australia’s Olympic Hopefuls did well in Europe last weekend
June 8, 2004

Eventing

Australian riders and horses had a busy and successful weekend around the world. Over the weekend the first and only pre-Athens FEI Olympic Format Event for Eventing was held in Punchestown, Ireland. Australia was well represented at the “CIC-OG 3-Star”.

This competition followed the exact format for the Olympic Games, including the two rounds of show jumping, the first for the Team results and the second for Individual classification. The Australian team showed promising form by convincingly winning the team competition, some 26 points ahead of the Irish team.

Australia ’s Andrew Hoy finished in 2nd place in the individual classification with Moonfleet and gained 6th place with Master Monarch. Wendy Schaffer travelled from Australia with her Elite-listed Koyuna Sun-Glo to take part in this event. Wendy moved from 13 th place after the cross-country test to eventual 5 th place thanks to two clear showjumping rounds. Wendy was the only one in the class to achieve a double-clear. The fourth member of the AUS team, Sam Griffiths with His Lordships Opposition, was unfortunately eliminated on the cross-country. The Individual classification of the CIC-OG*** class was won by New Zealand’s Blyth Tait and Eze.

The final two qualification events in Australia will be held in Melbourne (Werribee, 11 – 14 June 2004) and Sydney (Sydney International Equestrian Centre, 24 – 27 June 2004).

Jumping

Three of Australia’s leading showjumping combinations, Edwina Alexander (True Illusions), Tim Amitrano (Mr Innocent) and Andrew Inglis (Mr Burns) competed at the CSI*** Bourg en Bresse, France. This was Andrew’s first competition Mr Burns since leaving Australia last month.

All horses performed well to achieve minor placings in a number of classes. Tim Amitrano really put the foot down in the speed competition to jump a fast clear and win the class by over two seconds. The Australian selectors were on hand to view the riders at this competition.

Also held over the weekend was the prestigious Hickstead Showjumping Derby Meeting in Great Britain. Brook Dobbin competed with success taking out The Gladwish Land Sales Trophy with Ian Mouser’s Irish Sport Horse Stallion Carrick Clover. Ian Mouser’s other Irish Sport Horse Stallion Clover Flush, also ridden by Brook Dobbin performed well to place in The Alberta Canada Salver class. Up and coming young Australian Young Rider Matt Williams won the AON British Six-Year Old Jumping Championship riding the Derek Rickett-owned Market Ronaldo.