Albury Wodonga International Horse Trials delivered excellent conditions and competition over the weekend of 17–19 October, with three days of eventing at the beautifully prepared and presented Albury Wodonga Equestrian Centre.
Cathryn Herbert and Wimborne Constable claim another CCI4*S win
The Blacklocks Isuzu Ute CCI4*-S was hotly contested by 20 combinations. Cathryn Herbert and rising 17-year-old stallion Wimborne Constable topped the leaderboard (31.6) after multiple changes throughout the phases, making their long trip from the Hunter Valley well worthwhile. It was the pair’s third FEI-level four-star career win.
Cathryn was very pleased with her and Constable’s performance in each phase, delivering what she felt was a really smooth dressage test ahead of two challenging jumping tracks.
“The show jumping was a tough and big track, and I was so happy with how well he jumped around it,” says Cathryn. To follow suit, she explains that Ewan Kellett’s cross-country track was tough, with plenty of questions.
“I was relieved to get to the finish line! Constable felt great and he was so good around the whole track,” she says. The duo will now turn their attention to Scone Horse Trials and the Sydney Three-Day Event.
Wimborne horses once again proved their strength on the eventing scene, with Samuel Jeffree and Wimborne Conjuror (38.9) taking another podium place this season. As the only combination to finish on their dressage score, Sam and Wimborne Conjuror climbed nine placings to finish third, just behind Sam’s second-placed mount, Santoro (37.7), who was clear of jumping penalties and added only a handful of time penalties to his third place after dressage.
Sam is certainly demonstrating the value of consistency this season, following a win and third place in the CCI4*-S at Spring Horse Trials at Werribee in September. “Both horses really tried this weekend and were able to show the work we have been putting in, especially ahead of Sydney CCI4*-L in November, which both horses are feeling strong and ready to tackle,” says Sam, who will be hoping to claim back-to-back wins with Santoro in the headline class.
Christine Bates and Bloomfield Findon claim CCI3*-S win
The Imperial Floats at Jayco CCI3*-S was led from start to finish by Christine Bates and Bloomfield Findon, who added nothing to their brilliant dressage score of 26 penalties. Christine was also the fastest out on a course where time was influential, and one of only two combinations from thirty starters made it within the optimum time.
“I was thrilled with his performance in all three phases; to win by seven penalties just shows he’s all class. He will step up to four-star in the next couple of starts, he just keeps getting better. He’s certainly one for the future,” says Christine.
Niki Rose, a familiar name at the top of CCI3*-S leaderboards this year, once again featured in the placings — this time finishing second aboard Dreamrush (33.1). Tahlia Pursell and Astro NZPH (35.5) claimed third.
Like Niki, Tahlia added only some time penalties to her dressage score in what she felt was a very competitive class. “I was thrilled to have finished third,” she says. “Astro is a very consistent horse; I just need to give him a good ride so he can perform at his best.”
It was a performance that Tahlia says was made possible thanks to the support of her long-time coach, Nina Clarke.
Sophia Pratley and Barracuda take CCI2*-S victory
A field of 40 riders took on the challenge of the Albury IVF CCI2*-S, with Sophia Pratley and her off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTT) Barracuda reigning supreme on their dressage score of 28.6.
Rachelle Verma and Hillsview Bodacious claimed second place (30.6), continuing their competitive form after a win at Spring Horse Trials last month. Emma Bishop and Cassillis Park Figaro added only two time penalties to their dressage score to finish a close third (31.1).
Full results, including EA classes, can be found here via Event Secretary.
