The HSBC Water looks spectacular, especially with the Jacarandas. Photo by ESJ Photo
As Eventers in Australia we all look forward to Adelaide, it is a date in the calendar for many of us, for the serious riders they strive to compete at Adelaide. For the rest of us, it is a great excuse to leave the horses behind, come to Adelaide, watch, party and do some damage to the credit card.
Amanda Habjan and Ellesmere Storm, fourth in the dressage after day one.
This morning we started with the CCI Two Star trot up, unfortunately there were five horses withdrawn in the two star, obviously a disappointing start to the event however as always the welfare of the horses must come first. We have 54 starters in the CCI2* running through the whole of today and until lunch time tomorrow.
Sophie Adams and Mercator Du Ry, joint leaders after day one.
The CCI Four Star class had slimmed down earlier in the week notably with the withdrawal of Megan Jones' Kirby Park Irish Jester so this morning we started with 15 combinations in the trot up, Craig Barrett the only rider with a second horse in the four star. Unfortunately Soigne Jackson's mount Gold was held and then later withdrawn. The Four Star class begins at 2:20pm tomorrow afternoon.
The final fence is set against the fantastic backdrop of the Victoria Park Heritage Grandstand. Photo by ESJ Photo
The weather today is picture perfect, is it sunny, warm but not hot and there is a light breeze, it couldn't be any better. Tomorrow looks to be a copy of today if a little warmer and Saturday likewise.
Robert Palm and Koko Black in the CCI4*
Walking through the parks today along the Four Star track we were impressed that Course Designer Wayne Copping has pulled some new tricks out of his bag. There is a new fence up on Channel 7 Stag Corner that I have never seen before. The HSBC water complex has been reworked and may prove influential. The other fence I think may prove interesting is the Equestrian Australia Hollows which include some trademark Ducks. These angled ducks are set with a coffin in between on a one stride then bounce distance, at fence ten this is the first serious combination on the course.
This is the first element of the new Channel 7 Stag Corner combination. Going to be interesting. Photo by ESJ Photo
Today's Two Star dressage has seen some mixed results with Sophie Adams (Mercator Du Ry) and Lindsay Honey (Bindaboo) in the joint lead on 45.9 penalties. The last two riders of the day Amanda Habjan (Ellesmere Storm) and Jade Findlay (Frontier Psychiatrist) moved into fourth and third respectively. There are still a further twenty combinations to do dressage tomorrow including some class competitors. I expect there will be more movement at the top of the leaderboard before the dressage is completed at lunch time tomorrow.
Jessica Manson & LEGAL STAR in the CCI4*
CLICK HERE for tomorrow's draw
The Four Star dressage starts at 14:20 Adelaide time. To finish off today here is an interview (below) that Debbie Higgs did with Isabel Houghton (Mohito) who are currently lying in 7th place on 52.0 penalties.
That's it from me today. Libby will be along later with a gallery of pics from the day.
Yours in Eventing
John Lechner (ESJ)
Interview with Isabel Houghton, 7th in the CCI 2* riding Mohito after first day of dressage
Issy Houghton and her mum (and owner of Mohito), Janet
