Eventing: Adelaide: HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013: Craig Barrett and Sandhills Brillaire make history in Adelaide - By Anna Sharpley

Craig Barrett wins second leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ in Adelaide with Sandhills Brillaire and takes home the HSBC Training Bursary as the highest placed rider never to have previously completed a 4* event. (Jenny Barnes/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 25 November 2012

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013: Craig Barrett and Sandhills Brillaire make history in Adelaide

By Anna Sharpley

New South Wales professional Craig Barrett, leader after the Cross Country in Adelaide (AUS), produced a classy performance with Mr and Mrs Keith Osborne’s Sandhills Brillaire in today’s final Jumping phase to clinch the title at the second leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013.

This was Craig’s first 4* event, for which he earned the HSBC Training Bursary, which is awarded at every leg of this prestigious series to the highest placed rider never to have previously completed a 4* event. It is the first time that the winner of the HSBC Training Bursary has been top of the line-up.

Craig Barrett riding Sandhills Brillaire winner of the Australian International Three Day Event , Adelaide 2012.

The mare Sandhills Brillaire and its parents were also bred and produced by the Barretts. Craig bred the sire, Staccato by Salute out of a Thoroughbred mare by King of Babylon, and Craig’s wife, Prue Barrett, Australia’s Eventing coach, bred the dam that is by Galveston. Twenty-year-old Staccato, a former number one WBFSH/FEI Eventing Stallion has now sired two Adelaide 4* winners, including last year’s winner Panamera. “I don’t know if that has ever been done before”, commented Craig. “I have a paddock full of them; I’m not sure if they are as good as Brillaire, but we have to look at purpose breeding horses.”

Barrett is now second in the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013 standings behind New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson. “I think it is a fantastic initiative from HSBC and the FEI to do this. It really encourages young riders to get to the level they need to get to. I’ve had a couple of goes here, but this is my first completion and I’m very happy to be in the winner’s seat and take home the first-timers award,” declared Craig.

Murray Lamperd riding Under The Clocks overall 3rd position.

Barrett and the 10-year-old Sandhills Brillaire were fifth after the Dressage and just kept improving from there. They produced an almost perfect Cross Country run over Wayne Copping’s testing track, with the terrain in the Parklands adding to the difficulty.

The grandstand was full of enthusiastic and knowledgeable spectators for today’s Jumping test, with the crowds keen to witness first-hand the battle for HSBC FEI Classics™ glory. The 4* field was reduce by one when John Twomey’s ride Highly Recommended did not make it past the Sunday morning veterinary inspection, which was disappointing for this popular combination. But there was still plenty of excitement to come in the head-to-head between Craig Barrett and Natalie Blundell with her talented Thoroughbred, Algebra, so called because as a young horse he was difficult to work out.

Natalie Blundell riding Algebra overall 2nd place.

Barrett had two fences in hand, but that advantage can disappear only too easily during the final Jumping phase. Course Designer John Vallance set a strong track, with the tall HSBC planks the last fence after a seven-stride distance from the penultimate oxer. The planks claimed all but one combination. Blundell and Algebra gave Barrett more breathing room with two down. They were however the only combination to come home under the time allowed.

Craig Barrett riding Sandhills Brillaire winner of the Australian International Three Day Event , Adelaide 2012 receives his HSBC training bursary from Brendon Green of HSBC.

One of the toughest Eventing tests is being able to control your horse’s and your own nerves. With National Jumping Coach Rod Brown to help with the warm-up, Barrett and Sandhills Brillaire produced a perfect round, until the HSBC planks. “I got to a sweet spot and just took my leg off her,” declared the always self-effacing Barrett. The planks were down, but it wasn’t enough to remove Barrett and the mare from the top spot to claim victory by a good margin from Blundell, and with Murray Lamperd and Under The Clocks in third. “She was super, an absolute standout. She has only just turned 10 and I think she really stepped up and looked to go to the next level this week.”

Final Results at Australian International 3 Day Event (AUS):

1 Craig Barrett/Sandhills Brillaire (AUS)  51.0 + 0.8 + 7 = 58.8

2 Natalie Blundell /Algebra (AUS)  54.2 + 5.6 +8 = 67.8

3 Murray Lamperd/Under The Clocks (AUS)  50.7 + 34.8 +16 = 101.5

4 Jessica Manson/Legal Star (AUS)  62.2 + 44.4 +15 = 121.6

5 Keira Byrnes/Fox Hill (AUS)  67.5 + 54.8 + 40 = 162.3

6 Crystal Conning/Marcus Aurelius (AUS)  61.2 + 80.8 + 34 = 176.0

7 Andrew Cooper/Guest of Honour (AUS)  62.0 + 95 +28 = 185.0

Full results on www.australian3de.com.au

The HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013 Standings will be available at www.fei.org/hsbc/hsbc-fei-classics.

