Melissa Blair and Zidora 

© EQ Life

By Equestrian Life

The Pryde’s Easifeed Australian Jumping Championships saw Tom McDermott crowned our 2019 Senior Champion — however this year’s event was about more than just the national title.

With the Tokyo Olympic Game just around the corner, it offered Australian based athletes who are vying for a place on the Australian Team the unique opportunity to obtain their full MER (Minimum Eligibility Requirement), earning them eligibility to be considered for team selection.

Tom McDermott and Alpha Activity

© EQ Life

In Sunday’s final, combinations that completed the first round with 8 penalties or fewer secured their qualification for Tokyo 2020. Twelve combinations ticked this box:

1. Katie Laurie and Casebrook Lomond (0)

2. Tom McDermott and Elegance De La Charmille (4)

3. Olivia Hamood and Jane Fonda DVD (4)

4. Russell Johnstone and Daprice (4)

5. Chris Chugg and PSS Levilensky (4)

6. Billy Raymont and Anssioso Z (4)

7. Amanda Madigan and Diamond B Vivienne (4)

8. Elliott Reeves and Avenden Indigo (8)

9. Katie Laurie and Cera Caruso (8)

10. Katie Laurie and Django (5)

11. Brooke Langbecker and Quintago 1 (8)

12. Melissa Blair and Zidora (8)

The ASJC was unique in that it offered competitors the chance to secure their MER at the one event, as it was granted a “special qualifier” from the FEI. For Australian based combinations, the other way to qualify is to twice achieve clear first rounds at outdoor World Cup Qualifying events(from Sale, February 2019 onwards)in the lead up to the Games.

Australian-based combinations to now have achieved full MER are as follows:

• James Harvey and Tyrone VDL –Sale (Feb) and Adelaide Royal (Sep)

• Billy Raymont and Anton –Sale (Feb) and Melbourne Royal (Sep)

• Tom McDermott and Alpha Activity –Gatton (Aug) and Melbourne Royal (Sep)

• Katie Laurie and Casebrook Lomond—(ASJC)

• Tom McDermott and Elegance De La Charmille —(ASJC)

• Olivia Hamood and Jane Fonda DVD —(ASJC)

• Russell Johnstone and Daprice —(ASJC)

• Chris Chugg and PSS Levilensky —(ASJC)

• Billy Raymont and Anssioso Z —(ASJC)

• Amanda Madigan and Diamond B Vivienne —(ASJC)

• Elliott Reeves and Avenden Indigo —(ASJC)

• Katie Laurie and Cera Caruso —(ASJC)

• Katie Laurie and Django —(ASJC)

• Brooke Langbecker and Quintago 1 —(ASJC)

• Melissa Blair and Zidora —(ASJC)

Billy Raymont and Anssioso Z 

© EQ Life

Australian-based combinations to have achieved half MER are as follows:

• Aaron Hadlow and Vahlinvader –Sale (Feb)

• Jessica Pateman and Celso –Adelaide Royal (Sep)

• Rhys Stones and Tulara Colmar –Adelaide Royal (Sep)

• Stephen Dingwall and Cavalier Du Rouet –Adelaide Royal (Sep)

• Erin Buswell and Quero Quero –Adelaide Royal (Sep)

• Jamie Kermond and Yandoo Oaks Constellation –Melbourne Royal (Sep)

• Gabrielle Kuna and Flaire –Melbourne Royal (Sep)

• Brooke Campbell and Copabella Voltage –Melbourne Royal (Sep)

There are a number of outdoor World Cup qualifiers left where Australian based combinations not yet fully qualified can do so. These include Adelaide (part of Aus3de, Nov), Sydney Summer Classic (Dec), Boneo Classic (Jan), and also Boneo World Cup (Feb).

Overseas Australian riders with MERs include:

• Scott Keach and Fedor –Calgary CAN CSI5*

• Scott Keach and Born To Be Picobello –Calgary CAN CSI5*

• Scott Keach and Falcon De Hus Z –Tryon NC CSI3*

• Rowan Willis and Blue Movie –Calgary CAN CSI5*

• Edwina Tops Alexander and California –Cannes FRA CSI5*

• Amy Graham and Coleraine Des Bergeries –Samorin SLV CSI4*

• Hilary Scott and Oaks Milky Way –Waregem BEL CSI5*

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