Shane Rose rides Virgil. Image: KAMPIC / Sarah Lord.
Australian team claims Oceania Eventing Challenge in NZ
Australia’s senior team have come out on top in the CCI4*S Oceania Eventing Challenge at Land Rover Horse of the Year in New Zealand on Sunday.
The team, comprised of Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Special (owned by Prue Barrett), Kenya Wilson and Sandros Salute MW (owned by Lynette Winteringham, Ian Campbell and Kenya Wilson), Sophia Hill and her own horse, Humble Glory, and Andrew Barnett and Go Tosca (owned by Kate Burnheim), dominated the event and finished on 161.3 penalty points (best three combinations counting), with New Zealand on 203.
Speaking post-event, Australian chef d’equipe Stuart Tinney said there was plenty to love about Land Rover Horse of the Year. “It is a wonderful show. The cross country was a great track, and it is just what we need to get into this sort of environment. It is so valuable.”
He was excited for the future of their riding coming through. “They all did a great job out there.”
The challenge of the cross country course not being able to be walked in full until just before the class added another layer of learning for all. “It is a great learning curve and something you only see at big events and all good experience.”
Shane Rose and Virgil prove unbeatable
Shane Rose and 18-year-old Virgil took out the individual honours in the CCI4*S, finishing on their dressage score of 30.8 – one of only two combinations to do so. “This was a massive part of my Paris programme, and it was key to get my qualification here,” said Shane following the win that completed his FEI Olympic MER with Virgil.
The other combination to finish on their dressage score in the CCI4*S was fellow Aussies Olivia Barton and mare Hollyander HG (owned by Robert Weight), who completed the event on an impressive 33.9.
Andrew Cooper and his own Sharvalley Thunder finished third on 38.2 for an all-Aussie individual podium.
View full results for the CCI4*S here.
The CCI3*S saw the New Zealanders hold on to the Oceania Eventing Challenge, with 124.7 penalty points to Australia’s 130.2.
Australian Molly Lines and her own horse Tadpole (OTT) finished on 38.2, a score that placed the pair firmly on the podium in third place.
View full results for the CCI3* here.
You can read more about Land Rover Horse of the Year here.
Source: Event press release
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