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Sandra Auffart and Opgun Louvo performing at WEG earlier this year
Photo credit: Sporthorsesonpics
By media release
International sporting stars including many Olympians and World Champions will arrive in Adelaide over the coming fortnight, with the Australian International Three Day Event (Aus3DE) set to kick off in the eastern parklands on Thursday 13 November.
Considered the triathlon of horse sports, the Aus3DE is the Southern Hemisphere’s most prestigious equestrian event and the only event of its kind in the world that is held within a city.
Along with the three main sports – dressage, cross country and showjumping – another highlight this year will be the Friday evening Grant Burge Wines Polo in the Park.
Event Director Gill Rolton said this year’s event has more to offer than ever before.
“Firstly, we have a very exciting line up of event ambassadors and riders including current World Champion Sandra Auffarth, who won dual Gold at last month’s World Equestrian Games (WEG) in France and has a tally of Olympic and European Championship medals,” Gill said.
“We also have Aussie Olympian and 2014 Badminton Horse Trials winner Sam Griffiths, German Gold Olympian and WEG team winner Dirk Schrade, Aussie Olympian and last year’s Aus3DE winner Chris Burton, plus home town favourites and Olympic medallists Megan Jones and Wendy Schaeffer.
“Friday evening’s Grant Burge Wines Polo in the Park offers a real party, with sporting stars, exciting food stations from The Hilton in the VIP Marquee, Grant Burge wines, live commentary and a Fashions on the Field contest judged by Liza Emanuele and Helen Burge.
“We have food trucks, VW Bars, kids’ activities and shopping opportunities across the weekend, plus visitors will be able to see lots of young up-and-coming horses and riders out to prove they have what it takes for the upcoming Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.”
Program highlights
Thursday 13 November - Dressage Day
The dressage phase is a test of elegance in motion, challenging horse and rider to complete a series of choreographed movements with both precision and flair. This day is free to public and the Market Place Trade Fair will be open.
Friday 14 November - Dressage Day Two
Also includes the Prydes Easifeed Dressage Master Class with World Champion Sandra Auffarth and Cross Country Course Walks with Chris Burton, Sam Griffiths, Dirk Schrade and Sandra Auffarth.
Grant Burge Wines Polo in the Park – players include South Australians Mark Lindh and Scott Tonkin plus Victorians Clemi Mann and Sam Gairdner. The event will feature great food by Hilton Adelaide, music, player interviews, live commentary by entertaining Englishman Ed Holloway and – like in ‘Pretty Woman’ – guests will be invited to stomp the divots at half time.
Saturday 15 November - Qantas Cross Country Day
This is the most exhilarating discipline of the three day event, requiring determination, courage and unfailing trust between horse and rider to clear one imposing obstacle after another during this approximately 6,000m phase, which includes the two spectacular Rymill Park water complexes.
Also includes a Cross Country Master Class with Dirk Schrade and Chris Burton after Qantas Cross Country on the ATCO main arena in Victoria Park.
TRM Eventers Party with the Stars – party in the VIP Marquee with band Acoustic Juice.
Sunday 16 November - ATCO Show Jumping Day
The event culminates in the excitement of stadium show jumping against the clock, where just one second over time or a rail down can mean the difference between winning the record prize pool on offer, or nothing!
Includes celebrity course walks, plus the final presentation ceremony where $120,000 in prize money will be awarded.
Across the weekend
On-course and radio commentary from current World Champion Sandra Auffarth on Course Radio 94.3mhz.
Ambassadors and key riders include:
- World Champion and Olympic Gold medallist Sandra Auffarth
- German Team Gold Olympian and WEG winner Dirk Schrade
- Olympian, WEG team member and the 2013 Aus3DE winner Chris Burton
- Olympian and 2014 Badminton Horse Trials winner Sam Griffiths
- Triple Olympic Gold medallist Andrew Hoy OAM
- Beijing Olympics Silver and 2006 WEG team Bronze winner Sonja Johnson
- Beijing Olympics Silver and 2005 Melbourne and AI3DE winner Megan Jones
- Atlanta Olympic Gold medallist and two-time Adelaide event winner Wendy Schaeffer
- Sydney Olympic Gold medallist and two-time Adelaide event winner Stuart Tinney
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