Back at full gallop
Run by Goulburn Valley Horse Trials Association (GVHTA) and now firmly settled at Greenvale with a 10-year licence on the reserve, Avenel continues to grow. After reintroducing three-star competition three years ago, this year’s edition once again offered classes from EvA65 through to CCN3*, attracting strong entries across the board.
Speaking to Equestrian Life in 2023, GVHTA vice president Michael McCarrey said the event’s continued expansion reflected both demand and dedication. “We’ve worked hard to keep building the event and to make it better each year,” he said. “Now that our course designer, Jarryd Stanley, has achieved Level 3 accreditation, we’re looking forward to continuing with the three-star and eventually adding a four-star track in the future.”
Leader Equine CCN3*: Lamperd leads the way
In the headline Leader Equine CCN3*, Murray Lamperd and Havelock Brandy led from start to finish. The pair opened with a leading dressage score of 30.5 and held their advantage with a smooth cross country performance, adding just 4.4 time penalties to claim victory.
Second place went to Shashank Kataria and Bullseye, an off-the-track Thoroughbred who showcased the breed’s trademark heart and stamina. The combination climbed from third after dressage (35.0) with double clears in both jumping phases.
Completing the podium were Jen Duffy and OTT mare Notre Amour, who sat second after dressage on 34.2 but slipped to third after picking up 12.8 time penalties on cross country.
Hygain Mitavite CCN2*: Tyson times it right
The two-star division was hotly contested, but it was Ben Tyson and Nawarrah Park Spot the Fox who rose through the ranks to take the win. Sitting seventh after dressage on 35.9, a clear showjumping round and just 8.8 time penalties across country saw them secure top honours.
In second, Erin Callahan and Kingdom Come led the field after dressage with 29.9, but eight showjumping penalties and 10.4 time penalties relegated them to the runner-up spot. Third went to India Lamperd and Voight (OTT), who climbed from tenth after dressage thanks to determined clear rounds and a total score of 53.1.
One-star divisions deliver excitement
The Interpath 4CYTE CCN1* Division 1 saw Baylee Eve and Beltana Finley produce a polished performance to finish on their dressage score of 28.9. Rebekah Italiano and Wolverine X (OTT) took second after adding just 0.8 time penalties, while J’aime Mallon and Magic Mike TAE climbed from 11th to third with a strong cross country round.
In Rider Video CCN1* Division 2, Courtney Harris and PS Davinci made an impressive comeback from equal tenth after dressage to take the win, adding only 2.8 time penalties on cross country. Jayde Kirkham and Lady of Faith (OTT) finished second, with Darcy Macauly and Parklands Time Traveler completing the top three.
Other winners include
TBV Equestrian EVA95: Emma Middleton and WEC in the Ditch (29.0)
Zoe Warrell Trust EVA95 Young Horse: Annabel Nelson and Kenlock Super Jazz (26.1)
Natures Farmacy EVA95 Grassroots: Pearl Hodson and Chacco Red (22.4)
Farmers Pick EVA80: Chrissy Sanders and WillingaPark Chilli (29.2)
Scoot Boot EVA80 GR Division 1: Olivia Logan and Entally High Class (26.8)
Poseidon EVA80 GR Division 2: Skye Starritt and Silverdene Mini Eclipse (POP) (27.8)
Zoe Warrell Trust EVA80 Young Horse: Chelsea Priestley and Kenlock Kricket (23.6)
EAC Animal Care EVA65: Rachel Dargue and Mystic Shadows Little Miss Gypsy (POP) (22.8)
Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital EVA65 Grassroots: Kirsten Krogh and Midnight Maple (27.5)
Zoe Warrell Trust EVA65 Young Horse: Rochelle Adams and Thunder Force (OTT) (31.3)
