Australia Convincing Winners of Trans-Tasman Eventing Challenge

Stuart Tinney and at the Sydney CCI3*. Photo credit: ESJ Photo

Australia was a convincing winner of the Trans-Tasman Eventing Challenge happening at this weekend’s International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park. 

Leading the way for the Australians was Sydney Olympic gold medallist Stuart Tinney who also won individual honours in the CCI3* event with mount Pluto Mio.

Tinney was pleased to notch up another victory against Australia’s greatest sporting rivals.

“Beating the Kiwis is always good for Australia, I’m loving that.”

“We have some great riders based in this country so it’s a privilege and a real thrill to be riding alongside these other riders,” Stuart said.

The Australian team entered today’s show jumping phase with a comfortable lead over New Zealand, but with young Emma Scott eliminated for a fall on cross country day, each of the remaining three team members needed to  complete their showjumping round in order to remain in contention for the title. 

Newcastle’s Craig Barrett looked like he was going to produce a clear round, but his mare Sandhills Brillaire were unlucky to knock the final rail and they finished in second overall.

Yass’ Natalie Blundell and her gelding Algebra were the only Australian combination to produce a clear show jumping round and individually finished fourth in the placings.

Olympic silver medallist Shane Rose was also in the mix finishing third with a young horse named Virgil who he says could take him all the way.

“He’s already starting to mix it with some horses that will more than likely be on Australian teams in the next few years,” Shane said.

The Sydney International CCI3* is a major international event in its own right but with the added duel between Australia and New Zealand taking place, and happening around the time of ANZAC Day, this year’s event is extra significant.  

Full results from all classes are available at http://www.sydneyeventing.org