Strong performance by our Eventers on Day One in Paris
What a first day of Equestrian competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The Australian team have put in a strong showing to finish the day in 8th place on a combined score of 91.5 penalties. Great Britain lead on 66.70 penalties followed by Germany on 74.10.
Shane Rose and 'Virgil' were the second athletes to take to the sand this morning in Versailles and the first combination for the Australian team. Shane and 'Virgil delivered a solid test, taking only 34.60 penalties into the cross-country phase tomorrow.
Above: Shane Rose and 'Virgil'
Shane said “I think the test had some really good parts, disappointing he kicked up in his second change which damaged my score a fair bit, but there is a lot to do out there tomorrow I think it is a strong course. I think with the rain today the going in unknown, we are not sure what that is going to do. We are looking forward to the next two days.”
“I am not thinking of the journey I have been on, I am here to produce a performance at the games.”
“I feel great. I am here at the Olympic Games and the fact that I was injured is irrelevant now. I am here to do a job. My job is to do the best I can for the team. I feel like I am in a good position to do that. I feel I am as strong as I need to be, stronger than I have probably been and I am excited for the next couple of days.”
(On Virgil) “He is in the best shape of his life, can’t wait to see what the next few days bring. He is a pretty uncomplicated horse and we have looked after him. He has done a lot of miles and competitions but we have looked after him along the way. You look after them and they repay the favour.”
Shane and ‘Virgil go into the cross country tomorrow sitting in 38th position individually.
Kevin McNab and 'Don Quidam' were the next of the Aussies to take to the arena against the beautiful backdrop of the Chateau de Versailles. With another strong test for the team, Kevin collected 34.90 penalties - only 0.30 more than Shane before him.
Above: Kevin McNab and 'Don Quidam'
Kevin said afterwards, ‘there was some really good stuff in there. Some of the stuff he did was fantastic. I had a few costly mistakes, and unfortunately, in a test like this one, you really need to be clear round as the costly mistakes do pull your score down quite quickly. “
“He (‘Don Quidam’) actually was really good. He had a little bit more energy, probably than ideal for him. Once he was in there, he just lifted a little bit with the atmosphere. But he was actually super to ride, I mean, he felt really springy off the surface in there, and it was a lot of fun. It would have been even more fun without the mistakes.“
Thinking about the cross-country for tomorrow and particularly the pontoons, “I’ve actually watched horses gallop across there when they had the test runs, and it was amazing. They didn't move at all. I mean, I was watching the water and you couldn't even see the vibrations in the water. So I think the horses will be fine.”
(On the plan for tomorrow) “To go clear, and as fast as we can!”
Kevin and ‘Don Quidam' go into the cross country tomorrow in 41st position individually.
The final combination for Australia really shined this afternoon, Chris Burton and ‘Shadow Man’ delivered a super test to finish on a brilliant 22 penalties. This puts ‘Burto’ in equal 3rd position going into the cross-country tomorrow.
Above: Chris Burton and 'Shadow Man'
Chris had to say after the test today, “He (‘Shadow Man’) got on his toes. He's a very relaxed horse and he got really excited because some guy went before me that the crowd like to cheer for (Jung) haha. I was just delighted with him. He went back to work showing what a lovely gentleman he is and showing how well schooled he is. So that was a real treat for me and it's always a buzz to be at the Olympics.”
"I was away from the sport for a while and was delighted when I got back to it.”
“Tomorrow have got to do our job, keep our head in the game and stay focussed. Step by step, but luckily for me he has a real turn of foot so we will do what we can.”
"It’s a tough game with a lot of rough and tumble but he is a safe jumper and you just have enjoy what you've got while you're here.”
We wish out team all the very best for the cross country phase tomorrow which we are sure will be as challenging as it is stunning!
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