Tim Boland and Napoleon - CNC 2.5* winners
Last weekend Tim and GV Billy Elliott competed in the CNC3* at the Randwick Equine Sydney Summer Classic and started strongly with a dressage score of 42, more than 10 penalties ahead of Adelaide’s CCI4* winners Hazel Shannon and Clifford in second place after this phase on 53.10. Not surprisingly Tim was pretty happy with this score to start the season and even happier that Billy, who hasn’t run cross country since August last year, is feeling so good
“He was born in Europe so he’s just turned 16 but he certainly doesn’t feel it – he feels like an eight year old”
The 3* riders were lucky to avoid a lot of the storm drama which happened on Friday and later in the afternoon on Saturday (listen to our interview with Christine Bates about this here) but their drama probably came in the show jumping arena when no-one jumped around the John Vallance course without penalties.
Tim and Billy Elliott and Tania Harding riding Jirrima Yorkshire only had one rail each (Tim did also pick up three time penalties but was kicking himself over the first rail for Billy in 15 events), Madeline Wilson and I’m Bruce had eight penalties, Emma Bishop riding CP Issey Miyake and Hazel riding Clifford had four rails and Shenae Lowings pulled the pin after another horror show jumping round on Ballyhoo.
A similar thing happened in Adelaide for Ballyhoo and Shenae told us that she was working really hard to address the issue but that poor Ballyhoo really struggles in this phase. Fortunately Shenae had a good show jumping round with just one rail on Venture Sky High in the CNC2* for third place which must have cheered her up a bit.
The conditions could not have been better for the 3* and 2.5* cross country competitors on Sunday morning with cool overcast weather and fabulous going underfoot. As a season starter the riders were not necessarily going to chase the time on Stuart Tinney’s course but all jumped clear, getting a good confidence building round under their belt.
Emma Bishop and CP Issey Miyake were the fastest, coming home with just 6.4 time penalties to finish in second place and Hazel added just 9.2 time penalties for third (see video above)
Emma Bishop and CP Issey Miyake
The CNC 2.5*was the first start for Tim Boland’s Napoleon since he won the CIC3* at the Australian International 3 Day Event in November ridden by Tim’s good friend and visiting rider, Oliver Townend. The 2.5* gives riders the chance to ride at 3* level in the dressage and show jumping but compete over a less demanding course on cross country, giving less experienced horses a good chance to get a taste of what is to come.
At this time of year, it is a lot about using these classes as training experiences rather than aiming to win for some horses; Shane Rose’s young Swiper side-swiped a narrow fence early in the course for 20 penalties but jumped it beautifully the second time. The eight year gelding by Contenda had a couple of 2* starts last year and was one of the few easily recognisable horses that Shane was competing, being bay amongst a host of chestnuts! We’ve got more on Shane’s young horses and his plans competing overseas this year coming up in an interview soon ....
For Tim and Napoleon however, the 2.5* cross country was a walk in the iconic Horsley Park, coming home with the fastest time of 4.4 penalties and backing it up with a lovely clear show jumping round. As Tim explains, Napoleon’s form has been a bit rocky but he is a winner when it all comes together - let’s hope that he stays on track for continuing good form this year and that we’re interviewing Tim after more wins!
Tim Boland
Tania Harding and Jirrima Yabba Dabba Doo enjoy the great going on cross country
Tania Harding on Jirrima Yabba Dabba Doo and Jade Findlay also jumped clear show jumping rounds, giving Tania second place but unfortunately 20 penalties at the second last fence on cross country spoiled Jade’s chances on Oaks Cordelia and the second fastest rider on cross country (must be those plaits), Jess Grossman on Belmont Backstage took third place.
Just marginally slower than Jess was Kirsty Douglas on the one-eyed wonder Cushavon Crackerjack (below) in fourth place –we haven’t seen them on cross country for a while and they looked great
More to come from the other classes at the Randwick Equine Sydney Summer Classic and winner interviews ........ stay tuned
