Olivia Bunn has staked a claim for selection in the Australian team for the World Championships with an impressive performance at the Kentucky (USA) three day event. Riding her up and coming grey gelding GV Top of the Line, Olivia placed 9th following a clear jumping round on the gruelling cross country course where she faced the worst conditions of the day with torrential rain causing many riders to withdraw or incur significant time penalties. Olivia put in a personal best dressage score with a 37.4, significantly one of the judges is the head judge for this years World Championship.

Dual Olympic gold medallist Phillip Dutton finished 20th due to a refusal on the cross country course on his horse Cayman Went. Phillip's second horse Hannigan was withdrawn prior to cross country. Phillip plans to take two horses to Europe to compete including his Sydney Olympic gold medal horse House Doctor.

Entries for this year’s event came from countries including Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland and the United States of America, who filled the first three placing with Kimberly Vinoski winning the event.

There are only four 4 star events held each year worldwide and the ROLEX KENTUCKY THREE-DAY EVENT is the first one of the year. With World Games selection a major aim for riders in 2002 Australian riders will be focussing on some key events over the next weeks. Badminton three day event is currently being held in England, to be followed by the Sydney three day event held at the Olympic venue.

Olivia score was 73.8

(37.4 dressage, 32.4 time penalties cross country and 4 faults in showjumping)

Phillip Dutton on Cayman Went finished on 93.4