Equestrian Australia CEO Grant Baldock, Mark Lindh, South Australia Minister for Tourism, the Honourable Leon Bignell, Megan Jones and Stuart Archibald
Australia’s most prestigious multidiscipline equestrian event, the Equestrian Grand Final is coming to Adelaide in November 2015 for the first time in the event’s history.
The Equestrian Grand Final will be held in conjunction with Australia’s most prestigious equestrian competition, Australia’s International Three Day Event, and will feature leading competitors from Olympic disciplines of dressage, jumping and eventing in one spectacular event.
With just one a year to go until the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, Equestrian Australia CEO Grant Baldock said it was good opportunity to have two of the biggest equestrian events in the country over one venue.
“Each year the city of Adelaide embraces Australia’s International Three Day Event with thousands of spectators coming out to enjoy the top class equestrian action on offer. This year we’re pleased to be able to add the Equestrian Grand Final into the mix.
“We are excited to be taking the Equestrian Grand Final to a new city and having it run alongside one of Australia’s most spectator friendly events. For competitors it presents a chance to compete in the heart of Adelaide, in front of big crowds and unique atmosphere.
“Australia’s International Three Day event has long been supported by the South Australian Government and we are pleased they have extended their support to embrace the Equestrian Grand Final and help us to grow the profile of our sport in this country,” said Mr Baldock.
“The Equestrian Grand Final will attract Olympic athletes to our city and will also help lift the profile of the Adelaide International Three Day Event,” said Minister for Tourism, Leon Bignell.
“It will showcase the best of the best with about 50 of the nation’s top competitors in dressage, jumping and exhibition eventing.”
Mr Bignell said the event is expected to bring 2000 visitors from interstate and overseas to South Australia - generating more than $1 million for the state’s economy.
“There is no other place in the world where you can see world class equestrian in the centre of the city every year,” Mr Bignell said.
“Having the Equestrian Grand Final move to Adelaide in conjunction with the Southern Hemisphere’s highest profile eventing competition is a great coup for South Australia,” said Australia’s International Three Day Event Director Gillian Rolton.
“With Olympic Champions and World Games Medallists competing, plus Twilight Polo in the Park, an expanded Market Place Shopping village, the Giddy Up Club and the Chairman’s Lounge hospitality plus SA’s best food and wine, we will have a very full program of Equestrian action and fun for all ages over the entire weekend.”
Beijing Olympian Megan Jones, said she was thrilled to have two of Australia’s most prestigious equestrian events taking place right here in her home town of Adelaide.
“I have competed in every Equestrian Grand Final since it started in 2011 and I can say first hand it is an exciting, action packed competition that spectators should not miss.
“Adelaide locals have always supported the Australian International Three Day Event and I would encourage people to make sure they have the dates in their diary because this year’s event will be double the value!” said Jones.
With more than $35,000 prize money on offer for the Equestrian Grand Final to add to the $120,0000 prize pool for the Australian International 3 Day Event, the event will attract the biggest names in the sport.
Tickets for Australia’s International Three Day Event and Equestrian Grand Final are now on sale through Ticketek.
