Boland Braces for Possible Games Call-up after Melbourne CCI3* Win

Tim Boland has given national Eventing selectors something to ponder after a convincing performance at this weekend’s CCI3* Melbourne International Three Day Event.

The 41 year old is searching for his first Olympic Games berth and has London 2012 firmly in his sights after winning the 55^th annual CCI3* Melbourne event.

“I’ve done everything I can do now and what will be will be, but obviously it’s nice to be in contention,” Boland said.

Boland and his 11 year old bay gelding GV Billy Elliot led the CCI3* class from start to finish. The combination received a personal best Dressage score on the first day of competition which they backed up with a pleasing time around a wet cross country course. They wowed the crowds in today’s final phase of Show Jumping and were one of only three combinations in the class to jump clear.

 “I’m absolutely over the moon, I always talk about my horse because they’re the true athletes in this sport. He’s an unbelievable horse and I’m so proud of him, he jumped the house down tonight, I couldn’t be happier,” he said.

“He’s an absolute superstar and I’m very proud to ride a horse like this,” he added. 

Minister for Sport, the Honourable Kate Lundy, was the guest of honour at today’s final day of the Melbourne International Three Day Event. In front of a packed crowd she said, “It’s a very exciting time for all Australians as we lead into London 2012 and I know and I can see the enormous hard work that’s going into that effort.” 

Beijing Olympian Shane Rose, who was fifth after Sunday’s Cross Country, finished the event in second position after jumping a clear round with his 10 year old gelding APH Moritz.

Fellow first time Olympic hopeful Craig Barrett and Wendela Jamie ended their Melbourne campaign in third.

Australia’s UK based riders will get their final chance to impress selectors at the Luhmuhlen CSI4* in Germany next weekend.

Australia’s five member Eventing team will be announced at the end of June.

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