Jessica Woods and Just De Manzana lead the CCI3* class.

© Geoff McLean/Gone Riding Media

Under perfect blue skies cross-country day at Melbourne International 3 Day Event delivered top class displays from some of Australia’s leading riders.

VIEW OUR CROSS COUNTRY GALLERY HERE

Rio Olympics bronze medallist Shane Rose and his 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games prospect Virgil were strong in the CIC3* and surged to the top of the leader board (31.30). Amanda Ross and Koko Popping Candy now sit in second position (32.90).

Equestrian Australia Gen Next Squad rider Olivia Barton also rode impressively in today’s CIC3* cross-country phase to land in third position with her home bred gelding APH Bertie Bad (35.70).

In the CCI3* New Zealand rider Jess Woods held onto top placing after a super round on the former Simon Tainsch mount Just De Manzana (28.50).

Young gun Aussie rider Gemma Tinney remains in second spot after a stunning cross-country round on her 12YO mare Annapurna (29.60) and Victorian rider Rohan Luxmoore and Bells N Whistles are third (30.60) in the CCI3*.

Tom Boland and Napoleon lead the CCI2* class from Stuart Tinney and Celebration.

In the huge CCI1* class that attracted more than 80 entries, Sophie Doake leads on her stunning grey Grandjany. She has only had the horse for six months and is thrilled to be atop the leader board on their debut together at MI3DE.

“I’m really excited. I was so stoked just to qualify and get here so to be leading is great,” said Doake.

Tomorrow’s final day of competition starts at 8:45am with the CCI2* Jumping. This will be followed by the 3 * finals at 11:30 am. The CCI1* will be from 1:15 pm and the CCIJ* is the final class of the day that will be decided at 3:30 pm.

Tim Boland and Napoleon are leading the CCI2*.

© Geoff McLean/Gone Riding Media

VIEW THE CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS HERE

Source: Equestrian Australia (EA) press release

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