Stuart Tinney captained the Queensland State of Origin team in 2013
With less than two months to go, nominations are open for the Queensland International Three Day Event (QI3DE) at Morgan Park Warwick 28-31 August.
This year’s event will be big, with over 2,000 spectators and competitors expected on the ground over the course of the weekend. There’ll be Three Star eventing action, the State of Origin, Puissance Showjumping, Dressage Master Class, a Riders Lounge with live screening of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, VIP marquee showcasing local Granite Belt wine, beer and produce, picnic hampers, cosmetic trials and more stalls than ever. Commentating over the weekend will be 4BC radio personality, Warren Boland.
Stroll through a wonderful exhibition of art and photography by well known Australian artists Scott Bridle and Peter Mortimer. The Athletes Cafe is open daily with fresh hot and cold fare from local produce along with licensed bar and wine garden. Picnic Brunch Hampers available for purchase to take to the Water Jump and later enjoy entertainment at the Clubhouse by local musicians and Puissance Show Jumping.
The main event will be the International horse trials featuring Australia’s top riders competing in the CIC3*, CCI2*, CCI1* and EvA105cm, EvA95cm and EvA80 classes. Over $23,000 worth of cash and prizes is up for grabs, by up to 300 competitors.
The other feature of the event will be the State of Origin competition with Queensland’s best pitted against their NSW counterparts. Queenslanders are riding for bragging rights, after the New South Wales team took out the inaugural competition last year by a fraction of a point. The winning team will take home $4000 and the perpetual trophy.
New in 2014 is the Wild Card Series for riders competing in the EvA 80, 95 and 105 classes. Horse and rider combinations were judged throughout the year with all nominees going into a pool from which the judges will offer at least one Wild Card entry to a combination from each of the lower grade classes.
There’ll be a wide selection of display stalls featuring everything from horse gear to photography to Thai massage. Every competitor will receive a complimentary make up over the three days too.
A strong and experienced committee is delivering on a three-year strategic plan to build a bigger and better the event for the State. It includes returning president, Dr Cameron Osborne who is the Senior Medical Advisor for the Queensland Academy of Sport and former Wallaby doctor. He is teamed with energetic and visionary Event Director, Ron McCarthy, a FEI and former 2000 Olympic official. Together they are co-ordinating a dedicated 12 member team and highly capable volunteers. The units range from sponsorship, logistics, through to quality course design, publicity, hospitality, and FEI standard administration, scoring and reporting.
Dr Cameron Osborne thanked all the sponsors who have come on board to date.
“The 2014 Queensland International Three Day Event would not be possible without sponsorship from companies and individuals who understand the diverse and lucrative demographics enjoyed by Eventing."
"Support comes in a range of forms from cash donations, product and time. This year we look forward to providing our partners and sponsors overwhelming return on their marketing investment. As the event gets bigger and better each year, our sponsorship relationships strengthen too."
"We also have to thank our partners and the support from Tourism and Events Queensland, Warwick Tourism and Events, The Australian Sports Commission, Federation Equestre Internationale, Equestrian Australia and Equestrian Queensland,” he said.
Wagners Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport is sponsoring the Dressage Day. BWWA General Manager, Phil Gregory said he was pleased to be on board with such a prestigious event.
‘Bringing International level events such as this back to Queensland is very important for our upcoming junior and Olympic riders, and a great way to showcase what our region has to offer,” he said.
Prydes EasiFeed’s representative, Ron Major said the Prydes Easifeed team is looking forward to attending the first class International level event and sponsoring the Show Jump Day on Sunday.
“Australia produces world best athletes and first class enduring events like this help make this possible. I am looking forward to watching some of Australia top athletes compete especially in the State of Origin on horseback,” he said.
Cancer charity Pink Bras and Blue Jocks will be collecting gold coin donations at the gate, with all funds to go to the Brisbane Mater Hospital Breast Clinic and Wesley Hospital Prostate Clinic. A 5km Fun Run/Walk is planned for Sunday followed by breakfast at the Athletes Cafe.
The action kicks off on Thursday 28th of August.
