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September issue of CEO's newsletter out now
Franz Venhaus, Thursday, 28 September 2006 WEG has been in the news, of course, but there are a few other things happening as well. |
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Touzaint leads French whitewash
FEI News, Monday, 25 September 2006 Nicolas Touzaint made a spectacular comeback with his wonderful grey horse, Galan de Sauvagere, to take the FEI Eventing World Cup to France for the first time.
The French had specifically targeted the FEI Eventing World Cup final, in Malmö (SWE) with some of their best riders and horses. Thus they put the disappointments of the World Equestrian Games behind them and gave a jumping lesson to the rest of the world as they clinched first, second and fourth places.
All three riders were clear over a difficult final jumping phase. Jean-Lou Bigot (FRA), riding Derby de Longueval, was the only competitor of the field of 38 to achieve the optimum cross-country time of 7min 5sec and the only one to finish on his dressage score (48.5).
Arnaud Boiteau (FRA) on Expo du Moulin, who was clearly none the worse for his fall in Aachen, rose from 21st after dressage to eventual fourth (59.0) thanks to superb jumping performances.
Andreas Dibowski (GER) interrupted French domination with third place on FRH Little Lemon. He also jumped clear to rise a place, finishing on a score of 53.6.
In a properly international line-up, the USA’s Darren Chiacchia was fifth on the stallion Windfall, who dropped two places with two rails down, while Anna Hilton (SWE) was best of the home side in sixth on Mr Dalby – there were four Swedes in the top 12 - and Laurence Hunt was leading British rider in seventh on Pheobus.
Clayton Fredericks’s (AUS) title defence ended with a run-out on Nullarbor at fence 14, a brush arrowhead which followed steps up a bank and a drop off, and he eventually wound up in 12th place.
As anticipated, the cross-country proved influential, with 12 riders failing to complete. There were only 13 clear rounds and faults were spread evenly around the course, with fence 5, three narrow white seats on a curving line, causing 10 errors, including for Linda Algotsson (SWE).
The most serious incident of the day was the fall for Anna Hasso (SWE) when her horse Son of a Bitch fell backwards at the steps (fence 13). She was taken to hospital for precautionary X-rays.
Anna Hilton commented: “The cross-country was more difficult than I expected. You really had to ride. It was very technical and I think my horse was a bit gob-smacked by the crowds and the unusual fences. But that’s Malmö! I’ve had a fantastic weekend.”
A new format was used for the FEI Eventing World Cup final, with the cross-country and jumping phases run on the same day, split by about three hours’ rest and a formal horse inspection. Two horses were withdrawn at this stage: Stand By Me and Karin Donckers’ (BEL) Gormley, who had two run-outs and cut himself.
Riders initially wondered how their horses would fare in the final jumping phase, but most looked and jumped well. There were six clear rounds – four of them French.
This week the FEI Eventing Committee will discuss the future of the World Cup: at what time of year is best for a final, in order to attract more of the world’s best riders, and which format should be used. Whatever is decided, chairman Wayne Roycroft declared Malmö a brilliant competition which had attracted a record crowd.
Results:
1. Nicolas Touzaint/Galan de Sauvagere (FRA) 39.8 + 2.4 + 0 = 42.2
2. Jean-Lou Bigot/Derby de Longueval (FRA), 48.5 + 0 + 0 = 48.5
3. Andreas Dibowski/FRH Little Lemon (GER), 42.4 + 11.2 + 0 = 53.6
4. Arnaud Boiteau/Expo du Moulin (FRA) 54.6 + 4.4 + 0 = 59.0
5. Darren Chiacchia/Windfall 2 (USA) 44.1 + 8.0 + 8 = 60.1
6. Anna Hilton/Mr Dalby (SWE) 48.9 + 10.8 + 8 = 67.7
7. Laurence Hunt/Pheobus (GBR) 48.5 + 16 + 4 = 68.5
8. Johan Lundin/Major Tom (SWE) 57.4 + 12.4 + 0 = 69.8
9. Niklas Lindback/Keep Clapping (SWE) 51.3 + 5.6 + 16 = 72.9
10. Andreas Ostholt/Lady Lemon FRH (GER) 48.9 + 17.2 + 8 = 74.1
11. Viktoria Carlerback/Onyx (SWE) 50.9 + 5.2 + 20 = 76.1
12. Clayton Fredericks/Nullarbor (AUS) 35.2 + 41.6 + 8 = 84.8
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After Dressage:
Clayton Fredericks is poised for title defence
Clayton Fredericks (AUS) begun his title defence of the FEI Eventing World Cup final in the best possible way. At the end of the dressage phase, he had a clear 4.6 penalty lead over Nicolas Touzaint (FRA), who is making a comeback with his magnificent grey Galan de Sauvagere.
“I saw Nicolas’s test and I thought there was no way I would beat that,” said Fredericks. “I was fully prepared not to be in the lead, but my horse Nullarbor has a very good brain. It’s nice to have a horse that you can rely on to be consistent. With this horse you can actually do inside the arena what you had hoped and planned to do when you were still outside.”
Galan de Sauvagere, the only other horse to score a sub-40 mark, made a couple of mistakes, but his canter work is superb – light yet powerful – and he looked a class apart.
Touzaint explained the horse’s absence since the Athens Olympics. “He has had persistent little problems about every two months, which has made it difficult to prepare him for a major competition. He was my reserve in Aachen, but I felt he was not quite fit enough for such a difficult cross-country.”
Andreas Dibowswki is third for Germany on FRH Little Lemon, but the judges were not always in agreement, with the American Marilyn Payne awarding him 5% more than the other two.
Piia Pantsu (FIN), third last year here on Ypaja Karuso, is in fourth place and Linda Algotsson on the faithful 16-year-old Stand By Me is best of the Swedish in fifth.
Some horses were affected by the breezy conditions, most notably Arnaud Boiteau’s Expo du Moulin (FRA) and Geoff Curran’s Kilkishin (IRL), who were clearly made tense by the noise of the billowing flags.
Britain’s Julie Tew, who led until the half-way mark on the handsome Irish-bred grey Sir Roselier, described the cross-country course designed by Per Magnusson as “decent!”.
“There is combination following combination, acute angles and difficult distances, and it doesn’t let up,” she said. “It’s going to be an interesting competition.”
Right from the start, the fences are uncompromisingly big, with an early combination at 3, and a strong emphasis on lightly curving lines and accuracy. The obstacles do not receive their final dressing until tonight, so they look particulary imposing and stark, with plenty of opportunity for horses to run out.
The fences are mainly portables, and so the whole course sprung up virtually overnight in this public park at the start of the week. The start and finish have been re-sited, to the south end of the park, and the course this time extends right beside the sea as far as the marina in the far corner.
Linda Algotsson said: “There are some tricky combinations; riders will have to sit up and concentrate.”
Nicolas Touzaint commented that he thought the optimum time would be difficult to achieve with all the twists and turns, while Anna Hilton (SWE) said there were several fences where riders would have to choose between two and three strides and make a proper plan.
Clayton said: “Nullarbor is only nine and it won’t be the same as having my more experienced horse, Ben Along Time [last year’s winner]. I will have to guide Nullarbor more.”
Whoever ends up with the prized World Cup – and the winner’s cheque for 20,000 euro – will have genuinely earned their money. This is going to be an interesting competition.
