Dual Crown champions to be crowned at Aus3DE

The countdown is on for the finale of the inaugural Equestrian Australia ‘Dual Crown’ series of Eventing and Jumping, which will be held at the 2016 Australian International Three Day Event (Aus3DE), in the heart of Adelaide, on Friday 3 November to Sunday 6 November 2016.

Supported by the SA Government, the new Dual Crown series is a national concept in the disciplines of Jumping and Eventing that will offer thrills, suspense, big prize money and provide more incentive for riders to take their riding to the next level.

Riders from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia will compete in the World Cup Qualifier which will decide the winner of the Dual Crown of Jumping. The Dual Crown of Eventing champion will be determined by using results from the Australian International Three Day Event and the Melbourne International Three Day Event.

The current Eventing leaderboard shows a mix of experience and new talent, with Rio and Sydney Olympic Medallist Stuart Tinney and Rio and Beijing Olympic Medallist Shane Rose both at the top after Melbourne, but with Western Australian Tegan Lush, and New South Wales rider Hazel Shannon, snapping at their heels and big points on offer in Adelaide, the competition is sure to be fierce!

The Dual Crown Jumping champion will be determined by using results from the Australian Show Jumping Championship and the World Cup in Adelaide. Victorian Andrew Lamb, who is currently in second position on the leaderboard, and Queensland’s Robert Goodwin will be among the jumping riders after the points in Adelaide to win the Dual Crown.

Last year’s winner, New South Wales rider James Arkins will also be among the jumping riders competing in the World Cup in Adelaide.

“I competed in the World Cup Show Jumping in 2015 at Aus3DE,” James said. “It was certainly one of my favourite, and toughest World Cup courses for the year. The atmosphere was electric, the ground was fantastic and it was amazing to jump in such a beautiful location in the heart of the city.

“This year, I am looking forward to the opportunity to compete at an event of international standard and a field of quality competition. With such a big crowd, it is also a good chance to showcase our sport to a wider audience,” he said.

Equestrian Australia Chair, Judy Fasher said the finale in Adelaide will be a spectacular showcase of horse sports, recognising the best equine athletes in the disciplines of Jumping and Eventing.

“In its inaugural year, we are looking forward to the finale in Adelaide next week,” said Mrs Fasher. “With a high profile list of entrants, we will be on the edge of our seats throughout the weekend as the champions are decided,” she said.

The World Cup will be held on Sunday 6 November at 1pm, followed by the final show jumping phase of the Adelaide CCI4*. Don’t miss the excitement!