Kiwi Senior Team gets early jump on the Aussies

The New Zealand Senior Team has taken the early lead in the 2017 Oceania Championships CCI3 * competition after the Dressage phase today.

They finished 17 penalties (total 139.2) clear of the Australian team (total 156.2) to establish a narrow early lead going into tomorrow’s cross-country phase.

The highest finishing Australian representative rider today was the reserve, Rohan Luxmore with Bells and Whistles (48.60) The Victorian-based full-time veterinarian is sixth-placed overall behind New Zealand’s Samantha Felton (45.20).

Australian Chef d’Equipe/Coach Sam Lyle commended Luxmore on his effort today.

“Rohan went great. It was a really solid test,” Lyle said.

Hazel Shannon and her chestnut Thoroughbred Clifford took 8^th place overall to be the second highest finishing Oceania Championships rider for Australia (49.70).

Lyle said the team is as prepared as it possibly can be for tomorrow’s cross-country and looking forward to the challenge. He also made special mention of course designer Ewan Kellett who has built the Melbourne International Three-Day event track for the 11 consecutive years.

“The course designer Ewan Kellett has done a really good job this year.”

“There are certainly some questions in there so that if the riders make mistakes they will be in trouble.”

NSW rider Tim Boland is the highest placed non-representative Australian rider after today’s dressage thanks to a stunning test on his black gelding Warmblood GV Billy Elliot. He is sitting in third position on 47.00 penalties.

Tomorrow’s cross-country action starts at 8:30 am.