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Joann Formosa Challenges British Favourite

Published on Friday, August 31, 2012 in 2012 London

Joann Formosa after her test

Photo:Courtesy Australian Paralympic Committee/EA

Australian Equestrian rider Joann Formosa has put Australia in a strong position for day two of the London Paralympic Games team test, after finishing third in her grade at the Greenwich Park today.

Formosa, 51, from regional Victoria had the performance of her life, to score a 71.955% pushing her into third position, behind Great Britain’s Lee Pearson (74.545%) and Austria’s Pepo Puch (73.636%) in Grade 1b.

“I know what I want, I’m hungry for it, it’s been my lifelong goal and it can only get better each day, so look out for me on the next day, and then the next day because everyone’s going to know who I am,” said Formosa.

“I’m happy I got over 70%. I’m still in a bubble, it all just seems surreal. It’s like a dream and I haven’t woken up yet.”

Riding high from her top three placing, Formosa issued a warning to the event’s top scorer and one of Great Britain’s most successful dressage riders, Lee Pearson that his days at the top of the sport are numbered.

“I’m out to beat him. I call a spade a spade and us from the Aussie land, well we’re coming and we’re out to get to the top.

“I want to beat him and everybody else. I’m just working my way up. We’ve got two more days to go so bring it on.”

Pearson has dominated the grade 1b events, since 2000 and has nine Paralympic medals to his name. But Formosa says Pearson’s record no longer intimidates her.

“I’ve always stuck to my goal, I know where I want to go and I know what I want to do. I’ve just stuck to what I believe in and now I’m here and I’m doing it. And now I’m coming after him.”

In the morning’s session, Beijing Paralympian Grace Bowman did not have an ideal start to her London campaign despite assurances in training that her horse, Kirby Park Joy, was settling into life at Greenwich.

Bowman scored 57.048% to finish in 21st place, with her score unlikely to be included in the final team event.

“Grace warmed up really well and trotted around the field of play very confidently. Outside of the arena the trot work was looking fantastic – it would’ve scored 60-70%,” said Chef d’Equipe Sally Francis.

“But then on the diagonal the horse caught sight of the screen and reacted badly. Grace did well to finish the test.”

Paralympic first-timers Hannah Dodd and Rob Oakley take to the arena tomorrow to complete the second half of the team test.

Story: Rebekka Wake, APC/EA

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