Mixed results for Aussie show jumpers

Australia has bowed out of the team’s show jumping competition but team members Edwina Tops-Alexander and Matt Williams remain alive in the individual event.

To progress to Wednesday’s team final the Aussies needed to finish the day in the top eight.

Matt Williams and Valinski S had the Aussies off to the best possible start with a clear round but penalties from other combinations and an elimination for Scott Keach will see the team finish in 13th position.

Williams was again out first for Australia and his precise round put the team in good stead. Although the team’s score was reset to zero, penalties from Sunday’s qualifier still remain relevant in the individual event. It has Williams sitting on eight penalties and equal 30th position leading into Wednesday’s third individual qualifier.

“My horse has got used to the atmosphere, he’s got used to the ring so we went out there a little bit more relaxed and when he’s relaxed he looks more fresh; he wakes up a bit,” said Williams. 

“I got him about 10 months ago, he’s a very competitive horse. He tries really hard and he believes in me so it’s a good combination.”

Edwina Tops-Alexander, riding Lintea Tequila, picked up five penalties (four jumping, one time) but her clear round from Sunday combined with today’s result has her ranked equal 26th which has her comfortably through to the third individual qualifier.

“My horse is jumping out of her skin, she is in such great shape,” said Tops-Alexander.

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AOC Media Team