1. Clayton Fredericks/Nullarbor (AUS), 35.2;
2. Nicolas Touzaint/Galan de Sauvagere (FRA), 39.8;
3. Andreas Dibowski/Little Lemon (GER), 42.4;
5. Piia Pantsu/Ypaja Karuso (FIN) 42.4
6. Darren Chiacchia/Windfall 2 (USA), 44.1
7. Karin Donckers/Gormley (BEL), 46.7
8. Jean-Lou Bigot/Derby du Longueval (FRA), 48.5
8. Laurence Hunt/Pheobus (GBR), 48.5.
10. Julie Tew/Sir Roselier (GBR), 48.9
10. Andreas Ostholt/Lady Lemon FRH (GER), 48.9
10. Anna Hilton/Mr Dalby (SWE), 48.9
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Clayton Fredericks | |
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EFA Australian Showman of the Year 2006
 Jessica Stalling with Badgers Drift
Siobhan Lapthorne, Sunday, 24 September 2006 Twelve riders from six states, twelve pool horses, four team places for the International Showman of the Year in South Africa. The 2006 EFA Australian Showman of the Year was conducted at the EFA NSW HOTY on Saturday 23 September. Each state sent the winner and runner-up rider from their state qualifier earlier in the year. Each rider also had to supply a horse for the pool. Most riders borrowed local horses from the Sydney area, except for the Victorian team who brought horses up from Victoria. Riders in this competition are aged between 14 and 18.
On Saturday morning the teams drew for starting order, then drew their pool horses. At 9am the first 6 riders had their familiarisation session in the warm-up arena. It became clear that there were some lovely horses in the pool. Some riders clicked quite quickly with their horses. Amy Maskell from Queensland had Beverley Sims Eventing horse Red Magic doing some lovely canter half-pass and flying changes within half an hour. Other riders took a little longer, but all got a tune from their pool horse by the end of the session.
The riders also had warm-up jumps to try out, and after a few catleaps, all had their mounts jumping smoothly too. At 9:45 the first group of riders headed down to the indoor arena to see how the horses would manage in there for the indoor presentation ceremony. All the horses seemed happy enough indoors, and it was time for the first riders to head back to the stables and the next 6 riders to have their turn.
This session was much the same, all riders worked out their horses sooner or later, ably assisted by their coaches or the horse owners. Another session in the indoor, and again all the horses seemed quiet enough in the indoor atmosphere.
The familiarisation sessions showed that each state was represented by versatile young riders, able to put together a good performance on an unfamiliar horse in a short time. Some of the riders were fortunate enough to be assisted by their coaches. Tasmania’s team obviously meant business, and their entourage included their EFA coaches Grant Walter and Tracy Stead. South Australia also enlisted EFA Jumping Coach Clive Reed who also built the course for their state qualifier.
Time for a break to get the horses tidied up and a last chance to walk the working hunter course built by FEI Course Designer David Lawrence.
After lunch the first riders began their final half-hour warm-up ready to begin the competition with their dressage test. Riders completed the dressage test under A-Level Judge Joan Wardall, then moved to the grass arena to ride the ridden workout set by National Judge John Paget, then up to Arena 2 for their 85cm working hunter round under National Judge Geoff Lyall, then finally they unsaddled, tidied up their horse and returned to the grass arena for their in-hand presentation with National Judge Gary Beaton.
Test rider from NSW, Tiffany Bignold and her super Show Hunter pony went though the phases fist and helped to work out any kinks in the schedule. Things ran fairly smoothly after that and kept pretty close to time for the afternoon.
In the ridden workout, John Paget was looking for a smooth ride on the unfamiliar horse, Geoff Lyall was looking for smooth and forward working hunter rounds with good riding style over the jumps, and in the in-hand Gary Beaton was looking for a confident and friendly attitude in the handler, along with the ability to show the horse off and not obscure the judge’s view.
The scores were sent back to Phil and Debbie Courtney to tally ready for the night-time presentation in front of the HOTY crowd. Gary Beaton and John Paget presented ribbons to the finalists:
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Kali Rodda (SA)
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riding Uberglam
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Owned by Kerry French
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Rebecca Arnold (WA)
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riding Stirling Prince
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Owned by Alexandra Bignasci
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Abigail Brough (Tas)
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riding Mullitover
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Owned by Danielle Hamilton
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Nicola Marchesi (WA)
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riding Angel Park Celebration
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Owned by Susan Knapton
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Cooper Oborn (SA)
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riding Royal Tigeress
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Owned by Danielle Hamilton
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Ashley Harris (Qld)
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riding Frosty Mango
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Owned by Daniele Hamilton
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Laura Thomas (Vic)
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riding Brainwave
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Owned by Katherine Climas
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In 5th place, and reserve if one of the top four cannot travel to South Africa was Kate Rodgers from NSW riding Ownedale Red Sea owned by Rowena Elkan.
In 4th place and the first member of the Australian Team was Amy Maskell from Queensland riding Red Magic owned by Beverley Sims. Beverley provided a beautifully trained horse for the pool. Amy and the mare clicked very quickly.
In 3rd place was Katherine Climas from Victoria riding Macbelotto owned by Jennifer Halstead. Katherine and her mum adored “Mac” from the first minute they met in the stables and he gave her a very good ride. Mac’s owner Jennifer was obviously proud of her boy and often loans out the versatile little horse.
In 2nd place and reserve champion was Adam Linardi from Tasmania riding the striking FEI Eventing horse Colour Smart kindly loaned by EFA NCAS Coach Judy Clarke. Colour Smart, a tobiano pinto attracted much attention, as always, and gave Adam a lovely ride.
The EFA Australian Showman of the Year was Jessica Stalling from NSW riding Badgers Drift owned by EFA NCAS Coach Lindy Young of Victoria. Jessica, booked to ride several horses, had a hectic HOTY schedule to contend with and missed the morning familiarisation session. Badgers Drift is an old hand, taking many young Victorian riders safely around the working hunter and jumping scenes. He is most recently paired with Laura Thomas in Victoria. Jessica and Badgers Drift got on with job when they finally met in the afternoon, receiving the top scores for the ridden workout and the working hunter to clinch the title.
Lindy receives a trophy as the owner of the winning horse to recognise the generosity of horse owners. Interstate travel with horses is difficult and costly enough in this country, and rising fuel costs don’t help. The generous owners of the pool horses are to be thanked for making this final possible for these talented young riders.
The scores of the top 4 were very close indeed, just 5 points separating 1st and 4th.
The trophies for the winning state with the highest combined score went to NSW with 582 points, followed closely by Victoria on 576 and Queensland on 573.
The Australian Team will compete against teams from England, South Africa and New Zealand in South Africa in November. In 2005 at the first ever International Showman of the Year, the Australian Team came second by just a few points. This year, with their state qualifier and the national final behind them the team should prove very strong indeed.
Thanks go to EFA NSW for hosting the final, to the judges, the two judges’ writers in the dressage and working hunter phases.
The EFA Showman of the Year rules may be used to conduct local events by any EFA-affiliated show or club. It is also proving popular in the inter-schools scene. The state qualifier dates for the 2007 EFA Showman of the Year will be set by each state in the coming months, and the 2007 State and National Inter-Schools Championships format will also include Showman in the Show Horse program.
