The scene is set - the sun is shining............. it's time for Adelaide
There were a few tense moments for three young riders at the Australian International 3 Day Event TRM first horse inspection today but happily all were eventually accepted to start the first phase of both the CCI2* and CCI4*. 36 competitors presented in front of the CCI2* Ground Jury of Nick Burton (GBR), Xavier Le Sauce (FRA) and Helen Christie (NZL) with three horses being sent to the holding box; Kenya Wilson’s Winifred Fair, Alice Hirst’s Mighty William and Caitlin Keith’s Domino Effect.
Two of these young ladies have come a long way to compete as Alice hails from Tasmania and Kenya from Western Australia while Caitlin is competing much closer to home but the prospect of being spun before the event has even started is always a nerve wracking one, regardless of how far you have travelled. However the judges had no problems quickly passing each of the horses when they were represented with on-looking coaches, family and friends breathing a huge sigh of relief.
A nervous moment for Kenya Wilson
Even the Event Director and dual gold medallist Gill Rolton popped out from her numerous duties to see how Caitlin fared – the 20 year old rider who was 13th here in the CCI2* last year on her off the track thoroughbred is mentored by Gill – while another Olympian, Heath Ryan was on hand to give Alice some advice as she prepared to re-present. These young riders are possibly the next generation of Australian Olympians to start their careers here in Adelaide and all three now head into the dressage arena tomorrow to contest not only the Horseland CCI2* class but also the Bates Saddles Young Rider Championship
The Australian International 3 Day Event is probably one of the few few CCI4* events in the world where you can almost guarantee that the sun will shine for the trot-up so the dress code is definitely much more relaxed and summery than you expect in the Northern Hemisphere. This is an event close to surf beaches so bare legs are not just essential for running as fast as your horse will trot but also for showing off.
They were a highlight of the day in both classes, from Andy Daines’ and Luke Jones’ long legs (albeit not bared like Clarke Johnstone's in summer shorts last year) to those of Gemma Tinney’s in her very Aussie outfit
Flowing locks - Callum Buczak (above) and Sophia Landy (below)
Flowing hair also featured, from Callum Buczak’s tresses to Sophia Landy’s shiny locks but the judges’ vote went to a slightly more conservative looking Will Enzinger who had two goes at impressing them with both Wenlock Aquifer and Britannica MVNZ in the CCI4*. Will may have a day off tomorrow, as all the 3* and 4* riders do, but he isn’t planning on a day of relaxation in Adelaide’s wineries or restaurants, as his plan is to walk the 4* ‘again and again!’
As well as Callum’s hair we liked his suit and matching shirt and tie – blue was definitely the colour of choice for the men today with Shane Rose also sporting a very nice blue suit. For the girls, cool cream or white was popular and our favourite look was definitely Emily Rink's white outfit with hat (being a model probably helps too!)
A flowing beard was not on Stuart Tinney's 'hot look list' today and he had a quick shave to remove a trendy growth before the trot up but it was the horses that literally shone today – they looked a picture of health and positively gleamed in the sun, ready to tackle the next few days (especially Rohan Luxmoore’s Bells ‘N Whistles who kicked up heels before entering the runway)
Rohan Luxmoore with Bells 'N Whistles
While the CCI competitors strutted their stuff, a few of the CIC3* riders watch on including Oliver Townend who is on a quick ‘fly-in, fly-out’ – more from Oliver tomorrow
The first rider out in the CCI2* in the morning is one of the favourites, Andrew Barnett and Bradgate Park Dante followed by another one to watch, Rob Palm and Halcyons Dark Secret so there will be no lie-in tomorrow!
Defending 4* champion Shane Rose has a leg stretcher in the city location
