It was almost an anti climax and I’m not referring to Kadi’s awe inspiring Sydney triumph. After arriving at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith airport at 7.30am, grabbing a taxi to the hotel, dumping my gear and grabbing another taxi to the venue, I finally arrived at 10.00am for the two star dressage only to find out half the three star field had withdrawn! Oh well, life goes on…

With 3 hours sleep some toothpicks for the eyes would have come in handy but I managed to stay awake long enough to enjoy some quality performances. Read on for more…

Sammi McLeod looks to have herself another international in her stable with the impressive 10 year old Man Hunter (don’t let the name trick you, the horse is actually a mare!). If Vicky Brydon hadn’t given her a 135, 15 points less than Switzerland’s Christian Landolt and 25 less than Gillian Rolton, Sammi would have been top 5 material but a score of 61.0 left her in 14^th place out of a field of 31.

Victorian Michael Baker brought up his superstar Marine Park Invader for a crack at the two star and didn’t waste any time in making an impression, Invader such a well built animal who has kept his Wandin form to take 5^th place on 52.8.

Following Michael Baker is Sandy Lucas and the vintage Diamond Venture. Despite being the grandpa of the field the 17 year old hasn’t lost any of his spark, firing on all cylinders today to score one of only two sub 50’s (including a 72% from Gillian) to take 2^nd on 49.4.

The only other rider to beat the veteran was Kate Wood and the tiny little Arkie. Seven years less experience than Diamond Venture was no deterrent for the 15.2 gelding by Palace Music, easily the best test of the two star to lead the class on 47.6.

In the one star Malaysia’s Husref Malik (who now competes the ex-Stuart Tinney ride Tex) gives himself a 1.1 lead on 53.0 ahead of the young combination of Zack Wilson and Frankie Jay on 54.1.

On the Friday (and after some much needed sleep!) the three star dressage begins…

First out is Blair Richardson and Souvenir. This big, black New Zealand thoroughbred impresses during the warm up but tenses ever so slightly as he enters the arena and the impulsion drops a notch. Coming out of an extended walk that needed more on it the horse strikes off into canter on the wrong lead but once Blair swaps his legs over the magic begins… lovely big, forward canter circles, good counter work, a hiccup on the first change but the second is fine. The superb canter work help keep the pair in touch with the leaders on 58.4 to take 7^th place.

Fiona Hughes & Enchanted

Blair Richardson &Makinground.

After the 14 or so withdrawals David Middleton and Armitage Downie Warlord’s chances of a Sydney victory are looking good. A nice contact and five (not 4 or 6) steps rein back, good lateral work with the horse nailing the changes. Near perfect canter strike off at A with the canter work every bit as good as Blair’s. Chuck in a square halt for good measure and the Victorian combination walk away with 50.8.

Tim Boland has a lovely test on the half Warmblood Limitless (by Valeur) to grab 5^th place but later withdraws the horse ahead of cross country while Nicky Turner and the gorgeous Hughenden Hill work well enough for a 63.0 to be in 11^th place.

A man who’s been around but starting to make a name for himself, Will Enzinger has the Barrie Hare owned Wenlock Ben Ivor nice and forward, maybe a little too forward as Will enters the arena, halts, then strikes off into canter instead of trot! Quickly rectified without any fuss the pair produce a quality test pleasing to the eye that includes solid shoulder-in’s, perfect strike off at A, good changes and counter work. The first half pass took a while to get going but when it was it was good. Very good. 51.2 see them cement 4^th place.

Will Enzinger & Wenlock Ben Ivor

Gordon Bishop & Troy

Emma Mason and the pony sized Starstruck (he is actually 15.1 but you wouldn’t know it!) perform some nice lateral movements but the canter has everything but the impulsion, then misfire on the 1^st change but get it at the second attempt. The second change is much better then down the centre line for the halt – back legs spread wide apart. Still, Emma should be pleased with the result, 59.6 to take 9^th place.

Next out is Kadi Eykamp and the black thoroughbred Seal. Another one to splay the back legs at the halt, the medium trot across the diagonal could have had more on it, the rein back is tense and the strike off at A comes much too early. Now to the good bits…the laterals were soft and forward and the two changes of leg happened when they were meant too. 59.8 leaves them in 10^th place.

You could have been mistaken for thinking Catherine Davies’ Queen’s Ransom was about to perform at the National Dressage Championships – the froth around that horses mouth was enough for at least 10 cups of cappuccino!

That froth provided the hint that Catherine was about to produce something special with the horse – and she did – straight out of the halt and Ransom’s trot is a picture, forward and bouncy. The halt at A is a little too early but the rein back makes up for it – 5 even steps with, wait for it, no resistance! The first canter circle lacks a little but Catherine takes the risk and asks a little more on the second one – and Ransom delivers superbly. Down the centre line and the 10 year old New Zealander by Pompeii Court executes a brilliant dead square halt. I said in my preview that the pressure would be on Catherine and she didn’t disappoint – a fantastic effort from the Tasmanian to take the lead with 49.4.

