Photo courtesy Global Champions Tour
Equestrian Australia has confirmed two-time Global Champions Tour series champion Edwina Tops-Alexander as the first member of the Australian Equestrian Team for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG).
Tops-Alexander was early nominated to the team by national jumping selectors after strong and consistent international performances. The accomplished rider is Australia’s most successful WEG Jumping rider having achieved Australia’s best ever result of 4th at the 2006 Aachen Games. She has been early nominated on Ego Van Orti & Old Chap Tame for what will be her 4th Championships.
The news comes off the back of Tops-Alexander’s recent appointment as captain of the Australian Jumping team.
Meantime selectors have also advised the horse and rider combinations that will contest Australia’s two round nomination series ahead of the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games.
Equestrian Australia congratulates the following combinations on making the Jumping Shortlist:
David Goodwin and Warrego Jericho
Amy Graham and Bella Baloubet
Julia Hargreaves and Vedor
Jamie Kermond* and Quite Cassini/Killeter Park Caracas
Ben Meredith and Bernadien van Westuur
James Passy and Yirrkala Cortina
James Paterson-Robinson* and Vincente/Boris
Alison Rowland and Bickley Brook Bella
(Read more about the eight shortlisted combinations HERE)
Ranked Reserves
1. Scott Keach and Fedor
2. Thaisa Erwin and Matilda
The eight combinations have been selected as per the WEG selection policy for Jumping (see HERE) and will go head to head at two events - Mons Ghlin CSI4* (BEL) from 3-6 July and Spangenburg CSI3* (GER) from 10-13 July, in a bid to secure one of the two team positions available through automatic nomination.
Following the two round nomination series, the top two ranked combinations according to criteria (outlined in section 6.2.2 of the selection policy) will earn automatic nomination to Australia’s Jumping team for the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games. Selectors will choose a further two combinations to make up the team of five.
There are 83 days to go to the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. Follow the Australian Equestrian Team on Facebook and Twitter.
* Riders named on two horses are deemed to be one combination. When required the riders will nominate the preferred horse in conjunction with the Jumping Selection Panel.