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Jessica Stalling with Badgers Drift |
Adam Linardi with Colour Smart |
Katherine Climas presents Macbelotto in-hand |
Amy Maskell with Red Magic | |
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Mega Star Shines at Bates International Three-Day Event
 Hamish Cargill in the 3 star
Siobhan Lapthorne, EFA National Office, Wednesday, 13 September 2006 Sharmayne Spencer's 'Mega Star' proved himself in trying conditions in the CCI3* despite stormy weather and a tight indoor jumping course. Dressage Day 1:
Despite the wet and windy beginning, day one of the 2006 Bates International Three-Day Event turned out to be a great start to the Event. Once the dressage arenas had been relocated to Indoor arena, due to the soaking of rain the Sydney International Equestrian Centre received overnight, the first half of the Gow Gates Insurance CCI* class kicked off.
Currently in first place is Boyd Martin riding ‘Fair Fiona’ on a score of 47.1. Boyd was the first rider out this morning and set a high standard that couldn’t be matched. Closely following Boyd is Natalie Blundell on ‘Algebra’ on 49.3 and Claudia Graham on ‘Serenity Vision’ with a score of 49.8. Tomorrow the remaining 30 riders in the Gow Gates Insurance CCI* will compete, which could influence the current placings.
The Asia-Pacific Challenge Trophy is in its second year running. This year the Challenge is being held at the CCI* level. It began today with half the riders completing their dressage tests. Currently in first position is Lt. Col. Deep Ahlawat representing India, riding ‘Rancho Manhatten’, on a score of 60.9. Andry Prsetyono riding ‘Roderer’ for Indonesia, is just behind on 61.4 penalty points. In third place is Risaldar Major Palvinder Singh, also from India, who is riding ‘Foxdale Fever’ and sits on a score of 63.8.
The leader in the EFA CCI** is Tallara Barwick riding Wynella Whiskey on a score of 50.6, behind her is Natalie Siiankoski, riding ‘Kolara Stud Archie’ who is on 52.3, while Stuart Tinney took third position riding Panamera on score of 53.1. These riders now have a day off to prepare for the challenges the CCI** cross country has in store.
Dressage Day 2:
Day two of the Bates International Three-Day Event, held indoors despite the improvement in weather conditions, began with the completion of the Gow Gates CCI*. The final 30 riders completed their dressage tests, however none where lucky enough to effect the top three placings from yesterday, leaving Boyd Martin riding the warmblood ‘Fair Fiona’ in the lead as they head into tomorrow's cross country phase!
Endarjanto Bambang Sumarsono, representing Indonesia, leads the ‘IRT and ENSW Asia Pacific Challenge Trophy’. His fellow team mate Dikie Mardiyanto sits in second place, while the overnight leader, Lt. Col. Deep Ahlawat from India, was relegated to 3rd place. This Challenge is being held for the second year running and is proving to be an popular opportunity for overseas riders to gain international experience with entries doubling from last year. The winning rider receives AUD$2000 and an airfreight costs of up to AUD$5000 for shipment by air of one horse one way from Australia to Asia courtesy of IRT.
The exciting news of the day is that Heath Ryan, an experienced elite rider and regular Australian representative, is in the lead of the highly respected Horseland CCI*** riding ‘Flame’. Previous winners of the prestigious CCI*** include Athens Olympian Rebel Morrow and member of the 2006 World Equestrian Games bonze medal team, Megan Jones. Chris Burton, on the eight year old gelding ‘Unrepentant’ who is owned by the Stafford family, is in second place. While Sharmayne Spencer riding her stunning chestnut thoroughbred ‘Mega Star’ is in third.
The final class of the day was the Fairfield City Council CCN Pre-Novice Class which ended with an all girl trifecter. Young rider Lisa Pain took out first place on her 14.2hh bay mare ‘Miss Jiggely Puff’ with an impressive score 72.4% earning 41.4 penalties. In second is Erin O’neill and her beautiful horse ‘Short Black’ with Michelle Hasibar is third on ‘Clayton’.
Cross Country:
The third day of the Bates International Three Day Event brought very stormy weather, making conditions hazardous for the cross country, which drastically affected the placings that had stood after the two days of dressage. While the ground held up under foot, the wind and rain made visibility difficult and tended to cause time penalties as riders rode the course with extra caution. Due to the conditions tomorrows showjumping phase will be held indoors.
Time penalties was the major influence in placings throughout the Horseland CCI***, knocking yesterdays leader Heath Ryan, on ‘Flame’ to fifth position. The current leader is Chris Burton on ‘Unrepentant’ who went clear and under time, looking balanced and in control throughout the ride. Second place belongs to Hamish Cargrill who has moved up from third riding consistently well throughout the competition and placing pressure on Team Mitavite rider, Burton. Sydney Olympic Gold Medalist, Stuart Tinney completed the course stylishly on ‘Klimax’ finishing in third place.
The current leader of the EFA NSW CCI** Natalie Siiankoski has stolen first place from Tallara Barwick. Natalie was one of only 3 riders who achieved a clear round without jumping or time penalties in the two star class. Tallara incurred three refusals at jump number five – the Anges Banks Farmyard - resulting in elimination. Second place has now been taken by Craig Barrett on ‘Wendela Jamie’ only adding 0.8 time penalties to his score. 17 year old Clinton Van Der Sanden is making his mark in this highly competitive class, moving up to third place after his immaculate round.
The overnight leader of the Asia Pacific Challenge Trophy, Endarjanto Bambang Sumarsono, from Indonesia travelled with extra caution due to the difficult conditions and fallen to 6th place after the addition of 14 time penalties to his dressage score. The current leader, Lt Col Deep Ahlawat on ‘Rancho Manhattan’, owned by Sharen Carroll, came in clear and under time. His past succusses as a former Indian showjumping champion bodes well for tomorrow’s final phase. Andry Prasetyono, from Indonesia, is coming 2nd on ‘Roederer’, less than one point behind Ahlawat. Third place is held by Major Rajesh Pattu riding clear on ‘Spock’.
Boyd retains the lead in the Gow Gates CCI* with a faultless ride on ‘Fair Fiona’. Claudia Graham on ‘Sentry Vision’ moved from third to second place after adding only 0.4 time penalties to her excellent dressage score. Lauren Balcomb, an up and coming young rider, aboard the beautiful ‘Kootamootoo’ by ‘Salute’ is sitting in third place after a clear cross country round.
Yesterdays leader of the Fairfield City Council Pre Novice class, Lisa Pain, looked certain to maintain her lead until the final fence proved to be too much, resulting in an unfortunate fall and causing her to retire. Michelle Hasibar who rode ‘Clayton’ positively for a clear round with no jumping or time faults has taken the lead. In second place is Raquel Blanco, who moved up from 6th , riding her gutsy chestnut ‘High And Dry’. In third place is young rider Augusta Clarke on ‘Declan’. Less than a rail separates the first from third place getters.
Showjumping Day:
A new superstar emerged at the Bates International Three Day Event when elite rider Sharmayne Spencer today took first place with her brilliant ride on ‘Mega Star’. Spencer had been in the top three since the start, performing a beautiful dressage test, and continued her fine performance in cross country without a mistake only adding 6.4 time penalties. Showjumping today, moved indoors after the torrential rain that plagued the 3DE, proved difficult to all competitors with only one clear round Horseland CCI*** by Spencer.
Yesterdays leader in the EFA NSW CCI**, Natalie Siiankoski, did not crack under pressure in her showjumping round and retained the lead. Craig Barrett took second place on ‘Wendela Jamie’ by only adding 2 time penalties to his score. Despite good technique Clinton Van Der Sanden unfortunately slipped from third place to sixth after having three rails, which allowed Sam Lyle on ‘Brother’ to steal the position.
