Spectacular Sydney Showdown - Spots to London Up For Grabs!

 

Every Australian based Eventing rider on the shortlist for the 2012 London Olympic Games will be competing in this weekend's Sydney International Three Day Event being held 26 - 29 April at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC). Australia’s Eventing Team has secured its place at the London Olympic Games and there are just five spots up for grabs. With less than 100 days before the games begin there are only a few chances left for competitors to impress the selectors. 

Australia has enjoyed an illustrious history in Olympic Eventing competition,winning eleven team and individual medals, including four Olympic Gold. Equestrian competition is the only Olympic sport where animals are considered teammates and one of the few where men and women compete on equal terms. Eventing, similar to the triathlon, is a thrilling sport filled with stories of amazing courage and great determination to win. The Australian Eventers are determined to bring home another Gold medal this year and everyone wants to be part of the team.

The venue hosting the Sydney 3DE is the legacy of the Sydney Olympic Games where Australia won team gold in 2000. Stuart Tinney from Marayla, NSW (pictured) was on the winning team in 2000 and is one of the riders hoping to gain a place in this year's team heading to London. He plans to have three horses ready for London and will compete his National A Squad horse Pluto Mio at the Sydney Event. His Elite horse Panamera won the Adelaide 4* in December 2011 and his third horse Orchard Hill will compete at the Melbourne 3* in June just a month out from the Games.

Stuart's preparation is all geared towards peaking when the Olympics begin on Friday 27 July in London.

"Our goal is not just to be selected for the team for London 2012, it is to win medals there (preferably two gold ones)!"

Stuart isn't expecting an easy road to London with three of the Silver medal winning team members from the 2008 Beijing Olympics also competing in the Sydney 3* Class. Megan Jones, from Stirling, SA is bringing the talented Kirby Park Allofasudden, originally a Magic Millions Yearling that was too slow for the racetrack but who is now on track for the London Games. Sonja Johnson will make the 45 hour journey from her sheep station in Palmdale, WA with two rides for the 3*, ex-racehorse Parkiarrup Illicit Liasion who is shortlisted on the National A squad and an Australian Stock Horse, Belfast Mojito. Shane Rose, who was the fastest rider in the world in 2008 and has been crowned the king of Exhibition Eventing after another win at the recent Sydney Royal Easter Show, is in great form with Taurus heading in to next weekend's event. They have 3 wins from 3 starts already in 2012 at this level, including victory in Kihikihi, NZ in the Trans Tasman Competition. Shane and his wife Nikki are expecting their first child in the very near future which should make life interesting as he aims for gold.

Joining the Olympians on the 3* start list are another six Elite and A Squad combinations plus ten top Australian riders making it one of the strongest line ups for the Sydney International 3DE in years.

Also competing at this weekend's event are some of the best Show Jumpers from around Australia and New Zealand. Highlights from the three full days of jumping action will include the Young Jumping Horses who compete on Friday, showcasing the future of the sport in Australia. Saturday night will see the best Young Riders battle it out in the indoor arena. Added entertainment by Australian Dog Agility competitors and miniature jumping horses, along with music from singer Tommy Pickett will make the evening one not to be missed. The Greater Sydney World Cup Qualifier will be held on Sunday afternoon as the final contest of what is sure to be three days of amazing equestrian action.

Entry for Pensioners and Children under 16 years is free. Adult entry on Saturday and Sunday is $20 and all money raised is put directly back into next year's event to improve it for riders and spectators. Tickets are available at the gate. Parking is included. Food available in the Shopping Village.

Quick Link

• For more information please visit www.sydneyeventing.org