The competition on day one of the Deloitte Australian International was just as hot on the field as it was off, with the CIC** and CCI** kick starting the competition in Adelaide.
Riders and horses battled the heat as they took on the dressage in the new purpose built arena in Victoria Park Racecourse that was a welcomed addition by spectators and riders.
Sophie Adams riding Mercator Du Ry finished on top of the ladder at the conclusion of dressage phase in the CIC** with 45 penalties. Trailing her is Christine Bates and Delago on 45.50 and Sarah Ashcroft and Hillbro Aramac on 54.30.
In only her second two star ride with Mercator Du Ry, Adams was very pleased with the result today.
"I'm so happy - I'm just really excited to be here," said an elated Adams.
"He just did everything right. I can't believe I beat Delago (Christine Bates’ horse).
"I'm looking forward to the cross-country - the course is amazing. He (Mercator Du Ry) is awesome at cross-country but he can be slow," she said.
At the half way mark of the CCI** Shane Rose has taken early lead on Virgil on 50.40 penalty points ahead of Kevin McNab and Kelecyn Cognac (51.20) and Tarsha Hammond on Rio Lobo (53.00). The remainder of the field gets underway tomorrow at 8.00am.
Tomorrow will also see the start of the CCI**** with names like Shane Rose, Megan Jones, Stuart Tinney and Sonja Johnson set to feature.
Now part of the HSBC FEI Classic, the Australian International 3-Day Event will also be live streamed on FEI TV for the jumping and cross country - visit www.fei.org for more details.
For all the highlights and updates and results visit www.australian3de.com.au
Event Timetable
Friday 18 November
8:00am - 10:30am Bates CCI2* Dressage continued
12:30pm – 5:15pm HSBC Adelaide CCI4* Dressage
