The Leighdale Equestrian Centre, Teesdale, saw the running of the second annual Premier Floats Showjumping Championships held on the 18th - 20th of March. The show was much bigger this year with huge starting numbers and many interstate competitors coming for the great surface, courses, prize money and not to mention the wonderful riders’ party during the Saturday night for everyone to enjoy. This marvellous boutique show would not be possible without the hard work of Brett Hickey (proprietor of Premier Floats), his family, workshop staff and the many wonderful sponsors such as Wallington Park.
The Friday classes were Welcome Stakes with two nice classes to give all of the horses a good look at the arenas and they had 68 starters in the 1.10m and 60 starters in the 1.25m. The 1.10m was won by Brooke Campbell riding Yandoo Lady Gold and the 1.25m was won by Melissa Froesch riding the lovely Glenara Bollinger. All were very happy having the easy warm up day with the opportunity to give the young horses a look at the main arena with little fill in the fences.
The first class on Saturday was the Coolart Farm and Merlin Park D Grade. This class saw 80 starters, of which 38 jumped clean over the tough David Sheppard built course. The winner of this class was Erin Callahan from Highton riding her lovely chestnut gelding, Accomplice in a time of 39.33. Second was Russell Morrison of Inverloch riding his own and his mother’s Frosty gold, third was the middle of the Watt brothers, Matt, riding his self produced Pakman. Fourth was one of the many interstate travellers, Jamie Grant of Fishwick, riding the former Jess Spence mount, Blackall Park Einstein.
The second class was the 1.20m C & D grade AM3. This class had a huge starting list with over 100 entries. Melissa Julius riding her bay thoroughbred mare Mae West took the first placing off a very speedy and in form Tom McDermott riding his SL Eclipse. Third was the current Horseland Young Rider of the Year, Kristy Haworth of Mortlake, riding her home bred Cabarita I Spy and fourth was the youngest of the Brennan Brothers, Stuart riding his lovely mare, Raylyns Eliza.
The ISJ 1.25m Table C saw the win go to Sam Williams, brother of Beijing Olympian Matt Williams, riding the Williams family’s Isle of Rahn. Second in this class was the ever hard working Greg Stephens riding his home bred Shady Creek Finn by Chans Legacy. Third was Clyde Shera Jones riding his lovely Easy dash and fourth was interstate traveller Sam Buchanan of Aedelthan, NSW, riding the former Jamie Grant ride, The Player.
The last class for the day was the Metall Corp and Midland Group A&B Grade A2. This class was won by the current Australian Junior and Young Rider Champion, Tom McDermott, riding the Mason and McDermott partnership’s CP Rolex and second was the always speedy Phil Stevens of Warragul riding his bay gelding, Unleashed. Third in this class was Adam Prime riding his horse Saddle Up Darn Good by Lavareen Darnley and fourth was Toni Scattergood, recently returned from a stay in Europe, riding her Dee Jay West.
After a wonderful dinner and riders’ party put on by the organisers, the sun rose on day two bringing with it a wonderful and exciting championship day. The first class for the day was the Premier Floats Futurity, and this class proved to be one for the interstate riders. Once again Tom Mc Dermott showed everyone why he is the current Australian Junior and Young rider Champion winning the class on the former Butcher twins’ horse SL Limerick, and running third on the lovely black thorouughbred, SL Eclipse. Second in this class was Brooke Campbell of Yandoo Equestrians Services, riding the Brett Hickey owned Cartouche. Fourth was Melissa Julius riding her chestnut thoroughbred by Favored Boy, Uptown Jonny and fifth was Tony Erickson of Jingellic riding Kostya.
The Wallington Park Grand Prix was the class that everyone had been waiting for. This class also incorporated the third and final round of the Premier League which is run over three shows; Bega Cup, PPSJC Vic Championships and this event. The ever dominant Tom Mc Dermott was first and second in this class riding SL Limerick and CP Rolex. Jess Barton of Barton Equine, who was a generous sponsor of the show, was third on her lovely imported Land capitol gelding Lamaze and fourth was Tim Clarke of Grasmere, riding his lovely Contango stallion, Belcam Catalyst. Thanks to his fourth place both here and at the Victorian Championships he finished with a total of 42 points which meant that he and Belcam Catalyst were the winners of the 2011 Premier League so Tim received the championship jacket and a cheque for $1,500.
The next class for the day was the Andrew Long Master Farrier’s Mini Prix. This class was won by Ally Lamb riding her lovely Daley K mare, Silverton. Second was the evergreen Morris Clarke of Mortlake riding the flashy paint horse Contagious, third was the only interstate member of the line up, Tom Mc Dermott riding his lovely SL Eclipse and fourth was Sam Williams riding his Isle Of Rahn.
The last class for the day was the D Grade Championship. Although this class was run late in the day, this did not deter the riders or the course builder, who built a challenging track. The winner of this class was the middle of the Watt brothers, Matt, riding his self made chestnut thoroughbred Pakman. Second was former Victorian, now Sydney resident, Alex Rooney riding Yandoo Aphrodite. Third in this class was the Ring Two course builder Tim Haworth riding King’s Lane Woodstock and fourth was Steven Hill of Clunes riding his delightful Vivant gelding, Valliant Star.
All in all, this was a wonderful weekend of show jumping, over fabulous equipment, with thanks largely going to Brett Hickey for all of his hard work, a great venue and not to mention some excellent weather; it was almost like summer was here again! Thanks to Sam Richardson for this report and photos!