I had pretty much excepted that no one would topple Catherine for the lead when next rider out quickly changes my mind…

Obvious crowd favourite Fiona Hughes and the 9 year old Enchanted start their assault with some nice trot work and a lovely halt into the rein back at A. Back into the trot and Fiona really has the horse bounding alone brilliantly. The strike off at A is too early but the canter work is very good, first and second flying changes are great, both counter canters great. All in all it is a most classy test from the NSW eventing coach and the crowd loved it. So do the judges – 46.8 and they were never passed.

Next to come are Robert Palm and The Regulator. The lively grey seems to be running rather than trotting across the diagonal and the rein back and trot work are very short. Some decent canter work shines through and Robert walks back to the stables with 12^th place on 68.4.

As predicted in my preview Georgia Clifford has a handful with Let It Rain. The feisty mare not quite sure what is being asked of her, going into a half pass on the 10 metre circle. Just 4 small, quick steps rein back and a very awkward looking canter have them in last place on 82.2.

Stuart Tinney and the Graeme Beveridge owned RL Taxman enter the arena in good style, lovely halt and straight into a lovely forward medium trot across the diagonal. Five steps rein back, accurate canter strike off at A and some nice canter work. Taxman thought he was doing the right thing when he went to do his second canter change BEFORE B but Stuart saved it just in time! 58.2 and they nab 6^th place.

Stuart Tinney & RL Taxman at the Third Horse Inspection

Sydney International Equestrian Centre

Sunday was cross country – it rained and rained and rained. The two star had a few hiccups, most of them coming at the first water complex where one horse retired and Luke Jones’ Interloper fell heavily and was eliminated.

Providing us with a taste of things to come Blair Richardson went ahead of the two star class on Souvenir in order to give himself enough time to prepare his other ride Makinground. The crowds had gathered around the first water complex, everybody was eyeing off with envy the dry people in the VIP tent, the whistle had blown and Blair appeared from the top of the hill…

Despite the heavy rain falling the ground had held up quite well and Blair jumped through the bounce into water effortlessly, four strides to the arrowhead in water then disaster – Souvenir left his right foreleg on the fence, toppled over, and took Blair with him. Spurred on by the crowd support Blair bravely got back in the saddle and continued on his way, only to hear over the loud speakers just minutes later that they had been eliminated closer to home!

So when the actual three star class gets under way first out is David Middleton on the 13 year old Armitage Downie Warlord. I turn around from the water jump to see the combination take fence two in fine style then turn back to the water as they head into the trees, expecting to see them remerge and come galloping down the hill to the water any minute. It doesn’t happen. David has been eliminated at the Boorooberongal Brushes (try saying that fast), Warlord falling and dismounting David in the process. They make the long walk home. Two riders out for zero home – it’s not looking good.

Nicky Turner and Hughenden Hill tackled the water complex with determination and were rewarded by being the first three star combination to make it home – minus 20 jumping penalties and 30.4 time. Still, they are home.

The whistle blows and Will and Wenlock Ben Ivor come pounding down the hill, take their line to the bounce, hold it, execute it, take four strides to the arrow head, execute that and are off and away to come home with just 19.6 time.

After having some major problems with the steeple chase (clocking up 16.8 time) Gordon Bishop and Troy show the water can be done another way, taking five tight strides to the arrow head but getting away with it to come home with 24.0 time.

Heath Ryan’s commentary is second to none at the water complex and his star pupil Emma Mason comes down the hill on Starstruck. She gets her line in, jumps the first element of the bounce then crash…Starstruck has slammed on the brakes and said ‘not this way mum!’. Emma takes what she thinks is the correct alternative route and gets through the water but is later held up on course and told to walk home – she is eliminated for taking the wrong alternative at the water!

Kadi Eykamp and Seal have no problems at all through the water – this girl has the horse at full throttle and he responds superbly, home clear with just 8.00 time – the fastest of the day.

Catherine Davies and Queen’s Ransom come a little too strong into the water and despite Ransom’s cat like ability Catherine is forced to take the alternative route. She probably would have had nothing against her name without the problem at the water but still manages to come home clear with 13.2 time.

Fiona Hughes and Enchanted make the crowd cheer for joy when she too gets through the water complex – but not after having to circle between the bounce and arrow head to get her line. Still, she too is home but has 27.6 time against her name.

So Monday appears and we have Catherine Davies now in the lead on Queen’s Ransom with 62.6, 5.2 ahead of Kadi Eykamp and Seal who is just 3.0 points away from Will and Ben Ivor.

As usual the third horse inspection has its little bit of drama.

Poor Stuart Tinney and owner Graeme Beveridge. After being in 5^th place overnight in the two star, RL Sir William is moved to the holding box, comes back 20 minutes later and is not accepted.

