Sport
25 April, 2024
Showjumping Championships soar
THE Western District Showjumping Championships made a successful return after soaring temperatures forced the event’s postponement earlier this year.
The popular event was originally scheduled to be held in March but was postponed due to 39-degree weather.
Competitors descended on the Mortlake Showjumping Grounds at Tea Tree Lake reserve in Mortlake across the weekend, putting on a display of pageantry and ability for spectators to enjoy.
Caramut Riding Club president Tim Haworth said it had been a “terrific weekend” of riding.
“The weather was spot on and we had plenty of competitors,” he said.
“There was not as many as we would have had, but we still had very good fields.
“We had some of the top-class riders from both South Australia and Victoria.”
Mr Haworth said some of the highlights included strong performances from former Olympian Russell Johnstone, and the Scottie Barclay finishing third in the Binni Barcly Grand Prix, an event named in memory of his mother.
“A lot of riders enjoyed success across all the events; it wasn’t just one person, with a lot of major competitors managing to win a class, spreading out the quality field.
“But the surface was good, and we are very pleased with the whole event.”
In the Class 1 Ackroyd & Dadswell Woolbuyers 1m Super Page 2, Clyde Shera Jones (Koyuna Izzy) was successful with Sophie Sawicki (Valiant Star) and Andrew Long (Hidden Option) finishing second and third, respectively.
Andrew Long (St James’ Palace) was first in the Class 2 Southwest Equine 1.10m, followed by Monique Johnstone (Winterwood Banjo) and Clyde Shera Jones (Si Si Strike).
The Class 3 Mt Shadwell Hotel 1.20m saw Adam Johnston and Gonna Fly Now live up to the name for a first overall result, followed by Kristy Bruhn (Pure Diamond) and Russell Johnstone (Cantara).
Russell Johnstone and Cantara continued their run of success with victory in the Class 4 Batron Equine 1.30m, followed by Scottie Barclay (Cashed up) and Kristy Bruhn (Viva Baluna).
In the WestVic Tyres 1m 2Phase Nellie Rogers (Snow Valour) was named winner ahead of Rachael Gane (Minnamurra Park Apona) and Tim Haworth (Silent Night).
The John Barcly Memorial Junior Championship saw Lucy Borrack earn first and second riding Beethoven and Mighty Tosca, respectively, with Jemma McCormack (Parole E) third.
In the Mount Shadwell Championship Andrew Long (Hidden Option) clinched the win followed by Greg Smith (Diamond B Bugsy) and Jessica Kent (Canuda Enigma).
The Binni Barclay Grand Prix saw Russell Johntone (Cantara) secured first place with Mikayla Hogg (Bellhaven Corringa) and Scottie Barclay) rounding out the top three.
Kristy Bruhn (Pure Diamond) claimed victory in the Olivine Championship, with Rachael Gane (Minnamurra Park Calatol) in second and Brooke Hickey (Benjamin Franklin BE) in third.
Lachie Wake (Riccardo MVNZ) took home first place in the Mini Prix, followed by Ally Wake (Olympia MVNZ) and Brooke Hickey (Kentaur Coconut).
This weekend’s event only featured two-days of the usual three-day program held over a long weekend.
The third day of events have been rescheduled to May 19 at the Hexham Equestrian Centre.
