Stuart Tinney and Sydney, leaders in the CCI2*.
As the sun falls in the Queensland sky here at Warwick we (as in the New South Welshmen amongst us) unfortunately find those pesty Queensland Maroons in the lead for the State of Origin event sponsored by Over The Top.
Thankfully there is some consolation for us New South Welshman with Natalie Blundell leading in both the CIC3* class on Algebra and in the CCI* class on My Aladdin. My Aladdin and Nat's second mount the pretty little mare Girl with a curl are both on their dressage scores of 44.7 penalties.
Natalie Blundell and Algebra, leaders in the CIC3* class
They lead Stuart Tinney and the striking grey War Hawk who is only 0.6 penalties behind. Stuart as well as being the captain of the leading team is leading the CCI2* class on Sydney.
Sydney didn't look perfect on cross country with the occasional wobble but with Stuart in the saddle they managed a fantastic clean round picking up only 0.8 time penalties.
Early in the day Dean Morris and Ajak had a great run round the course in the EvA105 class to hold his convincing lead on 40.6, Luke Harmer and Richochet moved up from 6th place in the class to second after one of a handful of double clear rounds on the cross country.
Overall we had a fantastic day on the cross country with no major incidents. The picturesque country course was well prepared by designer Syliva Roberts and her team, despite the fact the weather hasn't done them any favours recently with the dry, there was plenty of dust but the footing was quite good.
This is my first trip up into Queensland to an event and I have to say the Warwick committee have been excellent and accommodating hosts.
Tomorrow morning we kick off with the trot up at 8:30 and then will be jumping until the early afternoon.
I love this photo of Isobel English and Cil Dara George in the CCI* at the second water
Fingers crossed Nat and her team of merry Blues can pip those Maroons at the post.
That's all from Warwick, I will leave you with a couple of pics from the puissance which has just finished, it was won by Showjumper Gemma Creighton.
Yours in Eventing
John Lechner (ESJ)
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Winner of the puissance Gemma Creighton
Drop a rail and you can have another crack - as long as you lose an item of clothing!
