The event had been under threat because of the EI-induced closure of the WA/SA border, but it was opened to horses just three weeks before the event. This allowed Anthony Thomas, David and Linda Dobson, Anna McGregor, Shawn Squire and their horses to return to WA for the last two weeks of the WA circuit. Had they not been able to return the event would have been cancelled.

The crowd was very enthusiastic and thoroughly enjoyed the Young Rider Speed Championship, which was the opening class.

Peter’s World Cup course was not overly big, but it was demanding, and the riders were very quiet following the course walk. Peter says it was a great sight to see over 75% of the 1600 spectator crowd walk the course and, he adds, ‘It was a great way to roll the arena!!’

The Commonwealth Bank sponsored the event for the third consecutive year and bank representatives were delighted with the crowd participation, the succinct commentary from former Australian Showjumping Champion Les Bunning and the excitement that charged the whole event.

The first round produced two clear rounds from Anna McGregor and David Dobson.  Last year’s favourite and winner Linda Dobson and Indigo had two rails down, leaving the door open for a new winner.

The second round was a shortened and raised track and saw the majority of combinations jump clear and finish on a good note. Anna McGregor was first out and jumped another immaculate round and posted a quick time by taking the offered option from #12 to #7 and galloping the last line from #6 to #11. David Dobson on his latest Kiwi acquisition Pico Bello was last out. He had to jump clear and post a faster time than Anna and made a good start and also took the short line option, but had a rail down at the following fence, leaving Anna as the 2007 winner.

Anna is a member of the National Young Rider Squad and has clearly identified herself as a strong talent for the future.

The event concluded with a 5 bar, which was won by Anthony Thomas on Sandstones over 1.70m.