Emerging stars on Day 1 at Sydney International Horse Trials

Young horses and emerging riders were a major focus on the opening day of the Sydney International Horse Trials today.

Whilst dressage phases for all classes were conducted, the Wade Equine Coaches 2017 Young Event Horse Championships were also staged.

Fresh from her return from Badminton in the UK with husband Shane, Niki Rose quinellaed the 4YO class with Dreamcatcher and Finch Farm Spruce.

The 5YO category was won by Alex Townsend’s WHF Lyrical and Stuart Tinney’s Celebration won the 6YO category and also the Australian Young Event Horse title.

2017_SYDHT_YEH_RESULTS.pdf

In the senior ranks, 2008 Beijing Olympics Silver medallist Megan Jones and Kirby Park Impress lead the main class of the competition, the Horseware Australia CCI3* after the dressage (47.80) with Tania Harding and Soigne Jackson in second and third placing.

Jones is looking forward to the cross-country phase tomorrow which will be her homebred chestnut mare’s debut at this level.

“It’s her first CCI3* and a qualifier for Adelaide and then we can hopefully look forward to WEG and Olympics. It’s all been building up to this.”

After walking the course this evening Jones said she was looking forward to riding it.

“I think it’s tough but a beautiful track with well-presented distances and it just makes you want to ride it.”

Megan Jones and Kirby Park Impress are scheduled for 1:03 pm in tomorrow’s Horseware Australia CCI3* cross-country order.

VIDEO - View Megan's interview