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Jumping: Australia: Sydney: GCTHistoric victory for equestrian’s Tops-Alexander

25 November 2012

Historic victory for equestrian’s Tops-Alexander

Australian Show Jumper Edwina Tops-Alexander has notched up a historic victory overnight, winning the Global Champions Tour (GCT) championship for a second consecutive year.

The 38 year old, who grew up in Sydney and now resides in Europe, has led the 2012 season from the outset and was one of only two riders in contention for this year’s title heading into the overnight season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Edwina’s victory is a historic win as it is the first time that a competitor has won the world’s most prestigious show jumping competition two years running.

The two-time Olympian attributed the momentous victory to her 16 year old chestnut stallion Cevo Itot du Chateau.

“I am very happy, my horse Itot been fantastic.

“He was amazing last year and this year he was even better. It has been a long year and I have to thank my horse as he has been so consistent,” Edwina said.

Going into the 12th and final leg of this year’s series Edwina was on equal points with Swedish rider Rolf-Goran Bengtsson. Both riders encountered difficulty at the same fence in Saturday’s Grand Prix and incurred four jumping penalties. With the riders tied for points the title was awarded to Edwina on a count back. Her victory in the opening round in Doha, Qatar proved to be the difference.

Edwina has yet to decide if her pint-sized partner will return to defend the title in 2013.

“With Itot the last two years of his career have been the best, so you never know.

“I am fortunate I have a lot of other very good horses coming along that can help Itot. This year was a very big year. On top of the GCT he had the Olympics but there is no reason to stop when he is going so well,” she said.

Along with the title, Australia’s top ranked show jumper picks up €294,500 in prize money boosting her GCT earnings to over €2 million.

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Eventing: Adelaide: Barrett bags his first CCI4* HSBC FEI Classics in Adelaide

Barrett bags his first CCI4* HSBC FEI Classics in Adelaide

Craig Barrett has taken out the 2012 CCI4* HSBC FEI Classics Australian International Three Day Event in front of sell-out crowd at Adelaide’s Victoria Park.

Please find this information attached as a press release. Image: Craig Barrett and Sandhills Brillaire. Photo credit: ESJ Photo

This is Barrett’s first win at this level and only the second time he has entered the four star event.

A beaming Barrett couldn’t wipe the smile from his face and credited his young horse for showing fast pace during Saturday’s cross country phase which saw many top combinations prematurely end their campaign for the title.

“Every win is special but this is the biggest win of my career and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.

“Traditionally she hasn’t been the fastest horse in the world, but yesterday the thoroughbred kicked in and she just kept going, just kept galloping,” 

Barrett and his 10 year old thoroughbred mare Sandhills Brillaire had a two rail buffer leading into today’s show jumping phase. Their advantage was extended to four rails after second placed combination Natalie

Blundell and Algebra incurred two rails down.

The pair went on to produce a near faultless show jumping round and were unfortunate to knock down the final rail.

“It was a tough fence that last fence and I don’t think anyone jumped it clear – that’s a real show jumping fence. I think I relaxed coming into the last fence, I knew I was ok so I probably sat a little still.”

“I wasn’t interested in what Nat did, it’s no good to worry about what she did or didn’t do. You’ve just got to do your plan, stick to your plan and ride to that plan that’s the best way to do it.

“You shouldn’t worry about what others do because you can’t change it and at the end of the day it shouldn’t change what you’re doing,” he said. 

Murray Lamperd and Under The Clocks rounded out the minor placings.

Earlier, Victorian rider Will Enzinger (Flowervale Maserati) took home the CCI2* in a nail-biting finish which saw the young rider hold onto the lead and win the class by less than a fraction of a penalty. 

The Adelaide International Three Day Event is the second leg of the 2012/2013 HSBC FEI Classics^TM – a six series competition made up of the world’s only four star event competitions. The AI3DE is the only four star event in the southern hemisphere.

Full results from the Australian International Three Day Event can be found HERE

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Eventing: Adelaide: Australian International: Craig Barrett on the verge of winning his first Adelaide CCI4*

24 November 2012

Craig Barrett on the verge of winning his first Adelaide CCI4*

New South Wales rider Craig Barrett has emerged as the new leader of the Australian International CCI4* after a difficult cross country course caused a number of combinations to prematurely end their campaign for this year’s title.

