Aussies at the 2016 Pau FEI Classics

Chris Burton and TS Jamaimo have finished eleventh in the CCI4* at Les 4 Etoiles de Pau in France over the weekend, opening event of the 2016-17 International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Classics season.

With 60.3 penalties after Dressage, he was sitting in 44th position but produced a better result on cross-country that made him jump 20 positions in the ranking. The Aussie eventer then produced a clear round in the jumping that pushed him up to finish 11th in the final individual classification.

Sonja Johnson, from Albany, and her horse Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison had to withdraw following cross-country after 'Benny' put a stud through his coronet band. Sonja shares her disappointment on Facebook : "For Benny's many friends there is no trot up for us this morning. He drove a stud into his coronet on XC. Despite a United Nations effort on behalf of NZ, England France and a great deal of interpreting it is just too sore to push on. Ben is happy and cheeky as always but that's our sport. So back to Jo Jo West and families property to await Quarantine then home and onward we go. It's been a great ride. Sad it ends without a completion but I have learned so much, made so many friends and now I can come home and crack on. Be great to see the farm again!"

We are happy to welcome Sonja back home very soon ! She made the most of the European campaign and got the possibility to enter some of the biggest events including Burghley and Blenheim.

France's Maxime Livio delighted his home crowd by winning the Les 4 Etoiles de Pau competition. Michael Jung (GER) who had faults with both his horses in the Jumping phase finished second and third. Nicola Wilson (GBR) took fourth place with One Two Many, slipping from third place after knocking two show jumps down.

Final Individual Classification