Sungold Ship Wreck Coast Showjumping Championships

By: Geoff McLean (Gone Riding Media and Consulting)

Kristy Bruhn from Mount Gambier took out the honours in the weekend’s premier event, the 135cm Championship taking first and second place on Jack and Kay Em Bambalou respectively All photos: Geoff McLean (Gone Riding Media and Consulting) VIEW MORE PHOTOS ON THE GONE RIDING MEDIA AND CONSULTING WEBSITE HERE

Hayden Parker and Fat Boy Slim winners of the 1m class

Jock Gould riding Blue Diamond King placed first in the 110cm class

The show jumping competition year is well under way with many riders setting themselves for the forth coming Boneo Classic World Cup event 22-24 January 2016,  This weekend 8-10 January, Warrnambool Race Club conducted the annual Sungold Ship Wreck Coast Show Jumping Championships in conjunction with the running of the Daly’s IGA Koroit Cup, won this year By Damian Thornton riding Arties Shore. 

The Sungold Ship Wreck Coast Show Jumping Championships is quickly developing a reputation as a must do event with show jumpers coming from as far away as Deniliquin (NSW) and Nagambie (Vic).  Considering how dry the past twelve months has been and recent hot weather Warrnambool Racing Club, an Equestrian Victoria affiliate club prepared a well grass and forgiving surface preserving the horse and giving the combinations every chance to go clear. And to the clubs credit the surface held up to three days of solid show jumping.

The show jump course was set on the lawn in front of the Historic National Trust Grandstand giving riders and spectators a real feel of atmosphere.  This year the event was overseen by the well-known and respected show jump judge Pat Ryan, the course builder was Doug Bruce assisted by Tim Howarth and David Johnson, together they built some true, fair but testing tracks.

Friday saw a full book of entries in the lower height classes and the kids getting amongst the action, showing the senior riders how to do it with victories to Ally Wake riding Katelle Casino in the 80cm class and 10 year old Hayden Parker riding his very talented pony Fat Boy Slim took out the 90cm class.

Saturday the unofficial classes were run ranging from 100cm through to 130cm, again it was Hayden Parker again on Fat Boy Slim, taking out the 100cm class even with loosing a stirrup coming into the final fence in the jump off, but still jumping clear and fastest– Top Effort Hayden!  The real high light of the day was Kristy Bruhn winning the 130cm class on her stunning mount Kay Em Bambalou.

Sunday, event ran in conjunction with a full eight race program attended by a strong race day crowd for the running of the Daly’s IGA Koroit Cup, giving competitors the opportunity to show case their horses and skills in front of a sizable and appreciative crowd.

At the end of the day it was a BRUHN Weekend!  Kristy Bruhn from Mount Gambier took out the honours in the weekend’s premier event, the 135cm Championship taking first and second place on Jack and Kay Em Bambalou respectively, with Russell Johnston (Whittlesea) in third place on Daprice and Jess Barton (Little River) in forth place on Volador.

This is an excellent event with many advantages for both riders and horses looking to simply have fun and enjoy a great weekend of show jumping or if you are the serious rider setting yourself for events such as the Boneo Classic – this event simple works. 

The good news is next year Warrnambool Racing Club has committed to providing on site accommodation and camping for riders and horses.  With such support to grow the event, The Sungold Ship Wreck Coast Show Jumping Championships can only go from strength to strength and become a must attend friendly event.

Quick Links

• Jumping horses for sale on HORSEZONE

• Jumping STALLIONS AT STUD on STALLIONZONE

• SELL a horse, gear or float on HORSEZONE or list a stallion at stud on STALLIONZONE