2016 Showcase of Showjumping is launched !
Showjumper Jamie Kermond recently returned home after spending the past 2½ years living and competing in Europe. In that time, he represented Australia at a World Cup final in Lyon, and the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. Unfortunately, he fell just short of his ultimate goal of Olympic representation, being named the non-travelling reserve for Rio.
“It was disappointing not to make the final team, but overall the time in Europe was a great learning experience. It’s fantastic to be home and we’re really excited to be back competing in Australia.”
Kermond immediately reasserted his authority on the domestic scene, winning the Australian Championships at the National Equestrian Centre in Werribee, Victoria on September 18.
The likeable equestrian’s next focus is to help organise the Showcase of Showjumping event on the picturesque polo fields at Richmond, in Sydney’s outer north-west.
Along with his fiancé, Jamie Winning, and her parents, John and Kerrie, the event was born from their common desire to “showcase” the sport in Australia more like it’s done in Europe and America.
“We went to some amazing shows and saw first-hand just how much effort they put into making the sport entertaining and presenting it in such a spectator-friendly way. But at the same time, every effort is also made to ensure the best possible jumping - and the fences themselves, they’re works of art!”
To that end, this year’s event has secured the services of international course designer, Frank Rothenberger, along with a complete set of custom designed and manufactured jumps from his German factory. Rothenberger has designed courses at some of the world’s biggest events, including the Grand Prix of Aachen, which featured a 1 million euro prize pool.
Showcase of Showjumping is on at the Polo Fields, 33 Ridges Lane, Richmond, NSW and runs from October 12-16. Entry is free and competition runs from 9am to approximately 5pm each day. The feature event, the FEI 2 star World Cup Qualifier, starts at 2pm on Saturday, October 15.
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