Don't miss the AUS World Cup Jumping finale
It may be an early Christmas for Chris Chugg of Glossodia, NSW, if he can retain his stunning form at this weekend's ISS Summer Show Jumping Classic at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park.
The final round of the FEI World Cup (Australian League) will take place on Sunday afternoon in the Olympic Arena and Chugg is the short-odds favourite. Having won a record-breaking six World Cup classes this season riding the sensational stallion Vivant, Chugg already has the leader board wrapped up, and thus the right to represent Australia at the World Cup Final in Geneva next April. However, he is still hungry for another win and he has the cheque for Sunday's class firmly in his sights.
"I'll be there trying to win the money," said Chugg "The course will be very testing as it is a qualifier as well as part of our selection series for next year's World Games. Leopoldo will build a big technical track, he will make us work for it."
World-renowned international Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios will fly in from Venezuela to build the course for the seventh consecutive year. Leopoldo designed the Jumping courses for both 2000 Sydney and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Challenging Chugg for the win on Sunday will be ten riders who are more than ready to knock him off the podium. Wendy Schaeffer, fresh from a win at the 3-star Eventing competition in Camperdown last weekend, will be riding Koyuna Sun Set, on which she was runner-up 2009 Australian Jumping Champion. Paul Athanasoff and the impressive Wirragulla Nicklaus out-jumped Chugg at Sale World Cup class two weeks ago and are capable of a repeat performance. Michelle Lang-McMahon will be a serious threat on Animate as will Clem Smith and Dark Ages. Unfortunately last year's winner Becky Allen and Koyuna Ted will not be competing this year.
In total 220 entries have been received for the four-day show. Young horse classes start on Thursday and competition continues in two arenas throughout the weekend. Spectators are welcome.
For a schedule please go to www.equestrian.org.au
