Hoy & Levett represent in Leg 4 of the Event Rider Masters

Andrew Hoy on Cheeky Calimbo and Bill Levett on Shannondale Titan represented Australia at the historical Haras de Jardy in France at the weekend for Leg 4 of the Event Rider Masters (ERM).

Hoy started the competition strongly placing second on the leader board after the dressage on 34.4, unfortunately dropping back to 28th on 64.8 penalties post cross country within the competitive field.

“Cheeky performed a very good dressage test and jumped a great round in a very big and influencing showjumping, just rolling one pole.

The cross country was a very solid 3* track with serious questions and very forward distances – a true Pierre Michelet course. Cheeky started off jumping boldly and I was very happy with his round and his way of answering all difficult questions – up to the third last fence, a big table followed by two angled brushes.

He jumped the first two elements well but I was disappointed in him not working with me at the third element, which resulted in 20 penalties – just 25 seconds from the finish line.” said Hoy.

Hoy’s 15-year-old gelding Cheeky Cambino competed in the ERM Series at Blenheim Horse Trials last September placing 12th.

Levett and his practiced ERM mount Shannondale Titan completed a nice dressage test placing 12^th, followed by 28 penalties in the show jumping to then withdraw before the cross country, a frustrating result for the experienced pair.

“Every so often things don't go to plan and this was one of those days. I will try and do all remaining (ERM) legs and hopefully get back into the points at Gatcombe Park” said Levett.

The current world number 1, European, World and Olympic champion Michael Jung (GER) made his ERM debut riding Fischerrocana FST, winning the competition and taking home the €19,000 prize pool. 

Finishing just 2.9 penalties behind his dressage score on 38.5, Jung dubbed the ‘Master of modern Eventing’ quoted to the Event Rider Masters press:

“Star Connection is not the most experienced horse at this level. But he answered all the questions out there today and was brilliant.

“ERM is a super series for our sport, as it’s expensive to compete at Eventing.  In addition to the very good prize money the series also creates very good competition conditions and makes us as riders compete even harder.  I am very grateful for the opportunity this weekend and hope to target other legs in the future” said Jung.

The leg 4 of the ERM hosted an impressive international field of 40 horses and riders comprising of former and current Olympians, world and European medallists representing 14 nations.

All of the action from Leg 4 can be viewed at Eventridermasters.tv.

Leg 5 will commence in England for the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park on 5-6 August 2017.

Follow the progress of Australian competitors via the Equestrian Australia website and Facebook page.