Nine Network to Broadcast Equestrian Grand Final

 

Equestrian Australia (EA) is pleased to announce the Nine Network will broadcast the 2011 Equestrian Grand Final that will be held as part of EQUITANA Sydney from 10-13 November.

Nine will air a one hour highlight package of the newly established Equestrian Grand Final that will feature Dressage, Jumping and Exhibition Eventing.

The highlights package will go to air on 1 January 2012 from 12noon – 1pm. 

Equestrian Australia’s CEO Grant Baldock said having the event shown on the Nine Network, which will also broadcast the London 2012 Olympic Games, isa big boost for the sport.

“Free-to-air national broadcast will not only provide great exposure for equestrian sport, but it will showcase the Equestrian Grand Final to a new audience,” said Mr Baldock.

“This event is designed to create great spectator viewing and we are pleased that the Nine Network have agreed to work with us to showcase the sport.

“In the lead up to London 2012 it is important for us to showcase our athletes on the road to the Olympics and start to promote to the Australian public some of the heroes within equestrian sport,” he added.

The Equestrian Grand Final will be Australia’s only event to bring together leading athletes from across the three Olympic disciplines. With close to 50 elite athletes taking part it will be a spectacular showcase of equestrian sport.

International Jumping rider Chris Chugg said “The Equestrian Grand Final is unique in its presentation and entertainment. Spectators will be up close and personal with some of Australia's best equestrian athletes, both horse and human. Internationally our sport has a huge and knowledgeable following; it is fantastic that Channel Nine will be taking our athletes to the sporting public here at home.”

EQUITANA most anticipated annual equine event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere attracting over 50,000 visitors per event. 2011 is the first time the event will be held in Sydney. Rod Lockwood, Director of Definitive Events, the organisers of EQUITANA, said "The Equestrian Grand Final is a major and appropriate addition to EQUITANA’Ss competition program. It is the perfect competition element to accompany our exhibition, education and entertainment aspects. It will be great to kick off the Grand Final at our first-ever Sydney spectacular.

As host of the Equestrian Grand Final we will be building purpose built venues to rival the best international competition venues. This will be a spectacular event.”

Athletes qualify for the Equestrian Grand Final via a series of qualification events held Australia-wide. A number wild card entries will also be awarded and will include some exciting overseas based riders.

Equestrian Australia encourages all members and fans to tune into Channel Nine on 01 January 2012 at 12noon - it will be too good to miss.

Quick Links

• For Channel Nine broadcast schedule please see http://ninemsn.com.au/Channel9