NEWS > High Performance
Posted by Kirsty Pasto on 15/11/2021.
Kevin McMab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam at Tokyo 2020
Australian Equestrian Team / Libby Law

Kevin McNab Makes Dramatic Leap Into Top 10 FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings

Olympic medallist Kevin McNab has made an impressive leap up the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings, jumping from 21st to 9th position in the latest release.

Kevin, who earned an Eventing Team Silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games earlier this year, credits his outstanding achievements to years of hard work, determination and a strong support network.

“This year has been amazing, but it has been a long time in the making. Everyone in this sport knows how difficult it is to have everything tracking in the right direction. I have been so fortunate to have the support of great owners, exceptional coaches, an innovative Australian High Performance Program and my family every step of the way….and a super string of horses helps too.”

Kevin has amassed a trove of accolades this year including top ten finishes at Kentucky CCI5* (USA), FEI WBFSH Eventing World Championships (FRA) and Pau CCI5* (FRA) just to name a few.

In July Kevin and his mount Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam were called up to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where they not only made their Olympic debut, but also helped Australia win Team Eventing Silver.

“Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam has had a spectacular year. He showed great form early in the year at the Lexington KY CCI5* and he was completely focused and on the job when called up from reserve to a team position at Tokyo Olympic Games. He gave me such a great ride during the Games, and I am so proud of our Silver medal,” says Kevin.

Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam at Tokyo 2020. Photo credit: Australian Equestrian Team / Libby Law

Known for producing exceptional horses Kevin has multiple top level mounts in his string who are all successfully making their mark on the international stage – one of particular note is Scuderia 1918 A Best Friend.

“Scuderia 1918 A Best Friend has been my “back-up” horse but he certainly isn’t second tier. He has progressed so much this year and finished a solid 4th at a very competitive CCI5* in Pau.”

Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 A Best Friend at Pau CCI5*. Photo credit: Australian Equestrian Team / Kirsty Pasto

With an enviable list of achievements to his name and a stable of outstanding horses it seems that the sky's the limit for Kevin, so what's next for 'Team McNab'?

“I’ll be aiming both of those top horses (Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam and Scuderia 1918 A Best Friend) at the World Equestrian Games in Pratoni Italy. I also have some really nice younger horses, in particular, Cute Girl, the winner of the 7-year-old World Young Horse Championship at Le Lion d’Angers; it will be exciting to have her step up a level.

Kevin McNab and Cute Girl winning the 7-year-old World Young Horse Championship. Photo credit: Mondial du Lion.

“I’ll certainly enjoy some time off with my family over Christmas but I am also really looking forward to the competition season next year,” shares Kevin.

The current FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings can be found here.

Australian athletes currently listed in the Top 50 of the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings are:

8th - Chris Burton
20th - Shane Rose
25th - Stuart Tinney
26th - Andrew Hoy

* Note the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings are still under the Covid-19 mitigation plan calculation - taking 32 months into consideration.

 

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