World Cup Jumping Premieres at Boneo Classic

By: Michelle Cook/EA

Jess Brown and Casco (photo: Stephen Mowbray)

In a first, showjumping will be a part of the Boneo Classic supported by NAB. The program includes events ranging from Young Horse and Rider classes to the final leg of the Australian League of the FEI World Cup.  

Victorian Tim Clarke and Caltango currently are the short priced favourites to take out the Australian League’s Leading Rider and Golden Grand (awarded to the best performed horse) titles. Clarke and Caltango earned their superior lead following a win at Adelaide Royal and top three placing’s at Sydney, Melbourne Royal and the Shepparton World Cup.

Currently sitting in 5^th place on the leader board is 25 year old Jess Brown. Brown and Casco wowed crowds at the Equestrian Grand Final in November producing an unrivalled double clear round to be crowned the 2014 Grand Final Champions. Brown and Casco have competed in six World Cup events but Jess described winning the 2014 Equestrian Grand Final as a highlight.

“Everything was pretty good that day, he was great in the indoor, he loved the atmosphere and he was in super form and everything went well,” reflected Brown on her winning round.

Casco was imported from Germany two years ago.

“When I first got Casco he wasn’t a typically easy horse to ride, we have taken our time and done a lot of work with him.  We formed quite a good partnership, he has plenty of ability and now that the basics are a lot more established I’m reaping the benefits,” said Brown.

Jess Brown, Jess Stalling, Tom McDermott and Brook Dobbin all currently hold top ten rankings on the Australian League World Cup leader board and over the weekend the riders will be aiming to put in a final solid performance to improve their rankings.

“Hopefully by Sunday he (Casco) will be very switched on, nice and fresh……and hopefully we will jump a double clear round,” plans Jess.

The dark horse in the field will be Victorian Stephen Hill and Yalambi's Bellini Star, the combination has only been competing at World Cup level since Melbourne Royal in September last year. They enter this weekend’s event on a high following a solid performance in the Sydney Summer Classic World Cup which saw them finish in second position.

Everyone will be supporting Teagan Chester, the daughter of Sydney Olympian Gavin Chester who will be having her maiden World Cup run following a successful 2014 on her 19 year old Irish Sport Horse X Thoroughbred Ellesmere Derilyn.

Olympians Russell Johnstone (Borealis Centurion) and Jamie Coman (Nic of Time) will also be gracing the field.

Riders are welcoming International Course Designer Heiko Wahlers. “I haven’t ridden any of his courses before, so it will be interesting it’s always nice to jump some new ones,” added Jess.

“I’m really looking forward to coming down to Boneo, I’ve never been before but I have heard lots of good things about the facilities and that it’s a really well run event,” complemented Jess.

Limited tickets are available for the Boneo Classic (22nd – 25th January) HERE. The World Cup Qualifier will be held on Sunday afternoon. Extensive trade village will be operating throughout the four days along with a variety of different stallholders and family friendly activities, so there will be plenty to eat, see and do!