Olympian Rose sets his sights on Rio after winning Adelaide CCI4*

Olympic silver medallist Shane Rose is a step closer to fulfilling his goal of representing Australia at the Rio Olympic Games after topping the leaderboard in first and second position at the Adelaide CCI4* at the Australian International Three Day event.

Leading into Sunday's Showjumping decider Rose was already ranked first and second after dominant performances in the dressage and cross country phases. He also had a five penalty lead over New Zealand rider Clarke Johnstone but with Rio on the horizon it was important that he also produce clear rounds in the showjumping.

Riding Virgil his round in the showjumping went according to plan and the pair finished on their dressage score of 50.80. Last into the arena was Rose’s horse CP Qualified and the pair knocked one fence which added four penalties to their score but it didn’t affect their lead and the pair rode to victory with a score of 49.30.  

“I knew Clarke would be really hard to beat and we have about six Aussie guys that are here that I knew would be up there,” said Rose.

“I think both horses have performed very well and it would have been great to jump clear on Qualified but to run first and second in this field is what I was hoping I could do.

“Before the event I said I would be pretty disappointed if I didn’t finish in the top four. I have very competitive horses and I felt if I did a good job that we’d be close.

“Coming down here I openly said here that this is where I wanted to qualify and get selected for Rio.”

The Adelaide CCI4* was an important event for Australian Eventing Riders and none more so than Rose who is seeking redemption for the disappointment of the London Games where he was forced to withdraw from the Aussie team after his horse went lame. 

“I don’t think (the road is) any easier after this weekend, it’s just clearer and this is certainly the way I wanted to try and get there.

“All those tentative plans I put in place on where I’m going to go and how I’m going to try and get to Rio, hopefully now I can act on them and get there with everything firing and put ourselves in a position when we can win.”

“I know I’m competitive against anyone in the world on those two horses but I have to make sure on dressage day that I do a better job than what I did on Friday.

“We have eight months or so to get that right but I’m confident we’ll be able to polish that off.”

Johnstone's clear Showjumping round helped him to solidify third position with a score of 54.10 while Olympic silver medallist Sonja Johnson (Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison) finished fourth after she too produced a clear jumping round and finished with 59.40 penalties.

Results