If that wasn’t enough torture for Stuart and Graeme their three star horse RL Taxman is also asked to go to the holding box, represented, then not accepted.

Further mayhem in the three star when 3^rd place getters Will Enzinger and Wenlock Ben Ivor are moved to the holding box - the horse looking just a little but irregular in front and the ground jury were taking no chances – Ben Ivor is not accepted.

In the two star Megan Jones is asked to bring Kirby Park Hercules, who is sitting in fourth place, back to the holding box…As they remerge Megan keeps a tight hold on the horses reins but Christian Landolt asks her to give him more rein and so she does. After much discussion Megan and Hercules are passed.

The one star was a thrilling affair as second last to go Judy Clark and the piebald Colour Smart jump a superb clear round to put the pressure on overnight leaders Zack Wilson and Frankie Jay who must jump clear to grab the title.

The horse throws a few screamers early on in the course and the crowd are waiting, expecting a rail or two to fall and give victory to Judy and Zack’s chances of winning all but vanish when Frankie Jay gets his striding wrong on the approach to the double combination at fence 8a but somehow clears it! Frankie Jay then decides to test Zack again by running out at the ‘b’ element but Zack catches him in time, pulls him back on line, and somehow skirmishes over without touching a rail! It is incredibly exciting stuff but to cut a long story short, Zack and Frankie Jay have a heart stopping round but somehow manage to pass the flags with 0 against there name to take out the one star.

Zack Wilson & Frankie Jay

Megan Jones & Bay Repeater

Judy Clarke and Colour Smart take second just 0.46 behind. There were only four clear rounds in the one star and credit must go to young rider Hamish Cargill who jumped two of them on the third place getter Wynella Remus and his other ride Star Prospect.

The two star was another exciting finale with only five clear rounds, one of them coming from the Thailand’s Pongsiree Bunluewong aboard the previously Will Enzinger owned Eliza Jane to move up the leaders board a few spots to finish on 13^th with a score of 91.

If Olivia Bunn ever wants a change from eventing world cup showjumping is the way to go. The girls record is impeccable and she kept it in tact at Sydney, the huge GV Sterling Sioux finding the height no problem to jump clear and move all the way up from 10^th to 4^th – that’s what a good showjumping round will do for you.

Shane Rose surrenders his overnight lead on Never On Sunday (never what on Sunday?!) when he knocks three rails to move down to 3^rd on 71.4 and Megan Jones misses by 0.40 when she has the one rail to be relegated to runner-up on 70.

The champion? He has another one in the making, Michael Baker and Marine Park Invader cap off a sensational past couple of months to take out the two star with a faultless clear round to finish on 69.6.

Three three star track was tight and you needed a horse with supple mouth to make the bends ride well and plenty of ‘oomph’ left in the tank to negotiate the fences.

After lying in last place on day one, Georgia Clifford and Let It Rain have three rails but managed to cement fifth place on a less than flattering score of 113.80, 0.20 ahead of Gordon Bishop and Troy on 114.0.

Robert Palm and The Regulator have a nice round with the just the one rail but they are a little slow with 3 time penalties to take 4^th spot on 98.6.

Crowd favourite Fiona Hughes and Enchanted have a round they would rather forget, knocking four fences down to take 3^rd on 90.4. Interesting to note that even if they had jumped clear they still would have ended up with 3^rd place.

As predicted in my Sydney preview Ransom can have some problems showjumping and today was no exception. The striking chestnut pulled two rails and squandered any chance of a victory after Kadi and Seal perform the impossible by jumping the only clear round to catapult them into 1^st place and Sydney three star honours!

Kadi over Catherine by 2.8 – and there could be no better way to win an event than to jump the only clear round.

I liken Kadi’s win to that of French tennis star Mary Pierce who shocked the tennis public a few years ago when she won the French Open. Mary was a well known player (just like Kadi) but was never expected to win something as crucial as the French Open (Sydney International). But she did and she, just like Kadi, and many other athletes across our world continue to remind us…

Never underestimate the underdog.

 Invaders Crush America’s Pride…

Lexington has been totally dominated by the performances of four British riders after taking out 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 5^th at the 2003 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event.

European champion Pippa Funnell continued her domination by winning the event of Primmore’s Pride with a score of 44.6 ahead of Polly Stockton on Tangleman and William Fox-Pitt aboard Moon Man.

America salvaged some pride with a 4^th place from Bruce Davidson Jnr aboard Mystic Mike with yet another British rider, Leslie Law cementing England’s domination with 5^th place aboard Shear L’eau on 55.2.

 If you have any comments on this issue or would like to share some eventing news such as rider or horse injuries, horses with new riders, new sponsorship deals, event news from secretary’s etc, top horses sold or for sale and anything else you think the eventing community would be interested in, please email me at afawcettjournalist@hotmail.com  and I will include it in the next issue.

 Until next time.