Queenslander Ubank wins IRT Jumping Grand Final in Adelaide, South Australia

Queensland rider Merrick Ubank riding Alantinus won the IRT Jumping Grand Final in Adelaide, putting on a spectacular show at the Australian International Three Event which hosted the Equestrian Grand Final for the first time.

The IRT Jumping Grand Final was also a round of the Australian League of the FEI World Cup and the prospect of valuable series points and prizemoney attracted the leading riders of the League to Adelaide.

Ubank and his horse were the stars of the Final, producing the only double clear round of the class and their victory was the first World Cup win for this pair. In winning the IRT Jumping Grand Final Ubank also celebrates the third World Cup win of his career.    

First to go in the opening round, Ubank and Alantinus set the pace early when they produced a clear round that no other combination among the 18 strong field could replicate. 10 combinations returned for the second round and Ubank secured victory when he produced his second clear round of the day. 

“I had a good day,” said Ubank. “The horse jumped well and felt pretty confident. I’ve been training well, a lot of people have been helping me and it’s all starting to come together.

“It was a great atmosphere out there and I think that lifts the horses. They come alive a little bit out there. We should try and have more shows like this,” said Ubank.

Chris Chugg battled himself for the minor placings finishing second and third with his two entries after picking up four faults in the first round with both Cera Cassiago and Cristalline. Both horses jumped clear in the second round but it was Cassiago who was the faster of the two which secured him second and Cristalline third. A further two combinations finished on a total of four faults - Brook Dobbin & Silvo and Kristy Bruhn and Jack and they finished fourth and fifth respectively. 

The IRT Jumping Final brought the Equestrian Grand Final for 2015 to a close. Spectators appreciating the addition of World Cup showjumping and dressage to the schedule for the first time. It was an exciting afternoon at the Australian International Three Day Event and the IRT Jumping Final was the ideal prelude to the CCI4* Showjumping decider which was won by Olympian Shane Rose who also finished in second position. 

Results

Photo: Julie Wilson