Kevin McNab and Don Quidam at the first horse inspection
Updated 29th July
Following the acceptance of all Australian team horses at the first horse inspection today, a decision has been taken that Leporis, ridden by Stuart Tinney, will not start the competition and will be replaced by Kevin McNab riding Don Quidam.
Based on advice from the team veterinarians and in consultation with the athletes, the decision was made in the best interest of the horse and team. Under the new Olympic format, Leporis and Stuart Tinney now become the P alternate combination.
Find out more about Kevin McNab and Don Quidam here
Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos at Luhmuhlen 2021
Updated 14th July
Chris Burton has unfortunately withdrawn from the Australian Eventing Team due to an injury to his horse Quality Purdey and will be replaced by Olympic champion Stuart Tinney who will head to his fourth Olympics, riding Leporis.
Stuart, a Sydney 2000 gold medallist and Rio 2016 bronze medallist, now joins Andrew Hoy and Shane Rose on the Eventing Team with Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam listed as the P-Alternate Athlete on the Updated FEI Entries list (see below)
"Following pre-Olympic Veterinary inspections it was determined that Quality Purdey has sustained a minor injury, and although with time will make a full recovery, the decision has been made that her welfare shall not be compromised" says the Australian High Performance Press Release
"We wish to acknowledge the exceptional horsemanship and overall sportsmanship displayed by Chris Burton throughout this process. Despite the personal disappointment of forfeiting his place on the Australian Team, which would have been his third Games, Chris’s concern was Quality Purdey’s well being and the overall best interest of the Australian Equestrian Team"
“It shows the strength of the Australian squad, that Clever Louis, who is fit and sound, wasn’t selected as my replacement,” said Chris Burton of the situation.
Reserve combination Stuart Tinney and Leporis, who will be supported by co-owner and groom Karen Tinney, will now move into the team. Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam, owned by Scuderia 1918, and supported by groom Lucy Hartley, have been named as the travelling reserve combination.”
Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team Ian Chesterman says the Tokyo Games are building into something that will capture Australia’s imagination.
“We’ve always said this Australian Team deserves a special place in history. But this is an unexpected milestone, and a positive one. I am really pleased for the athletes who now have this opportunity, just as I am disappointed when we lose athletes through the misfortunes that are a part of sport.” Mr Chesterman said.
“So, here we are just nine days until the Opening Ceremony, and I am in the position to congratulate all 488 athletes for their enormous effort to make it to Tokyo.
“The athletes announced today, from Olympic debutants to Olympic champions like Stuart Tinney, have been given an incredible opportunity and I am sure they will represent Australia with pride.
“We know these Games will be different, and the regulations allowing for extended squads in these sports is a welcome adaptation that will assist our teams to be at their best in Tokyo.
“To Chris, withdrawing from a Team due to an injury is an incredibly tough decision and I want to thank you for everything you have put into qualifying for these Games.”
FEI Definite Entries List Updated 14th July
Stuart Tinney and Leporis at Sydney International 3 Day Event 2021 (above) and Kevin McNab riding Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam (below)
25th June 2021
Andrew Hoy will represent Australia at an unprecedented eighth Olympic Games, extending his own record of seven as the most Olympic appearances by an Australian athlete.
Andrew Hoy, Chris Burton and Shane Rose will compete as the three-man team in Eventing with Stuart Tinney and Leporis as Travelling Reserve, following the withdrawal of Tinney’s top horse Celebration.
The Australian eventing team boasts a depth of experience with Rio bronze medallists Burton and Rose selected to their third Games.
After making his Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 1984, three-time Olympic gold medallist Hoy’s selection extends his own record of most Olympic appearances, becoming the 13th athlete in Olympic history to make eight Games, joining only nine eight-time Olympians and three athletes who have competed at more. The 62-year-old will also surpass rider Bill Roycroft, who was aged 61 in 1976, to become the oldest Australian male competitor at an Olympics.
In Tokyo, Hoy will ride Vassily de Lassos, a 12-year-old gelding owned by David and Paula Evans, and will be aided by groom Clémentine Girardeau as he attempts to secure a fourth gold medal.
Shane Rose and Virgil at Sydney International 3DE 2021
Chris Burton, who had an astounding six horses qualified for the Games prior to Covid, will ride mare Quality Purdey, owned by Claire Poole, and will be accompanied by groom Coriander Cousins.
Shane Rose has been selected for the team with his long-time ride and World Equestrian Games partner Virgil, owned together with his wife Niki and Michelle Hasibar. Rachel Watts, who groomed for Rose at Rio, will once again take on the role in Tokyo.
The Eventing team reserve combination of Stuart Tinney and Leporis, who will travel alongside the selected team to Japan.
Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team Ian Chesterman congratulated the history-making team.
“What a fantastic piece of Olympic history this equestrian team will make in Tokyo,” Mr Chesterman said. “Andrew’s eight Games is a truly rare achievement. Andrew is one of only 13 people over 125 years of Olympic history to achieve this feat, and is testament to a life dedicated to excellence.
“Congratulations to all riders selected today, Australians will be thrilled to watch our Equestrian team in action in Tokyo and to see Australian Olympic history made.
“Thank you to the families, supporters, coaches, grooms and Equestrian Australia who have helped these six riders over decades to achieve their Olympic selection for Tokyo.”
Chris Burton riding Quality Purdey at Bicton International 2021
Andrew Hoy said he is looking forward to representing Australia at his first Olympic Games since becoming a father to daughter Philippa (age 3) and son Oscar (age 1), as well as riding a horse he believes may be one of the best of his career.
“To represent Australia at international level over so many years has been the greatest privilege and honour of my life,” Hoy said. “I have never set out to break records on my number of Olympic Games participations – I am just a country boy from Culcairn, who loves his horses, has a huge passion for our sport and thrives on being competitive at the top end.
“I have been fortunate to have had wonderful support from so many people over the years, as you can never do this alone. It is a huge team effort and I am so grateful for everyone´s support.
“There is nothing that beats the feeling of wearing the green and gold and being part of a team of incredible athletes – going onto the biggest sporting stage in the world – and all wanting to make Australia proud. In Vassily de Lassos, owned by David and Paula Evans, I have got one of the best horses I have had in my whole career – so let´s hope the best is yet to come.”
66-year-old Mary Hanna continues her decades of equestrian excellence, extending the record she set in Rio as the oldest Australian Olympic competitor, by being part of the Australian dressage team along with Simone Pearce and Kelly Layne
The discipline of jumping is subject to an appeal by a non-nominated athlete, with selections to be announced when the process is finalised.
