Sydney International 3-Day Event saw world-class competition this weekend as Australian based Tokyo 2020 Olympic hopefuls descended upon the historic Sydney International Equestrian Centre as they prepare for potential team selection.

This year the event offered those vying for Olympic team selection a unique opportunity by hosting the Ariat CCN4*-S competition, allowing riders to not only complete a 4* preparation run ahead of the Games but to also complete the Tokyo 2020 dressage test.

Entries for the Ariat CCN4*-S competition saw some of Australia’s top combinations battle it out across three days of impressive competition, but it was Olympian Stuart Tinney riding Elisabeth Brinton’s chestnut gelding ‘Celebration’ who emerged the victor.

Tinney and Celebration proved unbeatable as they led the competition from the very beginning, finishing on a sub 30 score of 28.40. Not only did Tinney claim top honours in the class but he also finished in third place on his second ride, Leporis.

“I am very thrilled with both the horses, they went really, really well. I just want to build on their fitness now moving forward and see how we end up and how the others riders go, but I couldn’t be more thrilled and today [showjumping] they just felt fantastic. Charlie [Celebration] particularly was quite sprightly which was great and I was able to go a bit faster in there and it didn’t compromise the jumping it made it better which felt nice,” described Tinney.

Rounding out the top three finishers in the Ariat CCN4*-S was fellow Olympian Shane Rose riding his World Equestrian Games 2018 partner Virgil, who finished the event in second place on a score of 30. 

In addition to offering a 4* national class the event also played host to two international 4* classes, the Bates Saddles CCI4*-S and the Kohnke’s Own CCI4*-L.

The Bates Saddles CCI4*-S competition was won by Sam Lyle riding ‘BF Valour’ owned by Charlotte Mavris. The combination proved formidable throughout the event leading from day one and incurring no jumping penalties throughout the three days.

“I am really excited to win the class. We ran second at Wallaby Hill a couple of weeks ago and the horse went great in all three phases here this weekend so it is nice to come away with the win” said Lyle.

The Bates Saddles CCI4*-S had the largest number of 4* entries with 25 combinations lining up to contest the event. Gemma Tinney, daughter of Ariat CCN4*-S winner Stuart Tinney, placed second riding Diabolo and Jessica Rae came in third riding Fifth Avenue.

The Kohnke’s Own CCI4*-L proved a challenging class with a lot of movement in the standings across the three phases. Ultimately, it was Sam Woods riding Cage Fighter owned by Niki and Shane Rose who took top honours, with EA High Performance NEXT Squad rider Andrew Cooper on Omega Star coming in second and Hayley Frielick and Dunedin Black Watch in third.

“This win definitely means a lot. It was a lot of hard work getting the horse to this level and to compete at these big events. Big thanks to Shane and Niki for the ride on Cagey, he is a pretty cool horse” shared Woods.

Not only were Sam Woods and Cage Fighter the overall winners of the Kohnke’s Own CCI4*-L but Cage Fighter was also the Best Performed Thoroughbred in the CCI4*-L, adding a second accolade to the win.

The Roses’ were not only the owners of Cage Fighter, but also of the Best Performed Thoroughbred in the CEVA CCI3*-L competition and subsequent winner, Dreamcatcher, who was ridden to victory by Niki Rose herself.

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) honoured both Cage Fighter and Dreamcatcher today as the Best Performed Thoroughbreds in a celebration of the success of the breed in elite level eventing. Each took home a $1000 cash prize, a Kennedy Oaks Day 2021 Hospitality Package and were presented with a rug by Australian Olympian and VRC Ambassador Amanda Ross.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said the Club is proud to celebrate the achievements of former racehorses at the highest levels of equestrian sport.

“The Best Performed Thoroughbred award acknowledges the versatility of our equine athletes who started their competitive careers on the track and we are delighted to support this world-class competition.” 

Full results from the event can be found at https://www.nominate.com.au/equest/nsw/results/syd3de21.htm