Image: Craig Barrett and Sandhills Brillaire. Photo credit: www.inmotionphotography.ifp3<http://www.inmotionphotography.ifp3>.com

Craig and his 15 year old mare Sandhills Brillaire will enter Sunday’s show jumping phase with a commanding eight penalty lead over second positioned Natalie Blundell (Algebra). Their strong performance around the difficult cross country course effectively gives them a two rail advantage for the final.

Craig’s other horse Wendela Jamie - which was in second place leading into today’s cross country phase, was one of six horses to fall short of the finish line.

“The mare that went first was absolutely sensational, I couldn’t be happier with how she performed. She is just a great horse and she did a great job today.”

“I feel a bit sorry for Wendela Jamie because I don’t feel I did him justice. He’s a much better horse than the results show but that’s just the nature of eventing,” Craig said.

Just eight combinations completed today’s cross country phase with the course testing even the most experienced riders. Beijing silver medallist Shane Rose, who was leading the field after dressage, and Sydney gold medallist Stuart Tinney, who was in third before today’s phase, also made the decision to retire.

For many combinations it was a narrow fence at one of the water jumps which was their undoing.

“There was definitely something the horses didn’t quite understand, maybe it was to do with jumping in (to the water). Some horses jumped it beautifully… but it was more than coincidence that six horses in a row ran out to the side,” said technical delegate Alec Lochore.

“It’s easy in hindsight to consider all sorts of factors – was it the jump into the water, was it the light and shade. (It would be premature) to do a post mortem analysis right now, I need to consider it in more detail,” he said.

The Adelaide International Three Day Event is the second leg of the 2012/2013 HSBC FEI ClassicsTM – a six series competition made up of the world’s only four star event competitions. The AI3DE is the only four star event in the southern hemisphere.

Sunday’s show jumping action will decide this year’s winner. Action is set to get underway from 2:30pm local time.

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Eventing: Adelaide: HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013: Craig Barrett and Sandhills Brillaire claim Cross Country lead in Adelaide

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013: Craig Barrett and Sandhills Brillaire claim Cross Country lead in Adelaide

By Anna Sharpley

Craig Barrett, leader after the challenging Cross Country phase of the HSBC FEI Classics™ in Adelaide, and riding in his first 4* competition, said he was both “absolutely thrilled” and “disappointed” after today’s action: “Sandhills Brillaire went beautifully and galloped really well, but with Wendela Jamie (Dressage leader), I just made too many mistakes”.

It was a dramatic Cross Country day that saw the top three after Dressage failing to make it through the finish flags. Barrett produced the run of the day with the competition trailblazing home-bred Staccato mare, adding just 0.8 of a time penalty to take the lead with a two-day total of 51.80.

Barrett’s other ride, Wendela Jamie, had a runout at the costly number 13, a skinny fence on a related distance off the island in Rymill Lake, and it was here too that Stuart Tinney came to grief and retired after the big grey, Pluto Mio avoided the issue twice.

Shane Rose, who put in a faultless performance to lead the CCI2*, struck trouble early on the 4* track with a runout at 5B riding APH Moritz. A further stop at the Advertiser Hedge saw Rose joining the six 4* competitors to walk home.

Wayne Copping’s track was shortened by 30 seconds, with the Qantas Flyover taken out and the last fence situated close to the misting tents and cooling off area. The weather turned out not to be as severe as predicted, but with horse welfare paramount, the adjustment was applauded by all.

Natalie Blundell from Harden in New South Wales was in contention for London 2012 Olympic Games selection, and with her talented horse Algebra, used her experience to produce only the second clear round over the fences. The pair added 5.6 time penalties and hold overnight second place with 59.80. Natalie won the first Adelaide 4* in 1999 riding Billy Bathgate and declared: “I hope to put pressure on Craig tomorrow”.

“The weather suited the tough Thoroughbred”, commented Craig, with Algebra and Murray Lamperd’s Under The Clocks, both ex-racehorses, proving the point. Murray and Under The Clocks had a runout at the tall Rose Garden Corners at 17ab. He then added some Thoroughbred speed to come home with only 14.8 time penalties to claim third place after the tough Cross Country. Lamperd is an experienced rider, but has not competed at a 4* event for some time. “It was overwhelming; so intense and so big, I need practice to ride at this level again. The horse is honest and I am positive, and that normally gets us through.”

