The disappointments and opportunities that
go hand in hand with the sport of international Eventing were evident when the EFA
released the squad of 12 riders and 13 horses from which the World Games team of 6 is
selected.
The disappointment felt by Megan Jones when her well performed
Irish sport horses Kirby Park Irish Hallmark was ruled out on veterinary grounds proved to
be the opportunity for talented young NSW rider Jessica Irvine-Brown with her inclusion in
the travelling squad of 6 horses that will depart Australia on 17th August for England. A
notable omission from the list is dual Olympic gold medal horse Darien Powers ridden by
Andrew Hoy. Darien Powers competed at Badminton in 2002 and placed in the top 10 after
placing 2nd going into the showjumping round.
EFA High Performance Manager Gareth McKeen comments that "Darien
Powers has been a wonderful performer for Australia and for Andrew over the years and he
certainly is a crowd favourite wherever he competed during his time as an Australian
representative. Whatever the future hold for Darien Powers the Equestrian Federation of
Australia is grateful for the contribution made by the horse, his owners Bob and Rosemary
Scarborough, groom Karen Hughes and of course Andrew Hoy"
The full squad from which the WEG team will be selected is
Phillip |
Dutton |
House Doctor |
USA/NSW |
Stuart |
Tinney |
Ava |
NSW |
Matt |
Ryan |
Kibah Sandstone |
UK/NSW |
Matt |
Ryan |
Balmoral Mr Slinky |
UK/NSW |
Andrew |
Hoy |
Moonfleet |
UK/NSW |
Olivia |
Bunn |
GV Top of the Line |
VIC |
Brook |
Staples |
Master Monarch |
UK/NSW |
David |
Middleton |
Willowbank Jack |
VIC |
Sammi |
McLeod |
Frederick Hunter |
NSW |
Bill |
Levett |
Time Will Tell VI |
UK/NSW |
Jessica |
Irvine-Brown |
Belcam Aaberdeen |
NSW |
Tarsha |
Hammond |
Fuzzy Logic |
NSW |
Lucinda |
Fredericks |
Darassass |
UK |
The list features 6 Australian based combinations of which all 6
will travel to England for pre-selection training and preparation. This is the largest
contingent of Australian based horses in recent times and reflects the depth currently
within Eventing in Australia.
All members of the list will be required to compete at the
Highclere one day event on 26th August following which the 6 horses and riders to compete
at will be named. The composition of the 4 riders in the team and the 2 individuals will
be decided following the first veterinary inspection on 11th September at WEG.
For further information contact:
Jim Dunn - Chairman of Selectors 08 8536 6092
Gareth McKeen - High Performance Manager ph. 02 4227 2411