Sydney Eventing Autumn Classic – order or view XC Videos here
14 combinations are lining up for the CCN4* at the 2024 REC Equine Specialists Sydney Eventing Autumn Classic at Sydney International Equestrian Centre on 9th and 10th March 2024.
It may not be an FEI event but it is the first full competition of the season in NSW and gives riders and horses a chance to see where their training is at, as we head into a new season. It is not very long to the big event at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival in April where we are likely to see several of these combinations tackling either the CCI5* or the new Mike Etherington-Smith designed CCI4*-S course in the Adelaide city parklands.
Shenae Lowings won the CCI4*-S at Adelaide last year on board her Paris 2024 hopeful, Bold Venture but it is another thoroughbred that Shenae is competing in the REC Equine Specialists CCN4* this weekend, riding the past Monica Spencer mount, Chasing Great.
Another well-known thoroughbred in this class is Hazel Shannon’s triple 5* winner Willingapark Clifford and both Hazel and Shenae also have rides in the Completely Equine CCN3* with Willlingapark Chelsea and the Duke of Hastings respectively.
Christine Bates is riding Equus Hugo in the CCN4* and also Bloomfield Findon in the Horseland CCN2* - a combination that has great success in 2023 and ‘ones to watch’ in 2024.
While Christine and Bloomfield Findon just missed out on a CCI2*-L win at Sydney International 3 Day Event late last year, Niki Rose and Dreamrush took the CCN1*-L and they will be competing this weekend in one of the two CCN1*-S sections.
As well as the star classes, there are two EvA95 classes (good luck to all in the An Eventful Life EvA95 – we’ll be keeping an eye on you!), four EvA80 sections and four EvA65 sections so plenty happening across the two days!
Dressage for all classes is on Saturday along with showjumping for all classes except the CCN1*, EvA95 and EvA80 who showjump on Sunday.
The EvA95 and EvA65 head out on cross country on Saturday and all other classes on Sunday. Check back each day for updates and of course, don't forget to smile at the video cameras!