All the riders declared Adelaide a valuable member of the HSBC FEI Classics™ series. The Cross Country track, at just over 10 minutes, was challenging and demanding with the skinny fence 13 coming out of Rymill Lake catching six riders. Technical Delegate Alec Lochore explained: “There was definitely something the horses didn’t quite understand. Some horses jumped it beautifully, but it was more than just a coincidence that six horses ran out to the side. It could have been the jump into water, or the light and the shade.”

Penalties were also spread around the course resulting in runouts. Apart from one rider fall, the faults came from failure to have the horse well enough in front of the leg and straight, resulting in harmless but costly penalties.

Spectators flocked to the venue in their thousands, aiming for the shade afforded by the Adelaide Parklands. The event grows each year and, since it became part of the prestigious HSBC FEI Classics™ series, its profile has undoubtedly grown amongst Australian equestrian enthusiasts.

Event Director Gill Rolton was pleased to comment that the Local South Australian Government and Adelaide City Council were both now fully behind the event. “Running this event is a huge commitment, but we need an event of this stature in this country,” she said.

The final Jumping phase will be staged tomorrow, with Barrett aiming not only to win the Adelaide leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™, but also claim the HSBC Bursary for the highest placed rider never to have previously completed a 4* event.

Results after Cross Country:

1 Craig Barrett/Sandhills Brillaire (AUS) 51 + 0.8 = 51.80

2 Natalie Blundell/Algebra (AUS) 54.2 + 5.6 = 59.80

3 Murray Lamperd/Under The Clocks (AUS) 50.7 + 34.8 = 85.50

4 John Twomey/Highly Recommended (AUS) 60.5 + 36.8 = 97.30

5 Jessica Manson/Legal Star (AUS) 62.2 + 44.4 = 106.60

6 Keira Byrnes/Fox Hill (AUS) 67.5 + 54.8 = 122.30

7 Crystal Conning/Marcus Aurelius (AUS) 61.2 + 80.8 = 142.00

8 Andrew Cooper/Guest Of Honour (AUS) 62.0 + 95.0 = 157.00

Full results on www.australian3de.com.au

Follow the action LIVE tomorrow (Sunday, 25 November) on FEI TV www.feitv.org, the FEI’s official video channel:

01:30 CET – 03:30 CET Jumping 2* Competition (*last two hours of competition)

04:55 CET – 05:45 CET HSBC FEI Classics™ Jumping (*also available on Monday 26 November in the afternoon as Video-On-Demand).

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Eventing: Adelaide: Rose takes the early lead in the Adelaide CCI4*

23 November 2012

Rose takes the early lead in the Adelaide CCI4*

Beijing silver medallist Shane Rose has taken an early lead in the Adelaide International CCI4* which started Thursday at the Adelaide Parklands.

Please disregard the image sent through with the initial press release.

Image caption: Shane Rose and APH Moritz at the 2012 Adelaide International Three Day Event. Photo credit: www.inmotionphotography.ifp3. com

Rose and his 10 year old gelding APH Moritz have a slim lead over the field and will start Saturday’s Cross Country Cross phase with a 1.5 penalty advantage after their dressage score of 45.80 narrowly edged out the second placed combination of Craig Barrett and Wendela Jamie who scored 47.30.

Sydney Olympic gold medallist and defending champion of the event, Stuart Tinney (Pluto Mio) is sitting on a score of 49.80 which currently has him in third position.

With a challenging cross country course still to contest and hot conditions forecast for the remainder of the weekend, Rose is all too aware that this year’s competition will be decided over the forthcoming days.

“I’m certainly going to do my best tomorrow. Craig and Stuart are on very good horses and they’ve very capable riders so it will be interesting to see how we finish up tomorrow.

“Stuart has won a gold medal, Craig’s got a super horse which has won major three star events and they’re both really good competitors so I really need to be on my game,” Shane said.

Second placed Craig Barrett is searching for his four star win.

“My competition career at this level is definitely limited. The horses that I’ve had in the past have been good horses but they’ve never quite made the top level.

“We come to this event knowing that if you’re competing against the likes of Shane and Stuart, you’re actually competing against the best in the world because they’ve been there and won Olympic medals,” Craig said.

Earlier today, event organisers made the decision to shorten the cross country course, ordered extra ice and water trucks and installed water-spraying archways and sprinklers for horses.

“It’s going to be hot on cross country day so hopefully the horses will be fit enough. Pluto Mio’s been doing a lot of galloping so hopefully he can pull through,” Stuart Tinney said.

