Evie Buller of Western Australia, in only her first year of World cup competition, has been leading the standings all year after phenomenally strong performances at the start of the season. Unfortunately for Buller, she has just been relegated to second place due to resurgence from the experienced Alison Rowland, also from Western Australia, whose season has peaked just at the right time with two wins and a placing in three recent competitions. Billy Raymont of Queensland is currently sitting in third overall, and is looking to jump over the two Western Australia ladies to the top of the league standings. Raymont has come off a recent win in Victoria, and will be jumping for back to back victories after taking out the 2011 Summer Classic World Cup qualifier. With the overall winner earning the right to represent Australia at the World Cup final, expect to see these riders giving it their all in an attempt to end up on top. The other competitors in the class have nothing to lose and will be jumping to win at the final world cup qualifier of the year.

 

Tom McDermott of NSW, recently internationally recognised for his outstanding talent and phenomenal success in the showjumping ring, winning the FEI rising star award will be putting the pressure on the leading riders. McDermott at the age of 19 is the current Australian Senior National Champion and has won two world cups this season, including the most recent qualifier in Tonimbuk. McDermott will be looking to go one better than his second in the World Cup Qualifier at last year’s Summer Classic. Paul Athanasoff, of NSW, was the 2011 Australian Senior Champion and is returning to the World Cup ring for the first time this year, after a successful European campaign where Athanasoff narrowly missed out on Olympic selection. Athanasoff’s international experience may help carry him to the winners circle at the Sydney Summer Showjumping Classic.

 

The speed and risk of showjumping ensures plenty of thrills and spills, guaranteeing an entertaining family day out at the Summer Showjumping Classic CSI-W. The prestigious qualifying class is starting from 2pm Sunday December 9, with the Junior and Young Rider finals running on Sunday morning. The Summer Classic is run over four days from Thursday 6th to Sunday the 9th of December, showcasing the best 250 riders and 450 horses in Australia with competitions for riders at a senior, young rider, junior and amateur level. In addition to the jumping, Sunday’s entertainment includes singing from lovely Vendulka Wichta (X-Factor) and a display from Heath Harris and his liberty horses.

By: Equestrian Australia