Tim Boland takes an early lead at the Melbourne CCI3* International Three Day Event

Tim Bolland and Billy Elliot (photo: Furdography/EA)

Tim Boland has taken charge of the 55^th annual CCI3* Melbourne International Three Day Event at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.

Boland and his 11 year old bay gelding, GV Billy Elliot, are determined to make the Australian Eventing team that will compete at the London Olympic Games and have come to Melbourne to show national selectors they’re in form and ready to chase Olympic glory.

The combination outshone the 18 strong field in today’s Dressage phase, finishing with a personal best score of 35.00.

The Melbourne International Three Day Event is the final opportunity for Australian based Eventers looking to record a good performance in front of national selectors before they finalise the five member team which will compete in London.

“Today’s test was terrific, I’m very proud of him (Billy Elliot) and thrilled we have recorded a personal best at this event. I am sure he can sense this is a big moment for us and he’s delivered a performance to match.”

Boland and GV Billy Elliot have a commanding lead heading into tomorrow’s cross country phase and if they are to maintain top spot will have to perform well on what is expected to be a wet track. Lauren Balcombe and Kootamootoo (41.20) are second and last year’s Melbourne CCI3* winner Craig Barrett and Wendela Jamie (43.60)are in third.

Barrett is also campaigning for a position on the Olympic Games Eventing Team and says his horse’s best phase is still to come.

“There’s still a long way to go in this competition and he’s (Wendela Jamie) always been a great cross country horse so I’ll be aiming to go clear and under time even if the weather’s wet.”

Emma Mason and Poker Face (45.2) are leading the CCI2* with Robert Palm and Koko Black (47.4) following in second. Mattea Davidson and Fairbanks Cargo (48.5) are third.

In front in the CCI1* is Adam Benson and Brookwood Park Feuergress (42.70). Amanda Ross and Loxley (44.00) are second and Chelsea Priestley and Blame it on the Bear (47.70) are third.

Tomorrow’s cross country action at the Melbourne International Three Day Event gets underway from 8am.

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• For more information and for full results from today’s competition click here