The Eventing Victoria Spring Horse Trials certainly lived up to its name this past weekend, with the Spring season and all its weather elements making an appearance at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre from Friday to Sunday.
Over 500 entries from EvA65 to CCI4*S contended across three days of competition, and as the first FEI event on the Victorian calendar since the winter break, the CCI2*S, CCI3*S and CCI4*S classes were well represented with 75 combinations.
Samuel Jeffree and Wimborne Conjuror claim CCI4*S
The Leader Equine CCI4*S consisted of both 4* first timers and seasoned campaigners, with three riders on multiple horses (Jess Somerfield, Sophia Hill and Samuel Jeffree).
Dressage results from Saturday afternoon saw a significant shuffle to the leaderboard by Sunday morning, with both jumping phases proving influential and the time on cross country unbeaten.
Samuel Jeffree and Wimborne Conjuror were the closest to the optimum, adding only 1.6 time penalties and securing the top spot by an impressive margin of more than 10 penalties.
“He was on his game all weekend and really rose to the occasion in all phases. He’s a true athlete and made light work of the 4* track,” reflects Sam, who also took another podium spot in third place with Santoro. “He tried really hard for me, and a few rider errors cost him a better finishing score, but I’m excited for the rest of the season, both horses showed that they belong at the top level”.
Sophia Hill and Humble Glory finished in second place, with a quick and clear show jumping round and only 8.8 time penalties on cross country seeing them leap an impressive 12 places up the leaderboard. Sophia and ‘Hughie’ were galloping around Burghley CCI5*L in the UK on this exact weekend a year ago, and it’s great to see them back on the Australian Eventing circuit together.
“Hughie had a good run, we tried something new in the dressage which unfortunately didn’t work, but at least now we know what not to do!” said Sophia. She planned to go a bit slower than usual and pick up some time penalties, as Hughie’s speed is being saved up for their next overseas adventure this October, to Maryland CCI5*L in the USA.
In addition to Sophia competing six horses and her husband, Andy, being the official event farrier, they also sponsored the Bluebell Equine CCI3*S, contested by 23 riders.
Shashank Kataria and Bullseye win CCI3*S
India’s Shashank Kataria and Bullseye proved the value of finishing on your dressage score, with two faultless jumping phases, they soared from 12th place after dressage to take the win in the Bluebell Equine CCI3*S. ‘Simba’, as he in known in the stables, posted his best ever dressage score at an FEI event. “[The dressage score] was really special because that’s the phase he usually finds most challenging,” reflects Shashank. “He jumped a great clear round in the show jumping, but his cross country was the best. That’s where he shines – brave, quick-thinking… he just locks onto the fences with so much confidence. I’m grateful to ride a horse like that, I can just aim and shoot!”
Shashank has been no stranger to success at the FEI levels over the past three years, many times taking second place, but until yesterday, he hadn’t quite yet clinched a win. “That’s why this one feels extra special. To finally get it done on Bullseye in just his fourth international makes it more meaningful.”
Shashank is incredibly grateful to his family, who have tirelessly supported through the ups and downs and to Sam Cesnik and Chris Height for all their guidance and help.
Shashank and Bullseye are now focused towards the Asian Championships later this year, having already been selected for the Indian National Team.
Second place was secured by Kirilee Hosier and AEA Flynn, who displayed great consistency throughout the weekend, adding only 6.8 cross country time penalties to their score.
Yona Lloyd aboard one of his five rides for the weekend, Icarus Lady Gwen, rounded out the top three. They also finished on their dressage score, rising from 13th to third place.
Rachelle Verma and Hillsview Bodacious top CCI2*S field
The Lindsay Park Racing CCI2*S was challenged by 32 combinations, with Rachelle Verma and ‘Hillsview Bodacious’ reigning supreme, adding no jump penalties to their score and certainly no time penalties either as they were also the fastest pair across the country.
Sophia Pratley and her OTT Barracuda took second place by a narrow 0.6 penalties, also producing two double clear jumping phases.
Samantha Cesnik and Giovanni Georgio secured third place, having been recently reunited as a combination upon Sam’s return from a season in the UK, where she competed at Badminton and Luhmühlen Horse Trials. Chris Height had been campaigning Giovanni in Sam’s absence. “It’s nice to be back around the Victorian eventing community and back home with all my own resources and to pick the reins back up on my horses again; Chris has done a great job while I’ve been away.”
Although annoyed from knocking a rail (the last) in the show jumping, Sam says they were getting back in sync and the gelding was exceptional all weekend.
The Eventing Victoria Spring Horse Trials National classes (EvA65 to CCN1*) were hotly contested across open, OTT and grassroots sections.
EvA winners:
4CYTE CCN1*-S (Div 1): Laura Wallace and Alhambra Calligraphy (29.6)
Pryde’s EasiFeed CCN1*-S (Div 2): Nina Clarke and LP Quantum Connection (23.8)
Off The Track CCN1*-S (Div 3): Kylah Brewer and Princess Keikilani (OTT) (27.2)
Equissage EvA95 (Div 1): Miranda Darby and Carnival Day (25.8)
South Gippsland Conveyancing EvA95 (Div 2): Sophie Fox and Tulara Royal Dakar (26.3)
Off The Track EvA95 (Div 3): Andrew Heseltine and Greydotcom (OTT) (26.8)
Hairy Pony EvA95 Grassroots (Div 4): Martine Wijkhuizen and Gangster Uno (27.8)
Duncan Equine EvA80 (Div 1): Sheridan Houston and Patanga Lodge Childers Cove (OTT) (31.3)
BetaVet EvA80 (Div 2): Pearl Hodson and Chacco Red (27.2)
Off The Track EvA80 (Div 3): Georgiana House and Carlisle (OTT) (32.6)
Chaballo EvA80 Grass Roots (Div 4): Madison Jackson and Ardington Kylo Imperium (28.8)
Moriac Equestrian Centre EvA65 (Div 1): Ethan Height and Regal Dove (22.2)
Off the Track EvA65 (Div 2): Robyn Brown and As Good As (OTT) (29.7)
Rider Video EvA65 Grass Roots (Div 3): Ivy Williams and Creswell Montana (POP) (30.0)
