Tom McDermott Steals the Show at the Australian Show Jumping Championships

In the senior division Tom and his 15 yo mare CP Romantic Dream narrowly defeated Sharon Slater and CP Ulixes who finished second. Rory Hovell and Yalambi’s al D’lsere VDL were third.

Tom’s win with Statford Delight in the junior category was backed up with a third position riding LH Annie-Elka. Olivia Hamood and GH Eternal Flame were runner-up.

“I’m very excited. Never did I think that would win both titles. I thought I might be a little chance at winning the young rider title but not the senior title also, it’s a great feeling,” Tom said.

“Pinky (Romantic Dream) is jumping the best she’s ever jumped. She’s super confident and I’m very happy with her,” he added.

Having spent three months abroad as part of an EA training scholarship, Tom admits that he was a little nervous to start with.

“I was a little rusty at the start of the show and I had jelly legs after my first round. It took us a couple of rounds to warm-up but once we’d had that time in the arena I didn’t feel nervous at all.”

Tom attributes his time abroad to making him a better rider.

“The time I spent overseas has really improved my riding as I have been able to learn and practice many different riding techniques.”

The final day of competition capped off a hugely successful four day event with many spectators and competitors saying this year's Championships were one of the best yet.

“This was definitely the best Australian Championships that I’ve been to. All the facilities were great, and the grounds were better we could have hoped for. The committee has gone to a lot of effort to make this event as international as possible,” Tom said.

In other results Jake Hunter (Midnight Rock) of New South Wales was crowed the Australian Junior Champion after a convincing performance saw him finish nine penalties clear of second placed Brooke Langbecker (Alice’s Wonderland).

David Goodwin (Warrego Jetsen) of Queensland was crowned Australian Speed Champion.

Congratulations to all riders who took part in the weekend's 52^nd annual Australian Show Jumping Championships.

Story: EA 

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