Chris Burton and Quality Purdey at Bicton International
With less than one week to go until the conclusion of the FEI qualification period for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the Australian High Performance management has confirmed the dates for its team selections
As per the Tokyo 2020 Nomination Criteria for Equestrian, the Australian Dressage and Jumping teams will be nominated to the Australian Olympic Committee on Monday 21st June 2021 and Eventing will be nominated on Wednesday 23rd June 2021.
“All teams will be publicly announced on Friday 25th June 2021” says the latest update “This allows time for all athlete notifications to take place, both successful and unsuccessful, and any appeals should they arise.”
“We continue to actively monitor the Covid-19 situation across the globe and are in regular contact with our identified athletes regarding the latest information and protocols relevant to their geographical locations. Our Victorian based athletes remain in lockdown and we are working closely with them to ensure they are supported throughout these tough times as they prepare for the easing of restrictions later this week”
Chris Burton riding Quality Purdey was the highest placed Australian competitor in the CCI4*-S at Bicton International in England on the weekend, widely touted as an important selection event following the withdrawal of many UK-based competitors from Luhmuhlen in Germany due to Covid-19 restrictions. While a last-minute change to regulations on the weekend means that UK-based elite athletes may now travel to compete at Luhmuhlen, it is unlikely that many will do so at this late stage.
Andrew Hoy, one of just four riders (Chris Burton, Andrew Hoy, Shane Rose and Stuart Tinney) listed on the Australian Gold Squad, is the only Australian rider competing in Germany this week with Vassily De Lassos and Bloom de Hauts Crets in the CCI4*-S
Stuart Tinney and Shane Rose both recently competed in the Sydney International Olympic Special class, taking first and second places respectively on their top horses, Celebration and Virgil
In Australia, the Melbourne International Three Day Event, a major event on the Australian calendar featuring a CCI4*-L and Olympic Special CCN4*-S, was cancelled due to the Melbourne lockdown and no further events will take place prior to the selection announcements
