Main image: Chris Burton and Shadow Man in the second horse inspection, by Michelle Terlato Photography.
Inside Paris | Presented by International Horse Breeders
The second horse inspection for the Eventing took place at 7.30am Monday morning (3.30pm AEST) in Versailles, and all three Australian horses have passed.
There was a tense moment with Virgil (Shane Rose) sent to the holding box, but the rising 19-year-old was re-presented and accepted.
Virgil, Shadow Man (Chris Burton), and the travelling reserve Bold Venture (Shenae Lowings) are now ready for the final jumping phase later today.
Shenae and off the track Thoroughbred ‘Bentley’ have been substituted into the team for the final phase after Kevin McNab retired from yesterday’s cross country following an injury to Don Quidam. The Australian team took a 200-penalty addition to their score for Kevin’s non completion as well as a further 20 penalties for enacting the substitution. We are out of the medals but can still post a finishing score, and what an experience for Shenae to have her moment in front of what will be a packed stadium in Versailles.
Shane and Virgil are inside the top 25 and will be looking to maintain that placing and progress through the team jumping round and into the individual jumping final (second round for the top 25) tonight. Chris Burton and Shadow Man are in the bronze medal position, and again will be aiming for the individual jumping final – and a medal!
Shane Rose and Virgil. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
Shenae Lowings and off the track Thoroughbred Bold Venture. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
Aussie order of go:
Shenae Lowings (Bold Venture) will be 12th to jump; Shane Rose (Virgil) will be 28th to jump; and Chris Burton (Shadow Man) will be 44th to jump.