No one in the Gow Gates Insurance Brokers CCI* could remove Boyd of his first place. Boyd lead from start to finish riding the beautiful warmblood mare ‘Fair Fiona W’, adding no other penalties to his dressage score of 47.1. Claudia Graham hung on to her second with a clear showjuming round. Young rider Lauren Balcomb retained her overnight third place with the diligent showjumping round that demonstrated a true partnership between horse and rider. This class was the largest of all at the Event and the largest CCI* in the Bates International Three Day Event history, with 61 riders. A reason for this sizable class is due to 19 overseas riders who competed concurrently within this class and the Asia-Pacific Challenge Trophy (APCT). By holding the APCT at the Bates International Three Day Event creates a number of mutual benefits for all competitors.
The showjumping proved to be an exciting finish for the IRT and ENSW APCT with only one clear round produced by the eventual winner Major Rajesh Pattu aboard ‘Spock’, owned by Katherine Strelein. Thailand young rider, Promton Kingwan, riding ‘Mister Moss’ took second place while overnight leader, Lt. Col. Ahlawat from India, slipped to third. This competition is in its second year and proved to be a great success and an important qualifier for the Asian Games held next month. Next year the APCT will be held at the CCI** level in preparation for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.
In the Fairfield City Council PreNovice class the top three placings coming into the showjumping were untouchable as they all retained their positions, with Michelle Hasibar in first, Raquel Blanco in second and Augusta Clarke taking third place. The Erin walker memorial for the highest placed junior rider was awarded to Raquel Robson, who placed 7th overall.
Top Three Places:
Horseland CCI***
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1
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Sharmayne Spencer
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Mega Star
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63.4
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2
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Stuart Tinney
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Klimax
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64.9
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3
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Christopher Burton
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Unrepentant
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68.3
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EFA NSW CCI**
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1
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Natalie Siiankoski
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Kolara Stud Archie
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57.3
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2
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Craig Barrett
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Wendela Jamie
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58.8
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3
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Sam Lyle
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Brother
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72.2
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Gow Gates Insurance Brokers CCI*
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1
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Boyd Martin
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Fair Fiona W
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47.1
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2
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Claudia Graham
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Sentry Vision
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50.2
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3
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Lauren Balcomb
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Kootamootoo
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51.9
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Fairfield City Council Pre-Novice
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1
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Michelle Hasibar
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Clayton
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58.6
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2
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Raquel Blanco
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High and Dry
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60.2
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3
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Augusta Clarke
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Declan
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63.6
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Andry Prasetyono on Roederer in the 1 star |
Boyd Martin on Fair Fiona W in the 1 star |
Lt Col Deep Ahlawat on Rancho Manhatten in the 1 star |
Hamish Cargill in the 3 star |
Heath Ryan on Flame in the 3 star |
Michelle Hasibar on Clayton in the Pre-Novice | |
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Aussies 1-2-3 at Burghley
Melanie Beeby, EFA National Office, Monday, 11 September 2006 Australian riders made a clean sweep of the top three placings at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in Britain overnight.
UK-based Lucinda Fredericks and her little mare, Headley Britannia, didn’t touch a single pole in Sunday’s final showjumping phase, leaving Andrew Hoy, who had led the three-day event from the start, with just one coloured rail up his sleeve.
But Andrew and Moonfleet knocked down three rails, slipping to second place and dashing his hopes of winning this year’s $US250,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. The three-time Olympic gold medallist, who has won Burghley twice, had two horses in the top five though, with Mr Pracatan also having three rails down to finish 5th.
NSW’s Shane Rose and All Luck, who made the trip to Burghley after falling and retiring on the cross-country course at WEG, showjumped clear to take third place.
Andrew, who was part of Australia’s bronze-medal-winning team at the World Equestrian Games in Germany last month, is quoted as saying on the Burghley website: “I never had the Grand Slam so I never lost it – I came within 30 seconds of a Grand Slam before I had the second rail down and if this is the worst day of my life it can’t be that bad.”
The Grand Slam is awarded to any rider who wins the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in the US, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in the UK and Burghley consecutively. Andrew won Kentucky in April and Badminton in May. The Grand Slam has been achieved only once, by Britain’s Pippa Funnell at Burghley in 2003.
Lucinda’s “Little Brit” is the first mare to win Burghley in 33 years.
“It has all happened for me this week,” Lucinda, who was short-listed for the Australian WEG team, is quoted as saying on the Burghley website. “I was so disappointed not to compete at WEG and I never really believed this could happen but she has been a star and I want to say thank you to everyone who has been a believer in this little horse.”
Of the other Australians at Burghley, UK-based Matt Ryan and Sam Griffiths also achieved top 10 finishes. Sam’s Connigar Bay had two rails down to hold on to 8th place and Matt jumped a clear round on Bonza Puzzle to come 9th.
Matt had one rail down on his other mount, Bonza Katoomba, to be 34th, while Robert Palm and The Regulator had two down to finish 27th and Luke Jones and Soul had one rail and a time fault to come 28th.
Lucinda’s husband, Clayton Fredericks, who won individual silver and team bronze medals at WEG, was eliminated after a fall on WP In Limbo during Saturday’s cross-country and later withdrew his British Open winner, Nullarbor.
Eventing is an equestrian triathlon comprising dressage, cross country and showjumping phases.
Meanwhile, Sharmayne Spencer and Mega Star won the Horseland CCI three-star at the Bates International Three-Day Event in Sydney with 63.4 penalties, ahead of Stuart Tinney and Klimax on 64.9 and Chris Burton and Unrepentant on 68.3.
And Brett Parbery took first and third place in the Horseland Grand Prix at the EFA NSW Dressage Championships, also in Sydney, on Victory Salute (64.375 per cent) and Whisper IV (61.667pc) respectively. Lesley-Anne Taylor was second riding Weltklasse on 61.944pc.
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Lucinda Fredericks and Headley Britannia |
Lucinda Fredericks and Headley Britannia |
Andrew Hoy and Moonfleet |
Clayton Fredericks and Nullabor | |
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Andrew Hoy closes in on Grand Slam
Melanie Beeby, National Office, Sunday, 10 September 2006 Andrew Hoy is a step closer to winning the $US250,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing after strengthening his lead in the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in Britain overnight.
The three-time Olympic gold medallist produced two of only six cross-country rounds that were clear and within the time to pull further ahead on his Badminton winner, Moonfleet, and to move up the standings to third on his other mount, Mr Pracatan.
Andrew, who was part of Australia’s bronze medal winning team at the World Equestrian Games in Germany last month, said he was thrilled with both horses.
“They couldn’t have done any more today, they were absolutely wonderful,” said Andrew, who has won Burghley twice – in 2004 on Moonfleet and in 1979 on Davey – and has finished in the top 10 for the past four years. “But tomorrow’s another day so we just wait and see – it’s step by step.”
The Grand Slam is awarded to any rider who wins the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in the US, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in the UK and Burghley consecutively.
Andrew won Kentucky in April on Master Monarch followed by Badminton on Moonfleet in May. If he can win Burghley this weekend, he will become only the second rider to take out the Grand Slam. It was first achieved, also at Burghley, by Britain’s Pippa Funnell in 2003.
Australians have made a clean sweep of the top four placings at Burghley with just the final showjumping phase to come. UK-based Lucinda Fredericks remains 2nd with 1.6 time penalties added to her dressage score to be 5.6 penalties behind Andrew.
