Matt Williams and Leconte 6 In the prize-giving ceremony at the Pforzheim CSI 3-Star in Germany. German riding legeng Hans-Guenter Winkler (with mbrella) looks on. Photograph:Franz Venhaus

Results of the 1.55m Grand Prix

The largest contingent of Australian jumping riders to gather at a European show competed at Pforzheim CSI 3*, Germany, on the weekend in the first of two final selection events for the Australian Olympic Jumping team.

Eight combinations competed over two classes to register their scores, which will be combined with scores taken over a further two rounds at the final selection event to be held in Aach, Germany, on June 13-15.

The two best-performed combinations over both shows will automatically join pre-selected rider Edwina Alexander on the Australian team to compete at the Olympic Games in Hong Kong in August. The fourth position and one reserve will be determined by the National Selectors, taking into account performances over these and previous competitions.

Chairman of Selectors, Graeme Watts, said the testing tracks designed by International Course Designer Frank Rothenberger had provided a good challenge for our riders.

“This competition has been a useful bridge for our riders between the Australian level of competition and an indication of the level they can expect to face at Hong Kong, with the pressure of competing against a strong field of international riders over a genuine 1.55m track on a 70x70m sand arena in front of a big crowd,” Graeme Watts said.

There were only five clear rounds among the 47 riders, with the eventual winner German rider Franke Sloothaak on Legurio.

Australian rider Laurie Lever praised the Equestrian Federation of Australia for providing a clear and transparent selection process and a well-supported program to get the best team to the Olympics.

“It is good for our sport that the team positions are being so keenly contested by our riders at a top German show against some of the leading riders in the world,” Laurie said.

“This is where it is all happening in show-jumping. These shows are the toughest and the most tightly-contested, so we are getting a taste of top-level competition, which is invaluable,” he said.

The Australians had a strong presence at the Pforzheim show with more than 35 Aussies on hand to support the riders in their endeavours to make the national team.

Australian Chef d’Equipe Stephen Lamb said the show organisers had been highly accommodating to enable the Equestrian Federation of Australia to use an important three-star show as a selection event, with the largest number of Australian entries ever accepted at a high level European Jumping show.

“The opportunity for Australian riders to prepare for the Olympic Games by competing against international riders from fourteen countries including Franke Sloothaak, Hugo Simon, Marcus Ehning, Peter Wylde and Otto Becker has been great for our riders,” Stephen Lamb said.

“The basic formula we are using is very similar to what we used prior to the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, and so the riders are familiar with what is required of them.”

“The riders now have two weeks to consolidate and prepare for the final selection event at Aach on 13 June”, he said.

The Australian Jumping Team for the 2008 Olympic Games will be announced on 04 July 2008.

The progressive scores taken on penalties incurred after the first two of the four selection rounds were:

This weekend eight of Australia's top jumping riders will be competing at the first Olympic Nomination event at Pforzheim in Germany.

The riders will be competing for a chance to join the Australian Jumping Team for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

•  Tim Amitrano with Mr Innocent
• Paul Athanasoff with Wirragulla Nicklaus
• Chris Chugg with Vivant
• Laurie Lever with Ashleigh Drossel Dan
• Peter McMahon with KS Genoa
• Adam Mellers with Animate
• Vicki Roycroft with Noblewood Park Blatini
• Matt Williams with Asgard 17 and Leconte 6

Good luck to all our riders and you will find the link to the results below.