An Eventful Life filmed all competitors at Sydney Eventing Spring Classic – order your full cross country video here
Some wild weather swept through the Sydney International Equestrian Centre after a hot Saturday of competition, bringing wind, rain and a cool change.
Luckily Sunday dawned sunny and calm plus quite a bit cooler than the previous day’s high temperatures, making it ideal for spring eventing and a big day of cross country. While the EvA65 classes wrapped up all three phases on Saturday, the rest of the competitors completed today with Cathryn (Catie) Herbert taking the top honours in the University of Sydney Equine Centre Camden CCN4*-S.
Emma Mason riding KPH Kingfisher led after Saturday’s 4* dressage and showjumping phases but Catie put her foot down on cross country, with her 11-year-old CH Don Quixote coming home with the only double cross country round of the class.
They finished on a score of 41.9, rising from seventh place after dressage and showjumping, to finish 6.8 penalties ahead of second placed Gemma Tinney riding Fernhill Aisling Star who completed on 48.7.
Gemma and her Irish bred mare also produced a fast round on cross country, adding 10 time penalties for the second fastest time, but their double clear showjumping round on Saturday, one of just two in the class, also helped move them up from 10th place after dressage. Gemma is well-known for her showjumping skills, and they certainly paid off here!
The overnight leaders Emma Mason and KPH Kingfisher took a maybe more tactical approach to cross country, adding 18.4 time penalties to finish in third place (51.7), with her eye possibly on a prize later in the year at this venue.
Hannah Rockwell and her imported grey horse, the very attractive Hermes Des Brandieres also scooted around cross country to win the Assistance Dogs Australia CCN3*-S on a score of 34 ahead of Shane Rose riding Cooley All Over (39) and Saturday’s class leader, Andrew Barnett riding Oscar Park Deluge.
Shenae Lowings did battle with herself for the two spots in the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia CCN2*-S with her two horses swopping spots today. The overnight leader, Sandhills Shiver was slightly slower on cross country, adding 9.6 time penalties to drop to second place while his stable mate, the off the track thoroughbred Wollombi Baxter added just eight time penalties to take the win on 39.4.
Gemma Tinney was in the ribbons in this class too with PHS Hilton taking third place, a spot they had held through all three phases.
Congratulations to all of today’s winners!
University of Sydney Equine Centre Camden CCN4*-S: Cathryn Herbert and CH Don Quixote
Assistance Dogs Australia CCN3*-S: Hannah Rockwell and Hermes Des Brandieres
Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia CCN2*-S: Shenae Lowings and Wollombi Baxter
NZB CCN1*-S Div A: Blair Richardson and VH Royale
Kohnke's Own CCN1*-S Div B: Emma Mason and Cidor
McGrath Camden EvA95 Open A: Judith Clarke and Boston Gold
University of Sydney Equine Centre Camden EvA95 Open B: Niki Rose and Tulara Karachio II
Hills Wildlife Sanctuary EvA95 Junior: Tommy Parker and UKA
Horseland Dural EvA80 Open: Jessica Rae and Pirate Game
Horseland Dural EvA80 Amateur A: Fiona Norris and Glenhill Smoke n Mirrors
Horseland Dural: EvA80 Amateur B: Dayna Lumb and Trevalgar II
Horseland Dural EvA80 Junior: Laura Mackenzie and Twilight Finnigan
