Nail-Biting Finish to 3 Day Event
Three action-packed days of competition draw to a spectacular close at the Australian International 3-Day Event tomorrow (Sunday 15 November) with show jumping to decide the overall winner.
Heading into the final day, Olympic gold medalist Stuart Tinney leads the Olympic standard competition just ahead of silver medalist Megan Jones and South Australia’s Luke Jones after today’s challenging Qantas Cross Country event.
Competition begins tomorrow in the Main Arena in Rymill Park at 10am with riders navigating a challenging show jumping course designed to test their skills and experience.
The Show Jumping Day includes the Broome International Airport CCI** competition, Equestrian Australia CCI**** (Olympic standard) event and the Bates Australia CIC**.
Olympic champion and Event Director Gillian Rolton says today’s competition has been of an extremely high standard with less than one time penalty separating the top two riders.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better finish – it really is going to be tight tomorrow and there are a number of riders who could win,” she says.
“It is fabulous to see thousands of people cheering on their heroes and enjoying the shade in leafy Rymill Park and other sections of the Parklands and despite the unseasonable weather, we’ve been pleased with the crowd numbers.
“The big screens under the shade have been popular with spectators while horses and riders have also coped well with the temperatures and were happy with the organisers’ decision earlier this week to shorten the cross country course.
“Not only will spectators have the chance to see world-class riding tomorrow, but they can also enjoy a full program of fun events including the Grape and Gourmet Gallop featuring the best of South Australia’s food and wine and an expanded Trade and Lifestyle Village.”
More than 110 riders have entered the Australian International 3 Day Event, up from 80 riders who competed last year, including Olympic gold medallists Wendy Schaeffer and Stuart Tinney, Olympic silver medallists Shane Rose (who retired at today’s event), Megan Jones and Sonja Johnson.
Spectacular show jumping, a challenging cross country course and dressage are features of the Adelaide event, one of only six four-star events in the world.
Competition kicks off at 10am tomorrow with the CCI** event following the Trot Up and horses being vetted at Victoria Park at 8.30am. The Olympic standard CCI**** event begins approximately at 2pm.
For more information visit http://www.australian3de.com.au/ or http://www.venuetix.com.au/
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