McDermott scores a trifecta at the Summer Showjumping Classic

Tom McDermott of Mulgoa stamped his authority on Friday’s events at the Sydney Summer Showjumping Classic, winning the Equestrian NSW Young Rider Qualifier 1, Jumping NSW Mini Prix Qualifier 1 and the Equestrian NSW 1.45m classes on Danae, Laguna Beach and Airtime Z respectively.

McDermott was very happy to have his talented young import Laguna Beach back in action a break due to injury “she’s jumping great and she’s come back really well”. This is McDermott’s last year eligible for young rider competitions having turned 21 early this year and he is in the prime position to qualify for Sunday’s final after a strong win in the Olympic Arena today.

Airtime Z is a new ride for McDermott but they have clearly developed a great rapport, winning the Equestrian NSW 1.45m after a 7 horse competitive jump off. McDermott finished on a time of 41.45 seconds which was a whisker in front of second placegetter, Queenslander Billy Raymont with Anton, in a time of 41.73 seconds. The 1.45m saw 27 starters and with strong performances from several combinations the competition is really set to heat up over the weekend into the World Cup Qualifier.

52 combinations faced the first Mini Prix Qualifier which was dominated by Australia’s young talent with all 6 of the riders in the jump off being under the age of 30. Queenslander Olivia Hamood finished in second to McDermott, with the big scopey Glenhaven Avion in a time of 50.36 seconds. This was just under 3 seconds slower than McDermott and Laguna Beach who finished in 47.45 seconds. The third placegetter and final double clear belonged to the stylish Jennifer Wood of Cudal and Sweetshot who completed her jump off round in 55.35 seconds.

In the Equestrian NSW Young Rider A2, 33 combinations were trying to get a good performance on the board to qualify in the top 20 riders for Sundays Young Rider Final. McDermott set a blistering time with Danae to finish on a time of 61.72 seconds, almost 5 seconds clear of Victorian Jacob Wells on the experienced former World Cup horse PB Poets Corner, who placed second in a time of 66.63 seconds.

The Yandoo Equestrian Services Future Stars Classic Qualifier saw 80 combinations tackle the one round 1.30m competition to attempt to qualify for tomorrow’s prestigious Future Stars Classic final. The 24 combinations that finished on zero jumping penalties and the 3 combinations with time faults made the cut for tomorrow’s final. All combinations start on zero penalties in the final, which  will  see an exciting showdown of Australia’s best young horses and under some of the most experienced riders in the country.

The Equestrian NSW Arena Two saw hundreds of competitors face courses designed by Kevin Tully from Western Australia in the 1.10m for horses under 16 points, the Global Entries Online 1.10 Open and the Edwina Mitchell Catering Open 1.20m Height Classes. Queenslander Billy Raymont took out the under 16 points 1.10m with Miss Filente from 100 competitors. The Global Entries Online 1.10m open was won by Sophia Carlon from Arding riding It’s Jealousy. Eventer Sam Lyle with the classy visage mare Kaloona Virago took out The Edwina Mitchell Catering 1.20m Open height class.