Queenslander Billy Raymont riding Ocean Beach NZPH took out the prestigious world cup qualifier at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre on Sunday. (Photo: Franz Venhaus/EA)

The 2011 Summer Classic, held over the weekend, at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park, was the last chance for riders to gain Olympic qualifications on Australian soil ahead of the London Olympic Games. 

24 competitors faced up to Venezuelan International course builder Leopoldo Palacios challenging track, but it was Queenslander Billy Raymont who secured the win, by posting a clear in the second round - the only clear round of the competition.

Tom McDermott was second riding SL Limerick. After posting the best first round score with only one rail down, McDermott was in the pole position coming into the second round. Unfortunately, two rails hit the floor and he finished the two rounds on 13 penalties to Raymont’s 9 faults. McDermott just missed out on taking the hat-trick after showing his talent by winning the junior and young rider finals earlier in the day.  Third place in the Grand Prix was taken by Queenslander Cathy Graham riding the careful Da Vinci's Pride also finishing on 13 penalties but with a slower time, fourth went to Victorian Tim Clarke on Caltango with 16 faults, fifth was last year's winner Brook Dobbin riding Advisor. Palacios set a very tough course, to challenge the new crop of Australian World Cup riders, with half the riders being 26-years-of-age or or younger.