NSW’s Shane Rose and All Luck, who made the trip to Burghley after a fall and subsequent retirement on the cross-country course at WEG, rose from 7th to 4th with just 0.4 time penalties on the cross country.
Clayton Fredericks, who won individual silver and team bronze medals at WEG, was eliminated after a fall on WP In Limbo and later withdrew his British Open winner, Nullarbor.
Of the other Australians, UK-based Matt Ryan slipped from 7th to 37th on Bonza Katoomba after a run-out added 20 jumping and 20 time penalties to his score, but improved from 19th to 15th on Bonza Puzzle with just 9.2 time penalties.
Sam Griffiths and Connigar Bay had only 0.4 time penalties cross-country to improve from 18th to 8th place, while Robert Palm and The Regulator moved from 57th to 28th with 6.8 time and Luke Jones and Soul from 77th to 31st with 1.2 time.
Twenty-nine combinations either retired or were eliminated or withdrawn before or during the cross-country phase. Eventing is an equestrian triathlon comprising dressage, cross country and showjumping tests.
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Andrew Hoy and Moonfleet |
Shane Rose and All Luck | |
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Andrew Hoy leads Australian domination
Melanie Beeby, National Office, Saturday, 9 September 2006 Three-time Olympic gold medallist Andrew Hoy has made the best possible start to his bid to win the $US250,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, taking the lead in the opening dressage test of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in Britain overnight.
Australians are dominating the leaderboard, with six in the top eight positions heading into the cross-country phase.
Uniquely, two husband and wife teams are in the top four. Andrew’s wife, Bettina, is in third place while UK-based Australians Lucinda and Clayton Fredericks are sitting second and fourth respectively.
Fresh from winning a team bronze medal at the World Equestrian Games in Germany last month, Andrew said he’d made a good start to Burghley but there was still a long way to the finish.
“The way I see it is that if I don’t win it I haven’t lost the Grand Slam as I never had it in the first place. But if I had a wish to be in the golden position at the end of dressage aiming for a Grand Slam then I’ve achieved that,” Andrew is quoted as saying on the Burghley website.
“So it’s going to plan but there’s a lot of jumping out there to be done on the cross country and it’s up to me to do it.”
Andrew and his Badminton winner, Moonfleet, moved into the lead in the dressage on Friday night, AEST, with 31.7 penalties, ahead of Lucinda and Headley Britannia, who were short-listed for WEG, on 35.7. Bettina, part of Germany’s gold medal winning Eventing team at WEG, is on 37.2, while Clayton, who won individual silver and team bronze medals at WEG, and his British Open winner, Nullarbor, are on 38.3.
Andrew has another experienced four-star horse, Mr Pracatan, in 6th place on 41.3 penalties, just ahead of NSW-based Shane Rose, who rode as an individual at WEG, on All Luck, and UK-based Matt Ryan on Bonza Katoomba in equal 7th with 43.5.
“It’s great to have such exciting things happening in our sport,” Clayton said.
“We have got such a depth of riders both in this country, obviously Phillip Dutton in the States, and the guys that are back in Australia. It is a very hard job for our selectors.”
The Grand Slam is awarded to any rider who wins the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in the US, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in the UK and Burghley consecutively.
Andrew won Kentucky in April on Master Monarch followed by Badminton on Sue Magnier’s Moonfleet in May. If he can win Burghley this weekend, he will become only the second rider to take out the Grand Slam. It was first achieved, also at Burghley, by Britain’s Pippa Funnell in 2003.
Andrew has won Burghley twice – in 2004 on Moonfleet and in 1979 on Davey – and has finished in the top 10 for the past four years.
Of the other Australians at Burghley, Sam Griffiths and Connigar Bay are lying 18th on 46.8 penalties and three-time Olympic gold medallist Matt is equal 19th on Bonza Puzzle with 47.0.
Clayton is also running 29th on WP In Limbo with 49.8 penalties, while Robert Palm and The Regulator are equal 57th on 60.7 and Luke Jones and Soul are 77th on 69.5.
Eventing is an equestrian triathlon comprising dressage, cross country and showjumping tests.
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Lucinda Fredericks and Headley Britannia |
Lucinda Fredericks and Headley Britannia |
Andrew Hoy and Moonfleet |
Clayton Fredericks and Nullabor |
Clayton Fredericks and Nullabor | |
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Lucinda and Andrew in strong positions
Brett Mace, Friday, 8 September 2006 Australian riders performed well on the first day of Dressage at Burghley. At the press conference Lucinda said that she was disappointed to miss WEG selection but had then focused her efforts on producing a top performance here at Burghley, making the most of the Australian Training Camp and the subsequent campaign with Clayton at WEG.
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47
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HEADLEY BRITANNIA
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Lucinda Fredericks
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202
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208
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207
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35.7
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1
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16
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MR PRACATAN
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Andrew Hoy
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191
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210
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186
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41.3
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3
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38
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CONNIGAR BAY
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Sam Griffiths
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182
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186
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189
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46.8
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8
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1
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BONZA PUZZLE
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Matt Ryan
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182
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188
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186
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47.0
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9=
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12
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W P IN LIMBO
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Clayton Fredericks
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176
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187
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178
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49.8
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16
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53
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THE REGULATOR
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Robert Palm
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168
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151
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163
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60.7
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26=
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41
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SOUL
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Luke Jones
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147
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139
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149
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69.5
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38
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Lucinda Fredericks and Headley Britannia |
Lucinda Fredericks and Headley Britannia | |
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Hoy goes for Eventing Grand Slam
 Andrew Hoy
Melanie Beeby, National Office, Thursday, 7 September 2006 Eight Australians will fly the flag at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in Britain, including medallists from the recent World Equestrian Games in Germany.
The group will be led by three-time Olympic gold medallist Andrew Hoy, who will be attempting to win the $US250,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing.
The Grand Slam is awarded to any rider who wins the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in the US, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in the UK and Burghley consecutively.
Andrew won Kentucky in April on Master Monarch followed by Badminton on Moon Fleet in May. If he can win Burghley, which starts tonight AEST, he will become only the second rider to take out the Grand Slam. It was first achieved, also at Burghley, by Britain’s Pippa Funnell in 2003.
Andrew has won Burghley twice – in 2004 on Moon Fleet and in 1979 on Davey – and has finished in the top 10 for the past four years.
The Australian entries for Burghley are: Andrew on Moon Fleet and Mr Pracatan, and WEG individual silver medallist Clayton Fredericks on Nullarbor and WP In Limbo (both Andrew and Clayton were on the bronze medal winning team at WEG); WEG individual rider Shane Rose on All Luck; Lucinda Fredericks on Headley Britannia, who was short-listed for WEG; three-time Olympic gold medallist Matt Ryan on Bonza Katoomba and Bonza Puzzle; Sam Griffiths on Connigar Bay; Luke Jones on Soul; and Robert Palm on The Regulator.
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Burghley live on broadband
Television in Europe Ltd, Thursday, 3 August 2006 This year Burghley is launching its Video Streaming Service which will allow you to watch both the Cross-Country and Show Jumping Live.
Thursday 7 - Sunday 10 September 2006
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After representing his country at this month's World Equestrian Games in Germany, Australia’s Triple Olympic Gold Medalist Andrew Hoy comes to Burghley hopeful of landing the 250,000 Dollar Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing.
