Olympic gold medalist Stuart Tinney heads an exciting and experienced list of 6 Australian based Eventing riders and horses that will travel to the UK as part of the World Equestrian Games (WEG) long list. In addition, 2 reserve riders and horses have been named.

The six horse and riders are

Stuart Tinney Ava

Sammi McLeod Frederick Hunter

Tarsha Hammond Fuzzy Logic

Olivia Bunn GV Top of the Line

Megan Jones KP Irish Hallmark

David Middleton Willowbank Jack

1st Reserve Jessica Irvine-Brown Belcam Aaberdeen

2nd Reserve Chrisitne Bates Masterprint

Despite the absence of Tinney's Olympic gold medal winning horse Jeepster, Stuart will be hoping that his well performed mare Ava will give him an opportunity to add World Games gold to his Olympic gold medal. Adelaide 4 star winner in 2000 and runner up in 2001 David Middleton will be hoping that his victory at Werribee this year will secure him a World Games berth as will Sydney 3 star winner Sammi McLeod, who has also tasted victory at Werribee. Megan Jones, Olivia Bunn and Tarsha Hammond will all be pushing hard for selection on the back of strong performances at 4 star level. Jones has placed 4th and 3rd at Adelaide and Hammond's 3rd place at Werribee this year backs up her 5th place at Adelaide in 2001. Olivia Bunn's gamble of taking her young horse to America for the Kentucky 4 star looks to have paid off as her impressive performance in very difficult conditions has put her into contention.

Evidence of Australia's depth in Eventing is reflected by the fact that the two reserves out of Australia include combinations that have both tasted victory in 3 star events in Australia.

The 6 horses will leave Sydney on 17th August headed for a training base in England. All of the long listed horses, including the UK and USA based horses and riders will be required to compete at the Highclere one day event on 25th-26th August prior to the team of 6 to compete at WEG being named on 27th August.

The team of six plus reserves will enter a final team training camp in England from 1st to 9th September and then fly to Jerez on a charter flight. Riders and horses not selected in the 6 or identified as reserves will be permitted to compete at Blenheim CCI*** from 5-8th September. Australian based horses will return to Australia directly following WEG.

The next key date is 12th August when the EFA is required to nominate 12 riders to the FEI as part of the nominated entry process.

For further information contact:

Jim Dunn - Chair of Selectors ph. 0428 831265

Gareth McKeen - High Performance Manager ph. 02 4227 2411