Olympian Johnson leads Melbourne CCI3*

Sonja Johnson and Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison (Photo: Julie Wilson )

By: Michelle Cook/EA

Olympic silver medallist Sonja Johnson leads the Melbourne CCI3* after today’s dressage phase at Werribee Park. 

The West Australian has made the 40 hour trip to Melbourne in a bid to impress selectors ahead of team selection for the upcoming World Equestrian Games which begin 77 days from now.

With her chestnut thoroughbred Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison, Johnson was cool and calm in the dressage arena, receiving a score of 44.60 from the judges.

It gives her a slender lead over Olympic gold medallist Stuart Tinney and his grey gelding Pluto Mio who are in second place after they were awarded a score of 46.01.

Fellow Olympian Amanda Ross and her mount William Wordsworth are in third after they received a score of 46.40.

Although she has the early advantage, the day didn’t all go according to plan for Johnson. Her second horse Belfast Mojito had an unsettling moment in the arena and finished down the order.

“The little chestnut (Illicit Liaison) knows his job which is the difference between him and Mojito. He (Mojito) thought that eventing was about entertainment so he decided to entertain,” Johnson said. 

With sunshine making way for heavy rain, competitors braved the elements at Werribee with many, including Tinney, receiving a drenching.

The Melbourne International Horse Trials continues Sunday where riders will take to the cross country ahead of Monday’s deciding show jumping phase.

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