Andrew, winner of Burghley in 1979 on Davey and more recently in 2004 on Moon Fleet will be looking to emulate the unique achievement of Great Britain's Pippa Funnell at Burghley in 2003 when on Primmore’s Pride she completed the Kentucky, Badminton and Burghley hatrick.
On 30th April this year Andrew Hoy rode Master Monach to victory in the Rolex Kentucky: just seven days later he triumphed on Moonfleet at the famous Mitsubishi Badminton Horse Trials: in September, all eyes will be on Andrew as he tries to land the sport’s richest single prize
To win Andrew will not only have to overcome eighty of the world’s top eventing partnerships but also the spectacular and demanding 32 Cross Country fences designed by Captain Mark Phillips, himself champion of Burghley in 1971 on Maid Marion.
With no roads, tracks and steeplechase, this year’s Burghley will be run according to the Olympic short format which in turn has allowed the Cross Country Start and Finish to be relocated into the heart of Burghley Park - directly in front of Burghley House.
First run in 1961, there is once again record prize money on offer for this the 46th edition of the Autumn Classic of Eventing: in british pounds, £45,000, £32,000 and £21,000 respectively for first, second and third down to £2,000 for the twelfth placed partnership.
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Burghley TV Broadband
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This year Burghley is launching its Video Streaming Service which will allow you to watch both the Cross Country and Show Jumping Live for just 20 dollars providing you register and subscribe on www.Burghley.tv before Friday 25 August 2006: after that date it’ll cost you 25 dollars.
The service allows you to dip in and out as you wish and there’s a same day repeat for those of you with busy lives. There’s also a full guide to the Broadband service to help you select the correct setting for your broadband connection.
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Australia’s best WEG campaign yet
Melanie Beeby, WEG Aachen, Monday, 4 September 2006 Australia has had its most successful World Equestrian Games campaign yet, with two Eventing medals, two teams qualifying for the Beijing Olympics and a rider in the final-four Showjumping decider for the first time. Of the 61 nations who competed in Aachen, Germany, for two weeks before 570,000 spectators, Australia punched above its weight, finishing equal fifth on the total medal tally.
“Clearly this has been Australia’s best WEG campaign ever and another step along the road of constant improvement, if you like, towards the Olympic goal of Citius, Altius, Fortius – Faster, Higher, Stronger,” Equestrian Federation of Australia chairman Russ Withers said.
“We can easily play the ‘what if’ game and I am sure plenty will. But the reality is that personal bests were achieved by almost every competitor in each discipline. We reached the top 10 in the world in Vaulting, the FINAL FOUR in Jumping, two riders reached the Grand Prix Special in Dressage, silver and bronze medals were won in Eventing, the endurance riders all completed their gruelling event, and a true Aussie battler from Queensland produced the performance of his life in the Carriage Driving.
“You may read many pieces over the next few weeks of what ‘we’ should have done, how another selection would have been better or how another decision would have produced a different outcome. However, I can assure all of our supporters that the level of dedication of everyone involved in the Aachen campaign has been truly amazing. Athletes, both equine and human, and the support crew, from vets to grooms to sport managers to farrier, have all given their absolute best for the Australian effort. I am proud of everything we have achieved at WEG Aachen 2006. Each and every one of us is determined to go Faster, Higher, Stronger at Beijing 2008. And I am sure we will.”
Six top-class Eventers represented Australia at Aachen – UK-based Andrew Hoy and Clayton Fredericks, South Australia’s Megan Jones and Western Australia’s Sonja Johnson on the team, and NSW’s Shane Rose and US-based Phillip Dutton as individuals.
The team won a bronze medal, qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the process, and Fredericks also snared the individual silver.
Despite their Olympic success, the Eventers had never been on the podium before at a WEG (an event first staged in 1990), and last won a world championship medal at Gawler in 1986.
In Showjumping, just a single rail dashed Edwina Alexander’s chance of a medal, however, being one of only four riders in the individual Showjumping world championship final – an Australian first – is an outstanding achievement in itself.
By finishing above Japan and thus topping our region in the team classification, Holland-based Alexander, Rod Brown (NSW), Peter McMahon (Qld) and Jamie Kermond (Vic) also qualified a Showjumping team for Beijing.
In Dressage, both German-based Kristy Oatley and NSW’s Matthew Dowsley qualified for the Grand Prix Special, the first of two individual medal rounds. Australia had never before had a rider qualify for the Grand Prix Special at a WEG. The team, which also included Rachael Downs (NSW) and Kelly Lane (Qld), finished 9th overall, bettering its previous-best 12th placing at the 2002 WEG in Spain.
Vaulters Tristyn Lowe (ACT) and Samantha Blunden (SA) each overcame recent serious injuries to make it into the individual medal round – the first time Australia has had two women in the final at a world championship. They finished 10th and 14th respectively.
The youngest member of Australia’s Vaulting team, 16-year-old Kayla Brewer from NSW, finished 47th on 5.734 at her first WEG.
Australia has an impressive international Endurance record, having won team gold at the World Endurance Championship in Compiegne, France, in 2000, back-to-back team bronze medals at the 1994, 1998 and 2002 WEGs, and team silver in the 2004 World Endurance Championship, held in January 2005 in Dubai.
While they were out of the medals at Aachen, the team of Queensland’s Penny and Peter Toft and Brook Sample, and Victoria’s Meg Wade, as well as individual rider Jennifer Gilbertson (NSW), all completed the testing 160 kilometre course – a fantastic result as only 65 of the 159 starters finished the race.
In Carriage Driving, Queensland’s Bob Edwards finished 38th of 49 competitors at his first WEG at the age of 53.
WEG is the biggest event on the equestrian calendar outside the Olympic Games. Almost 800 athletes competed in Aachen for the world champion titles in Eventing, Dressage, Showjumping, Carriage Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining. Australia fielded 23 competitors across all disciplines except reining.
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Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Clayton Fredericks on the medal podium |
Bronze medal-winning AUS Eventing Team |
Bronze medal-winning AUS Eventing Team |
The medal podium at the 2006 World Equestrian Games | |
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Alexander fourth at WEG
 The medal podium at the 2006 World Equestrian Games
Melanie Beeby, WEG Aachen, Monday, 4 September 2006 Edwina Alexander, the first Australian to make the individual final at a Showjumping world championship, had just a single rail down to finish fourth at the World Equestrian Games in Germany. The thrilling final, during which the four medal contenders ride their own and then each other’s horses over four rounds, came down to the wire when Edwina Alexander, America’s Beezie Madden, Germany’s Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Belgium’s Jos Lansink each jumped three consecutive clear rounds.
In the final rotation, Madden and Lansink jumped clear again, bringing the tally to 14 clear rounds in a row. Alexander was next out on Michaels-Beerbaum’s Shutterfly, which had become increasingly upset in the highly charged atmosphere of the main stadium, and unfortunately had the first part of the treble at fence 4 down for four faults.
When Michaels-Beerbaum then jumped clear on Madden’s Authentic, she, Lansink and Madden, all on zero faults, progressed to a jump-off on their own horses for the medals.
Lansink was crowned world champion after jumping clear in 45.01 seconds on his wonderful Cavalor Cumano, which was named leading horse. Madden had one rail down in 43.74 seconds for silver and Michaels-Beerbaum had a rail in 45.4 seconds for the bronze.
“I’m very happy to be in the last four but a bit disappointed. I would have loved to have won a medal but someone had to be fourth and unfortunately that’s me,” said Holland-based Alexander, whose world ranking had rocketed from below 500th last May to 39th before WEG.
