Cathy Graham Da Vinci's Pride win the CSI-W at Weekend of World Cups

Queensland rider, Cathy Graham and the effervescent Da Vinci's Pride posted the only double clear round to win the CSI-W, which was also the second qualifier for the Equestrian Grand Final. The top three placegetters in this class will automatically qualify for the Grand Final to be held in November.

It was the second World Cup victory for Cathy and Da Vinci's Pride, who won the Adelaide Royal qualifier last September.

In a contrast to the zippy little Da Vinci’s Pride, Andrew Inglis’s powerhouse mare Amira jumped to second place with four faults in the first round and then a clear fast second round.

Billy Raymont and the Selle Francais mare, Nicalette NZPH  jumped clear in the first round and then had four  faults in the second round to take third place in the class.

World Cup debutants Olivia Hamood on Nero GHP and Tom McDermott on SL Limerick handled the class with maturity beyond their 17-years-of-age. Olivia had just one time penalty in the first round and two down in the second. Tom had 4 faults in the first round but as only the fastest 4-faulters got through to the second round and he just missed the cut. Riders like these two show the strength of the up-and-coming ranks in Australian jumping

David Dobson and Akon finished both rounds on 4 faults to take fourth place. Nick Taliana jumped a four penalty first round and with just one time penalty in the second round to secure took fifth place riding his talented Thoroughbred, Ambrose, a great result for Nick who made a comeback to world Cup at Sydney Royal after being out with an injury.

Last year’s winner Jamie Kermond and Colthaga had two rails down in the second round. Julia Hargreaves rode into the arena wearing the purple armband, denoting her as her leader of the series, following her impressive win at Sydney Royal CSI-W. However, it wasn’t her day and the lovelyVedor had two rails in the first round.

Source: Equestrian Australia  Photo: Franz Venhaus