Rio hopefuls in Odense for first of two nomination events

Australia’s Rio hopefuls in Dressage will continue with their quest for team selection this weekend when they step out for the first of two nomination events.

Seven identified combinations from Australia, the US and Europe have made the journey to Odense (Denmark) for a chance to stake their claim on a Rio team positon of which there are four spots available.

The Australian contingent for the first nomination event has been reduced from eight to seven combinations after Lyndal Oatley today advised Equestrian Australia she has withdrawn Sandro Boy from the Odense event (Please refer to the Dressage nomination policy).

Among the four Australian based riders chasing a start in Rio is Maree Tomkinson, who has travelled from Melbourne to Europe with her World Equestrian Games mare Diamantina 4.

Tomkinson has been making final preparations in Germany at the stables of Christoph and Jürgen Koschel.

"Diamantina travelled super well this time,” said Tomkinson. “She arrived in very good condition and form. She has really not had any bad days training so far.

“With horses you never know what can happen but for now we are feeling good and looking forward to seeing if we can put it all into practice in the arena.”

With so many Aussies converging on Odense organisers have declared Saturday evening ‘Australian night’ in the VIP lounge.

“I am looking forward to catching up with the other Aussies as we’ve been a bit lonely over here," said Tomkinson.

This weekend four combinations will compete in the CDI3* and three in the CDIO3* as determined by National Dressage Selectors. The same Ground Jury will officiate at both classes.

CDI3*: Friday 13 May, 5pm local time
Sue Hearn - Remmington
Mary Hanna - Boogie Woogie
Kelly Layne - Udon
Brett Parbery - DP Weltmieser

CDIO3*: Saturday 14 May, 3:05pm local time
Kristy Oatley - Du Soleil
Maree Tomkinson - Diamantina
Mary Hanna - Umbro

The top four ranked combinations based on average scores taken from the two nomination events will comprise the Australian Dressage Team which competes in Rio.  (Please refer to the Dressage nomination policy)

Live streaming of the event is available through the event website. For more information including startlists and results please click HERE