“But all the riders were so fantastic over the whole week and I wasn’t expecting to get to this position so I’m very happy with what’s happened.”
The 32-year-old may have been unlucky in being the last rider on Shutterfly, which Michaels-Beerbaum described as extremely sensitive to noise. The gelding became increasingly agitated over the competition and very difficult to saddle and mount.
“He was really stressed when I got on him. I didn’t want to fly into the combination … so I took my time and maybe had too much in my hand,” Alexander said.
Her 15-year-old mare, Isovlas Pialotta, jumped clear for each rider.
“My horse jumped fantastic with all the riders and she has pulled up great so for me that’s very important,” Alexander said.
Australia has never won a Showjumping individual or team medal at either a world championship or Olympic Games. Vicki Roycroft’s 10th placing at the WEG in Stockholm in 1990 was Australia’s previous best world championship finish.
Alexander, from Glossodia, NSW, moved to Belgium in 1998 to see whether she could make a success of showjumping. She originally intended to stay only six months, but returned in 1999 and rode for Belgian Ludo Philippaerts for three years before starting her own company buying and selling horses. During this period, she represented Australia at the 2002 WEG in Jerez, Spain, on Quelle Damme van de Heffinck, finishing 48th.
Three-and-a-half years ago she met her partner, Dutch horse dealer and rider Jan Tops, and moved to Valkenswaard in the Netherlands. In February last year, Stal Tops, Alexander and Cees van Opstal bought Pialotta for Alexander to ride.
The four riders in today’s final had just three minutes in front of the packed grandstand to get used to each new horse and could jump only two fences in the warm-up arena. In the competition, they jumped eight fences on each horse, set at a maximum of 1.60m.
WEG is the biggest event on the equestrian calendar outside the Olympic Games. About 800 athletes are competing in Aachen for the world champion titles in eventing, dressage, showjumping, four-in-hand driving, endurance, vaulting and reining. Australia is fielding 23 competitors across all disciplines except reining.
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Edwina Alexander riding Jos Lansink's Cavalor Cumano |
Jos Lansink and Cavalor Cumano in the victory lap |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta | |
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Alexander checks out of hotel and into final four
Melanie Beeby, WEG Aachen, Sunday, 3 September 2006 Edwina Alexander was so sure she wouldn’t make it into the medal decider for the individual Showjumping world championship at the World Equestrian Games that she had checked out of her hotel and had her bags in the car. She had a flight to Fontainebleau, France, booked for 8am this morning.
“It looks like I’m going to have to change plans,” she said yesterday after becoming the first Australian rider to make it to the final four at a Showjumping world championship.
“I can’t believe it. I thought she jumped very well in the first round but she jumped even better in the second round.
“I was absolutely not expecting to get into the final four, which is probably why I did.”
All four horses in the Showjumping medal decider passed the final veterinary inspection this morning.
Holland-based Edwina said after having two rails down on the second day of the Nations Cup on Thursday, which pushed her down to 22nd in the provisional standings, she was hoping just to make the top 10. Then, as she and her 15-year-old bay mare, Isovlas Pialotta, jumped double clear rounds yesterday in the third competition of the individual world championship and other riders had rails down, she thought she might end up 5th.
“I was talking to some people the other day and they were saying ‘Wouldn’t the worst position be to end up 5th’, and before Ludger went I was thinking ‘Typical, I’m going to end up 5th’,” Edwina said last night. “I had all this going through my head.”
But Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum, one of the hot favourites going into WEG and the third last rider in yesterday’s second round, had a rail down, dropping him out of contention and ensuring a final-four berth for Edwina.
For Ian Alexander, watching his youngest daughter ride off against the world’s best today will be the best Father’s Day present possible.
“She has worked so hard, she deserves everything she’s got,” Edwina’s proud father said.
“She stayed focused right through the last two rounds.
“She rode the horse beautifully and I wouldn’t be surprised if she improves her position [today].”
Edwina, America’s Beezie Madden, Germany’s Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Belgian Jos Lansink will compete on their own and each other’s horses over four rounds. Alexander will ride second on Pialotta before swapping onto the other horses. The four riders will have just three minutes to get used to each new horse and can jump only two fences in the warm-up arena. In the competition, they will jump eight fences on each horse, set at between 1.30m and 1.60m.
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Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
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Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander |
Edwina Alexander |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta | |
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Edwina Alexander makes Jumping history
Melanie Beeby, WEG Aachen, Sunday, 3 September 2006 Edwina Alexander has made Showjumping history, becoming the first Australian to make it into the final four at a world championship – and at the first such event that three women have been in the medal ride-off.
Edwina's sensational double clear rounds in the third leg of the individual world championship at the World Equestrian Games in Germany put her equal first in today’s class and moved her up to 4th on the penultimate day of showjumping.
Australia has never won a Showjumping individual or team medal at either a world championship or Olympic Games. Vicki Roycroft’s 10th placing at the WEG in Stockholm in 1990 was Australia’s previous best world championship finish. A woman has been crowned Showjumping world champion only once – Canada’s Gail Greenough in 1986 on this very ground.
Alexander, America’s Beezie Madden, Germany’s Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Belgian Jos Lansink will now compete on their own and each other’s horses over four rounds tomorrow in the individual medal decider. Alexander will go second, riding her 15-year-old bay mare, Isovlas Pialotta, first.
“I was not expecting to be in 4th position – for me it’s a shock,” said Alexander, whose world ranking has rocketed from below 500th last May to 39th just before WEG started. “I’ve got all my bags packed ready to leave [WEG] tomorrow. I guess I’ll have to unpack them.”
Alexander and Pialotta had been lying 22nd overnight but moved up the standings as other riders knocked down rails on the big and technical course. Lansink was the only other rider to jump two clear rounds today. He and Alexander each won 40,750 euros for topping the class.
“Edwina’s dedication and focus for the past seven years really paid off today in achieving the best result an Australian showjumper’s ever achieved at a world championship,” Australia’s Chef de Mission, Geoff Sinclair said.
“To be in the top four in the world in the home of showjumping is almost unimaginable and a great achievement for her, her coach and her support team and a great inspiration for all Australians.”
Alexander, from Glossodia, NSW, moved to Belgium in 1998 to see whether she could make a success of showjumping.
She originally intended to stay only six months, but returned in 1999 and rode for Belgian Ludo Philippaerts for three years before starting her own company buying and selling horses.
During this period, she represented Australia at the 2002 WEG in Jerez, Spain, on Quelle Damme van de Heffinck, finishing 48th.
Three-and-a-half years ago she met her partner, Dutch horse dealer and rider Jan Tops, and moved to Valkenswaard in the Netherlands. In February last year, Stal Tops, Alexander and Cees van Opstal bought Pialotta for Alexander to ride.
“It’s taken a long time – seven years, and in that time I’ve ridden a lot of bad horses – but in the last year and a half I’ve had the most success I’ve ever had,” Alexander said.
“This is the best horse I’ve ever had and maybe the best horse I’ll ever have.”
The four riders in today’s final will have just three minutes to get used to each new horse and can jump only two fences in the warm-up arena. In the competition, they will jump eight fences on each horse, set at a maximum height of 1.60m.
WEG is the biggest event on the equestrian calendar outside the Olympic Games. About 800 athletes are competing in Aachen for the world champion titles in eventing, dressage, showjumping, four-in-hand driving, endurance, vaulting and reining. Australia is fielding 23 competitors across all disciplines except reining.
