Shane Rose and Easy Turn
As Shane Rose circled the CCN4* dressage arena at the REC Equine Specialists Sydney Autumn Classic today, he politely asked some people walking near the arena to stay still during his test. It was his third test of the day, this time riding the talented but quirky Easy Turn
“If you’re leaving, please do it now” he asked “Or, why not stay. This could be good!”
It was a very good test, but not quite good enough to knock Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture from the top spot at the end of dressage, leading on a score of 25.8. While Easy Turn’s test may have a bit more wow factor, Shenae’s Bold Venture was very smooth throughout, giving Shenae a small advantage of 1.2 penalties over Easy Turn’s score of 27.0
Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture
The fact that Shane had the energy to chat to the bystanders on a very hot day with five horses in the CCN4*-S is testament to his energy. His final horse of the class, and partner of many years, Virgil, moved into equal third place after the dressage on a score of 27.9, sharing the spot with Cathryn Herbert riding Wimborne Constable, winners of the CCI4*-S at Wallaby Hill late last year
From the dressage, it was straight to the show jumping arena where Shane moved into the lead on Easy Turn thanks to a clear round while Shenae rolled a pole, dropping her to fourth. Shane riding Virgil and Cathryn’s stallion both jumped clear and now hold equal second places heading into Sunday’s cross country.
Cathryn Herbert rides Wimborne Constable
The REC Equine Specialists CCN3*and the Horseland Dural CCN2* classes both completed dressage and show jumping today with Jess Somerfield riding Finch Farm Carpenteria leading 3* (29), just ahead of New Zealand’s Maddy Seivwright riding Waitangi Pinterest in second (29.80) and Katrina Silk, who jumped from 13th after dressage into third (34.10) thanks to a clear round
Hazel Shannon riding Willingapark Chelsea took an early lead of the CCN2* with a great dressage score of 18.20 but unfortunately three poles in the show jumping dropped them to fourth place (30.20) but still within reach of the leaders; Heath Ryan riding Bobby Dazzler (26.7), Shane Rose riding The Bandit (27.30) and Sam Woods on SS Eight Count (27.50)
Hazel Shannon and Willingapark Clifford
