Hazel Shannon and WillingaPark Clifford enjoyed an historic third win at the Australian International Three Day Event today
© Michelle Terlato Photography
By Equestrian Life
History was made at the Mitsubishi Motors Australian International Three Day Event today, as Hazel Shannon and WillingaPark Clifford won the event on a score of 38.7 penalties and became the first Australian combination, and one of only 5 in the world, to win the same event three times.
In a nail biting finish to the event, Hazel entered the arena with 3 rails in hand, following Amanda Pottinger’s 14 penalty round. At first, it seemed that a history making win was an inevitability, however WillingaPark Clifford was keen and fresh, attacking the show jumps with the same vigour he displayed on the cross country course. After taking two rails, the crowd watched on nervously as the pair approached the final fences, and erupted with cheers of delight as Hazel and Terry Snow’s amazing fourteen year old thoroughbred jumped cleanly through the final combination and into the history books.
Hazel Shannon and WillingaPark Clifford jumping to victory at the Australian International Three Day Event
© Michelle Terlato Photography
Stuart Tinney and Leporis finished the event in second place on 45.9 penalties, with performances in all three phases that will certainly catch the Australian Olympic selectors’ attention ahead of Tokyo 2020. At just eight years old, Leporis rose to the challenge of CCI5* with an inspiring display of scope and athleticism.
Lauren Browne was delighted to finish in third place on 47.4 penalties with her beautiful grey thoroughbred Sky’s Da Limit, with Amanda Pottinger and Just Kidding the highest placed New Zealanders. Hamish Cargill’s first CCI5* performance in several years proved extremely successful as he finished in fifth place with 14 year old Legolas KPH.
Earlier in the day, Gemma Tinney finished on her impressive dressage score of 29.6 penalties to win the Horseland CCI3*L with Diabolo ahead of Teegan Ashby and Waitangi Password on 32.4 penalties and Samuel Jeffree and Woodmount Lolita on 36.6.
Gemma Tinney and Diabolo were victorious in the CCI3*L class at the Australian International Three Day Event
© Michelle Terlato Photography
In the R M Williams CCI4*S, Andrew Cooper won the class with Riverbreeze on 34.3 penalties ahead of Jessica Rae and Rascal and Matthew Gaske and Thymes Too.
Andrew Cooper and Riverbreeze win the CCI4*S at the Australian International Three Day Event
© Michelle Terlato Photography
Today’s action also included the ATCO World Cup Qualifier CSI1*W, the 7th leg of the Australian World Cup jumping league. With 15 combinations tackling the John Vallance track, Russell Johnston and Daprice were the only combination to jump clear in both rounds to take the win ahead of Billy Raymont and Anton, and Katie Laurie and Cera Caruso, who both finished with 4 penalties from the two rounds.
Equestrian Life live streamed all phases of the CCI5* at the Australian International Three Day Event and the ATCO World Cup Qualifier. To rewatch the action, visit the Video album on the Equestrian Life Facebook page.
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