Exclusive: Chris Chugg to ride in Equestrian Grand Final for Jumping

Current leader of the Australian League of the FEI World Cup Jumping Series and five time Australian senior show jumping champion Chris Chugg will be among the riders competing in the Equestrian Grand Final for Jumping in Adelaide, South Australia. Chugg plans to compete with his two top horses Cera Cassiago and Cristalline.

Cera Cassiago, his very beautiful grey 8 year-old imported Holsteiner stallion is sired by Cassini 1 out of a Carthago mare and has been owned by Chugg for only a year and a half. The World Equestrian Games representative has recently stepped this horse up to World Cup level with huge success placing second at the Gatton World Cup and winning back to back World Cups at Caboolture, Gawler and Adelaide.

Christalline is an imported Bavarian warmblood mare owned and usually ridden by Gabrielle Kuna. After Kuna sustained an injury Chugg took the ride on this super 8 year-old who is sired by Cristallo 1 out of a Caretello B mare. With Chugg, Cristalline placed fourth in her first World Cup at Gawler, was fourth at the Adelaide Royal and third at the Melbourne Royal.

Read Chris Chugg's interview and his feelings before the Equestrian Grand Final for Jumping in Adelaide ....

Chris you are the currently leading the IRT Riding Rankings of the Australian League of the FEI World Cup Jumping Series for 2015. Why are you making the trip from NSW to Adelaide, South Australia for the World Cup Jumping Equestrian Grand Final?

It is part of the Grand Prix circuit, it’s a rich event and I know that it will be run correctly and that the footing will be excellent.

As a past Equestrian Grand Final competitor what do you like about the event?

Yes, I have been to most Grand Finals. It is always a great class with good prize money so you have to be there if you have a good horse. It is very worthwhile being there.

What are you looking forward to in Adelaide?

I am lucky this year as I have two special horses to ride, so two chances which is a lot nicer than one. Cera Cassiago is a lovely horse; he is an eight year old stallion who is winning the League at the moment. He is also standing at stud so he is doing a full breeding season this year. I also have an eight year old mare called Cristalline that belongs to my partner Gaby Kuna but unfortunately she broke her finger so she can’t ride and I have been able to pick up the ride.

Tell us about your results at the recent Australian Show Jumping Championships?

Both horses did very well. I finished third and fourth overall and I am very happy with them. They are young horses so every show is a learning opportunity and that is why I am looking forward to coming to Adelaide because I know there will be good footing and good course building which offers the horses important experience.