Winners of the CIC3* class Natalie Blundell and Algebra
Late last year I made the decision I would jump in my car to cover the Queensland International Three Day Event. I knew it was a fair drive, 17 hours return, but I had to see for myself how they threw an event in country Queensland. As you get closer to Warwick you are left in no doubt that you are in cattle country, the B-Double and road train cattle trucks zooming past make it hard to miss on the highway.
Morgan Park is a huge facility that includes at least four separate sites catering to sports fans, the Polocrosse fields look huge, there is a rodeo ground, a car race track and of course the horse trials site. Did I mention this was right next to the cross country course? No? Check out the pic below. Surprisingly the horses didn't seem to be fazed at all by the V8's and fast fours zooming around behind them.
Isabel English and Ba Zinga Bing in the PreNov Jr EvA105 class
Cross country proved to have some challenges across the grades and despite the ground looking dry and dusty in places the going was good. Course designer Sylvia Roberts did an excellent job incorporating many of the older, well known elements in with some stunning new fences, the Symphony's Overture elements were unique and unlike anything I have seen on cross country before.
The Warwick committee know how to host a party and on both Thursday and Saturday nights there was a live band, bonfire, a great feed and an icy cold bar. There was apparently lots of dancing on tables and silliness (I wouldn't know, I was passed out in bed each night by 10).
Both the Queensland and New South Wales teams looked fantastic in their team colours, the rivalry between the states was strong and, despite Queensland being in the lead from Friday, they were pipped at the post by the NSW team by 0.5 penalties. That is just classic eventing, it came down to the last ride for the final tally to change. Congratulations to Stuart and his team of young guns for putting up such a good fight. I guess this means that the competition will be back on next year as Queensland will want to take that trophy back.
The victorious NSW Team, Matt Constance, Nat Blundell, Emily Hann, Alicia Seery and Hayley Frielick with State of Origin sponsor Karl Steininger from Over The Top. Photo thanks to Tony Walls.
This is the scoring for the State of Origin competition, remember only the top three scores from each team count towards the score.
Queensland 172.9
Rebel Morrow - Ivy Bank Casper (E) 1000
Stuart Tinney - Sydney 51.0
Dean Morris - Classic Intentions 62.1
Brianne Heffernan - Keanu Surprise 59.8
Isabel English - Feldale Mouse 75.9
New South Wales 172.4
Natalie Blundell - Algebra 61.7
Emily Hann - Canopy Grove Damini 54.5
Matt Constance - Alchemist 56.2
Hayley Frielick - Bentleigh Oliver 99.5
Alicia Seery - Falcon Family 77.4
Nat Blundell with Committee Chair Cameron Osborne
Nat Blundell had an awesome weekend, first captaining the victorious NSW team, winning the CCI1* and CIC3* classes plus a 3rd place in the CCI1* class. A great way to kick off the season.
I always enjoy watching Stuart on cross country but this weekend his showjumping stood out to me, especially on his new Kiwi mount War Hawk, this eight year old Holsteiner grey gelding has a big future and I can't wait to see them out again soon.
Stuart Tinney and War Hawk, second place in the CCI1* on their dressage score of 45.3 penalties
A big thank you to the hardworking committee for their hospitality, they were gracious and generous hosts and I look forward to returning again in the future.
Yours in Eventing
John Lechner (ESJ)
Click here for full results from Queensland International 3DE
