Australian Jumpers Open WEG in Top Style

Armidale born and bred rider Rowan Willis was the Australian Equestrian Team's star at the FEI World Equestrian Games today recording one of the nation’s best individual finishing results in the history of the event.

On his chestnut mare Blue Movie he went clear and in a time of 76.95 to land in third position.

This, and the performances of Jamie Kermond, Scott Keach and Billy Raymont, led Australia to its best first round team score ever and fifth position overall currently.

“My plan was to be in the top 5 and I knew my mare was more than capable. She is naturally very fast so I don’t need to worry about the time as long as I put her in a good spot she tries hard for me,” said Willis.

Willis has had a perfect lead up to WEG having competed on the rich Spruce Meadows circuit with success. This year alone his mare has earned him more than $500,000 in prizemoney.

He has has been based in the UK since finishing school 19 years ago and admits it has been a tough journey at times.

“It has taken a while and been slightly difficult along the way. I had to sell many of my horses to keep going. A few years ago I really believed in this mare and I thought right I am going to not sell her.”

This is only the second time that Willis has represented Australia. When he was 18 he rode in a borrowed horse event in Hong Kong. His outstanding effort today at Tryon is a defining moment in his career.

“If you believe in your horse and work hard it pays off and anything can happen.”

He hails from a family of passionate horse people. His parents were both practising vets and his father David is an FEI Jumping Steward. This morning he is the toast of his hometown.

“We have got four more rounds to jump and let’s hope she can jump four more clear rounds,” said Willis.

Jamie Kermond and Yandoo Oaks Constellation had a brilliant round and were first out for the team. Going clear in 83.39 he set the vocal crowd alight.

“I’m stoked it’s my third WEG and it’s the first clean round I have jumped here,” said Kermond.

Scott Keach and Fedor also went clear (84.78) and Billy Raymont and Oaks Redwood, competing at this first WEG, had one rail (79.29).