Shane Rose, 4* winner and a handy mechanic
The Bucas Rugs CCI4*-S class at the 2019 Canberra International produced world class riding and a nail-biting finish as Shane Rose and Virgil won by a whisker ahead of Amanda Ross riding Koko Popping Candy.
Nothing could dampen the spirits of the 335 horses and riders from across Australia as the rain gods dumped some desperately needed rain on Saturday. In the Bucas Rugs 4* class Shane Rose and Virgil produced a superb dressage test with a 26 penalty score on the Saturday while Amanda Ross also did a brilliant job for a 31.5 dressage score on her elegant thoroughbred Koko Popping Candy.
Both riders looked very comfortable in the show jumping phase, jumping clear; Amanda had two more rides in the 4* but sadly had a rail show jumping on each and some added time on the cross country on both Dondiablo and RLE Poynstown Will ,changing their placings to 6th and 7th. Shane’s second ride in the class was on the beautiful Easy Turn, dropping from third after dressage to fourth after their cross country round with time penalties proving costly.
Amanda Ross and Koko Popping Candy
The Ewan Kellett designed track rode well, but time was the crucial factor determining placings. Shane and Virgil surprisingly added 1.2 time penalties in the cross country phase but, with such a fabulous dressage score, he managed to hold his slim lead. Amanda Ross looked superb and was the only rider to come in under time on the swift and stunning Koko Popping Candy climbing from 7th to 2nd and finishing on her dressage score. Sam Lyle and the bold BF Valour moved up from 6th to 3rd
Shane also took top spot in the Kasun Logging CCI-S 3*, riding the wonderful Stakkino. Time penalties on cross country again played a massive part in shaking up the leader board with Tim Boland riding Menlo Park dropping from top spot after dressage to 4th conceding to Shane Rose and Stakkino and Stuart Tinney riding two horses, Be My Daisy in 2nd and Daylena Daydream in 3rd. The only rider under time on cross country in the class was Sophie Fox and Mr Pig who climbed from 20th to 7th.
Stuart Tinney has two in the top three of the CCI3*-S
The highest placed Junior in the 3* was Zoe Hutchinson riding the seasoned War Hawk placing 5th in the class. Its lovely to see experienced horses giving the next generation of riders such a wonderful ride.
In the Hall Rural Supplies CCI -S2*, two incredible dressage scores from Amanda Ross riding RLE Cavalier Vivendi and Andrew Barnett riding Go Tosca (24.8 and 25 respectively) meant there was no margin for error. Both riders held onto their overnight positions going clear and under time on cross country, finishing on their dressage scores. The highest placed junior was Matilda McCarroll riding Kirby Park Masquerade coming 5th in the class
Andrew Barnett and Go Tosca (above) and Hazel Shannon on Willingapark Cooley (below)
The National 2* class saw the talented Hazel Shannon pilot Willinga Park Cooley around his first Australian event in front of proud owner Terry Snow. Under the watchful eye of coach Heath Ryan Hazel produced a fabulous dressage test of 25.5 and looked super in the show jumping and very scopey in the cross country phase. This is a fantastic combination and one to watch for the future, winning here on his dressage score.
The Hanson Rural Contracting CCN 1 *A saw Jess Rae riding Poppy win on her sub 30 dressage score, the Riverview Farm CCN 1* B was won by Jess Grossman riding WS Raising Roxy when the overnight leader on an incredible 23.1 dressage score, Junior Suntosha Barker and Sphinx sadly pulled a costly rail show jumping relegating them to runner up in the CCN 1* B.
Both EVA 95 A and B classes needed a sub 30 dressage score to win, with the Riverview Farm A being won by Andrew Barnett riding Oscar Park Deluge, the Kane Hunt Farrier B won by Laura Wallace and Nouveau Height BHS. Junior Molly Tillet won the Wallaroo Equestrian Junior class riding the beautiful thoroughbred Cause for Applause.
Jess Grossman riding WS Raising Roxy
The Sit Tight EVA 80 A was won by Faith Evans riding KL Kismet, Funky Brew EVA 80cm B saw Kristel James riding Gwaihirs Sensation take top spot, Tonya Burrowes riding Bell Farm Renegade Master took out the Rosemount C. The junior A section, sponsored by R and J Equestrian was won by Alexandra Fairfield Smith riding Gem. The Horseland Junior B saw an absolutely amazing winning score of 10.6 penalties - well done Mia Gigliotti riding Positano.
Molly Tillett and Cause For Applause
National Capital Horse Trials Association did a fantastic job in presenting a wonderful weekend of world class sport where Saturday’s steamy storms and lashing rain added an extra dimension of interest. White jods became transparent leaving riders baring all and hoping their underwear matched their team colours, dressage judges’ batteries ran flat and the normally dribbling creek turned into a torrent creating havoc for the star class course walks and the hard working ground crews nightmare. However it was nothing that a bobcat, sand and a team of world class course designers and TD couldn’t fix.
Sunday’s opener was the massive boom that rocked the entire venue, this time not lightening but a battery in Shanes truck exploding. There was no major harm done and after a bit of local help Shane swapped roles to mechanic and, just like his winning rides, got on with the job.
Shane Rose's Virgil showing his jumping genes in action
Congratulations to the small, brilliant and hard working committee in trying conditions. Thank you to all the volunteers, local equestrian clubs, sponsors, officials and riders, their support teams and their horses for helping make such a great competition. The new course design across the levels were well received, the cross country going was perfect thanks to the rain and, with such depth of talent based in Australia, the future of the sport looks bright.
Full results can be found here
Report/photos by Fiona Gruen and Wallaroo Equestrian wallarooequestrian.com.au
Photos courtesy Elizabeth Borowik Photography
Two legends of Australian eventing at Canberra - Barry Roycroft and Heath Ryan
