The 2016 Canberra CIC delivers an epic weekend of equestrian sport.
The National Capital Horse Trials Committee managed to stage a fantastic Canberra International Horse Trials despite record-breaking rainfall in the lead up to the event and snow covered hills on the first day of competition. The presentation of the
The presentation of the cross-country course from Eva 80 cm to FEI 3* was stunning and the footing was in the most part held very well. The event Technical Delegates having to make a few minor adjustments to some areas of the track because of the footing. The Saturday weather proved an endurance test like no other with snow on the hills and ferocious winds, sadly for some a few equally wild dressage test resulted. The sand arenas had great footing but getting through the mud from the camping areas created its own challenges especially with white breeches. The parking was really tricky but everyone was brilliant and became creative along the road way in. The tractor was quite busy helping bogged trucks throughout the weekend including the WIN TV van ! Luckily the weather gods took pity and Sunday, cross-country day, saw a spectacular change and spring return to the capital with blue skies and warm weather, a huge sigh of relief from the organisers and riders.
The infamous cross-country tracks had been revamped at all levels by Vince Roach, Swede Dan Olsen and Ben Smith, the park had drained well and for most of the course the going was good. In the 3* it was the technical combinations on curved lines that caught out half the field , the new corners early in the course over the creek, the curve of skinny brushes in the wood, and then that skinny in the water! It was tough but defiantly doable.
The very popular NSW rider, Andrew Cooper stormed around the tough 3* track under blue skies to win the class by just 0.3 penalties riding Evergem Perfection from the South Australian Sarah Clarke and her super mare Kirby Park Irish Consort. Only 8 riders finished, no one made time, Cooper moved from 13th position after dressage and a rail in jumping to take the title. Clarke posted brilliant clears cross-country and jumping and was delighted with 2nd place, just pipped for first by a whisker. The journey through the wild South Australian weather over the Hay plain had been worth it. Victorian Will Enzinger riding Britannica NVNZ ran 3rd and the NZ rider Hayley Frielick lying 16th and 17th after dressage posted two double clears in both cross-country and jumping to take 4th and 5th. All of the winning riders climbed their way up the scoreboard after they rode incredible rounds on the very testing 3.5km cross-country phase. None of the top 8 place getters were in the top 3 after dressage! Both Andrew and Sarah were surprised by their wins and thrilled with the result, they are looking forward to Australia's International Horse Trials - Adelaide in November. Shane Rose recently back from his Rio and European campaign came 8th in the 3*, he placed in all his other classes through the weekend and was delighted when wife Nikki won the Wallaroo Equestrian Eva 80cm riding the beautiful DiCavalli Dimitri, Nikki’s first start since recently producing twins.
The 2* first and second place getter was former Western Australian, Deon Stokes riding Crime time and Koyuna Levi, Deon is also a very well know dressage rider and has now moved to Moss vale in NSW. He led the class from start to finish on Crime Time. He also won the Kevin Dickson memorial trophy. Bessie Dimery and Ruban Son were the only juniors in the class they came a creditable 12th having gone clear cross-country.
The 1* was won by Isabel Oloughlin riding Lagoes Choice moving up from 4th after dressage and one of a handful of riders coming in under time cross-country. Shaun Dillon riding GV Anzac and Rachel Lee and Amigo had 0.1 penalties divide them between 2nd and 3rd. Shane Rose and Swiper moving up from 19th to take 4th after a blistering ride cross-country. The highest place junior was Ashleigh Wiseman riding the wonderful Barrel of fun coming 8th.
The two Eva 105 classes sponsored by Imperial floats and Mitavite saw winners Cassie Lowe and Koko hit and Thea Horsley and Kelecyn Supernatural remain in top position after their dressage, Thea winning on her dressage score. The highest placed juniors in each section were Charlotte Lalak who came second in the class to Thea, riding Coco Bean and Hannah Klep and her Ott TB Reprieve who came 8th after an under time cross-country round.
The first Eva 95 saw the very popular local rider, Nathalie Blundell, win riding the beautiful Keir bred Springfield Zorro. Highest placed junior, Kate Smith and Star of Kingston placed 6th. The other Eva 95 winner Sam Lyle and his gorgeous Stalypso Hill held off junior Nina Griffiths and Mr Zizuo by 0.4 penalties. The 3rd Eva 95 saw an equally close finish of the top 5 place getters, the very popular Phillip Pollen riding Highland Beat taking out top spot. Later in the day Phillip was loudly applauded as he demonstrated a rather acrobatic dismount followed by a wonderful stage bow from another of his rides. Junior Caitlyn Merritt and Canadian ruler placed 5th in the class.
The Eva 80 cm was won by Sam Fasher riding the super Glenhaven Ruben, he finished on his dressage score, highest placed junior Suntosha Barker and Sphinx placed 8th. The Eva 80c winner Nikki Rose and the stunning Dicavalli Dimitri.
The eventing community were treated to a wonderful medal moment with Rio Olympian Shane Rose who delighted our younger riders and volunteers by putting on his bronze medal. Shane also gave up his time for numerous interviews during the weekend for TV and press, he is a wonderful ambassador for the sport.
The organising committee and officials did an amazing job, the wintery conditions on Saturday testing all, testimony to the dedication and experience, Canberra International Horse Trials was friendly and well delivered, with over 150 volunteers helping run the event and great sponsors. Local media following the competition with great coverage by local WIN TV and the Canberra Times. It was with huge relief that Sundays gorgeous weather bought the crowds out onto the cross-country to cheer on the riders and that despite the very wet spring National capital horse trials association delivered another spectacular event in the heart of the bush capital.
Full results on Nominate
Deon Stokes
Andrew Cooper
Shane Rose
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