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Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
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Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander |
Edwina Alexander |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta | |
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Clear round moves Alexander to 6th
Melanie Beeby, WEG Aachen, Sunday, 3 September 2006 (Note: 4th overall after second round and now in final) Holland-based Edwina Alexander has moved up to provisional 6th place after the first round of the third competition in the individual Showjumping championship at the World Equestrian Games, after riding one of only two clear rounds.
Holland-based Edwina Alexander has moved up to provisional 6th place after the first round of the third competition in the individual Showjumping championship at the World Equestrian Games, after riding one of only two clear rounds.
Alexander and her 15-year-old bay mare, Isovlas Pialotta, had been lying 22nd overnight of the 25 riders through to today’s competition, but rose through the standings as other riders knocked down rails. Belgian Jos Lansink and Cavalor Cumano jumped the only other clear in today’s first round to rise to provisional 2nd place.
Alexander has accumulated 10.24 points in the competition so far this week, while provisional leader Beezie Madden from the US is on 4 points. The four riders with the least points after today’s competition will ride each other’s horses on Sunday in the individual medal decider.
Alexander, from Glossodia, NSW, moved to Belgium in 1998 to see whether she could make a success of showjumping.
She originally intended to stay only six months, but returned in 1999 and rode for Belgian Ludo Philippaerts for three years before starting her own company buying and selling horses.
During this period, she represented Australia at the 2002 WEG in Jerez, Spain, on Quelle Damme van de Heffinck, finishing 48th. Three-and-a-half years ago she moved to the magnificent Stal Tops at Valkenswaard in the Netherlands and in 2005, Stal Tops, Alexander and Cees van Opstal bought Pialotta for Alexander to ride.
“It’s taken a long time – seven years, and in that time I’ve ridden a lot of bad horses – but in the last year and a half I’ve had the most success I’ve ever had,” she said.
WEG is the biggest event on the equestrian calendar outside the Olympic Games. About 800 athletes are competing in Aachen for the world champion titles in eventing, dressage, showjumping, four-in-hand driving, endurance, vaulting and reining. Australia is fielding 23 competitors across all disciplines except reining.
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Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta |
Aussie supporter cheering | |
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Bob Edwards realised WEG dream
 WEG 2006 Driving Pictogram
Franz Venhaus, WEG Aachen, Saturday, 2 September 2006 At the age of 53, Queensland’s Bob Edwards has realised his dream of competing in his first World Equestrian Games, in Germany.
The original plan, hatched by Australia’s highest ranked driver, Boyd Exell, was for Edwards to help make up a Driving team for the first time at a WEG since Stockholm in 1990. He and his four Cleveland Bays left for Britain on May 2 and have been based at Exell’s yard in Leicestershire.
Unfortunately, Exell, who has been British National Four-In-Hand Champion three times, had to withdraw after breaking his leg in a quad bike accident at home in July and Edwards ended up competing as an individual.
“The whole idea was to be part of a team but that wasn’t to be,” Edwards said. “I’m really pleased that we’ve got here though. It’s been a great experience.”
Edwards, a harness maker from Toowoomba, finished 38th of the original 49 competitors, seven of whom were eliminated in yesterday’s Marathon and another three in today’s Obstacle Driving.
The event was hotly contested, with a number of previous individual gold medallists competing. Belgian Felix Marie Brasseur, the 1996 world champion, regained the title, ahead of three-time world champion Ysbrand Chardon of the Netherlands and Germany’s Christoph Sandmann.
Germany took the team gold, followed by Belgium and the Netherlands.
Edwards said he had originally hoped to finish in the top 30 “but in saying that, before I came I didn’t realise the standard would be as high as it is. In 1999 I was in Britain and the US watching and … I can’t believe just how good some of these guys have got”.
Driving is the oldest competitive equestrian sport. The driver sits on a vehicle drawn by a team of four horses. It consists of three phases: Dressage, Marathon and Obstacle Driving. The final placings are determined by the sum of the penalties accumulated over the three trials.
The Queenslander started show driving in 1978 and moved to driving a single horse in the FEI sport of Driving in 1981. “I think I was first attracted to it (because I’m a harness maker by trade) as a way to promote the business,” Edwards said. “It just got infectious.”
He made the transition to Four-In-Hand after watching the 1985 Australian Championships.
WEG is the biggest event on the equestrian calendar outside the Olympic Games. About 800 athletes are competing in Aachen for the world champion titles in eventing, dressage, showjumping, four-in-hand driving, endurance, vaulting and reining. Australia is fielding 23 competitors across all disciplines except reining.
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Bob Edwards and his team on the Marathon course |
Bob Edwards and his team on the Marathon course |
Bob Edwards and his team on the Marathon course |
Bob Edwards and his team on the Marathon course |
Bob Edwards and his team on the Marathon course |
Bob Edwards |
Bob Edwards | |
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Alexander among top 25 showjumpers
Edwina Alexander and Isovlas Pialotta
In the 3rd Jumping Qualifier at the 2006 WEG Aachen
Photograph:Ken Braddick - HorseSport USA
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Melanie Beeby, WEG Aachen, Friday, 1 September 2006 Holland-based Edwina Alexander is among the best 25 riders who will continue fighting it out in the individual Showjumping championship at the World Equestrian Games in Germany.
Alexander and her 15-year-old bay mare, Isovlas Pialotta, knocked down just two fences to finish 22nd of 83 riders today. Only 10.24 penalties separate her from the provisional leader, America’s Beezie Madden.
“With another two full rounds to jump before we get down to the final four on Sunday, there’s still a long way to go,” Showjumping Chef d’Equipe Stephen Lamb said. “Edwina has done a great job so far and she remains in there with a chance.”
Now into her third day of showjumping around the big and technical courses at Aachen, Alexander said Pialotta didn’t feel as fresh as on previous days.
“She didn’t jump as well as yesterday,” the 32-year-old said.
“I would have been alright with the first fence [she had] down … but the last fence she didn’t need to have down. It was a disappointment. I don’t know why she had it down. She jumped it well in front and then I think she thought she was home and she had it down behind.”
The Netherlands was crowned world champion in the team competition after the second round of the Nations Cup today, ahead of the US and Germany.
The best 25 riders now go through to the next individual qualifier on Saturday, carrying forward points from Tuesday’s speed class and both rounds of the Nations Cup.
The top four riders will then ride each other’s horses on Sunday in the individual medal decider.
Alexander, from Glossodia, NSW, moved to Belgium in 1998 to see whether she could make a success of showjumping.
She originally intended to stay only six months, but returned in 1999 and rode for Belgian Ludo Philippaerts for three years before starting her own company buying and selling horses.
During this period, she represented Australia at the 2002 WEG in Jerez, Spain, on Quelle Damme van de Heffinck, finishing 48th. Three-and-a-half years ago she moved to the magnificent Stal Tops at Valkenswaard in the Netherlands and in 2005, Stal Tops, Alexander and Cees van Opstal bought Pialotta for Alexander to ride.
“It’s taken a long time – seven years, and in that time I’ve ridden a lot of bad horses – but in the last year and a half I’ve had the most success I’ve ever had,” she said.
WEG is the biggest event on the equestrian calendar outside the Olympic Games. About 800 athletes are competing in Aachen for the world champion titles in eventing, dressage, showjumping, four-in-hand driving, endurance, vaulting and reining. Australia is fielding 23 competitors across all disciplines except reining.
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