The Adelaide International Three Day Event is the second leg of the 2012/2013 HSBC FEI ClassicsTM – a six series competition made up of the world’s only four star event competitions. The AI3DE is the only four star event in the southern hemisphere.

Cross Country action commences on Saturday and will see horses and riders weave their way through the stunning Adelaide Parklands. CCI2* competition will start from 10am with CCI4* action to begin at 1:30pm.

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Eventing: HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013: Shane Rose and APH Moritz take the lead after Dressage in Adelaide - By Anna Sharpley

Shane Rose and APH Moritz “have a good day at the office”, taking the lead after Dressage at the HSBC FEI Classics™ in Adelaide (Jenny Barnes/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 23 November 2012

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013: Shane Rose and APH Moritz take the lead after Dressage in Adelaide - By Anna Sharpley

Beijing Team Silver medallist, Shane Rose had a good day at the office today in Adelaide, taking the lead in the HSBC FEI Classics™ Dressage phase, as well as the CCI 2* competition. 

Rose claimed the early lead in the HSBC FEI Classics™ with 45.80 penalties riding the Leder family, Jamie McDonald and Lee Hokianga’s Australian-bred Warmblood, APH Moritz by APH Coriolo.

He is closely followed by HSBC Bursary candidate Craig Barrett, who has started but never completed the four-star competition in Adelaide, but certainly means to do so this year riding the 2011 Melbourne CCI 3* winner, Wendela Jamie. Henry and Helen Hicks’ impressive Thoroughbred gelding is just a breath away on 47.30 penalties. And just over a point away from Barrett, Stuart Tinney is well placed in third with John and Jane Pittard’s 2012 New South Wales Eventing Champion, Pluto Mio.

Craig Barrett riding Wendela Jamie take second place after the dressage phase. Photo by Jennie Barns FEI

It is no surprise that these three experienced riders top the leader board after day one, however Shane commented: “I still have to do a good job to win. With Craig and Stuart just behind me, I have to be just as much on my game as if there were 100 in the class.” 

Tomorrow, the heat will be an extra consideration to add to Wayne Copping’s already acknowledged tough, 4-star course. Technical Delegate Alec Lahore (GBR) declared the course: “very interesting, with some lovely features. It is a challenging track and as technical as 2011, with plenty of big fences.”

Whilst Rose, Barrett and Tinney all cut their Eventing teeth in dusty, hot country New South Wales, their horses did not and the expected 35⁰C is likely to have a big influence.

Although low humidity and breezy conditions will make the temperatures easier on both equine and human athletes, the organisers have ensured that horse welfare remains right at the forefront by putting in place some other measures.

The 4-star Cross Country course has been shortened by 30 seconds, extra ice and water trucks will be available, and water-spraying archways and sprinklers have been installed to cool down horses.

Stuart Tinney riding Pluto Mio takes 3rd place after dressage. Photo by Jennie Barns FEI

Rose described the track as, “a good test, but if you do a good job, you can steer them around. Galloping ten and a half minutes will be a big test for me.”

Barrett, who also holds provisional fifth place riding Sandhills Brillaire, a home-bred by Staccato, said: “We are all just trying to do our best against the course and in terms of tough competition, if you are competing against Shane and Stuart, you are competing against the best in the world”. 

Experienced Victorian rider, Murray Lamperd holds fourth place riding Jae Wishart’s beautiful Thoroughbred, Under The Clocks on 50.70.

Sixth-placed Natalie Blundell with Julia McLean’s ex-racehorse, Algebra, will also hope to make a move up the leader board tomorrow after placing fourth in last year’s HSBC FEI Classics™ in Adelaide.

John Twomey, who has spent a decade riding in New Zealand and is now back in Australia, has a talented memento of his time there in the form of the New Zealand-bred, Highly Recommended that is by Brilliant Invader out of a Distelfink mare. They hold seventh place with 60.50 penalties and they will be hoping to add nothing further to that score.

Results after Dressage

1      Shane Rose/APH Moritz 45.80

2      Craig Barrett/Wendela Jamie 47.30

3      Stuart Tinney/Pluto Mio 49.80

4      Murray Lamperd/Under The Clocks 50.70

5      Craig Barrett/Sandhills Brillaire 51.00

6      Natalie Blundell/Algebra 54.20

7      John Twomey/Highly Recommended 60.50

= 8      Crystal Conning/Marcus Aurelius 61.209     

Robert Palm/Koko Black 61.20

10    Andrew Cooper/Guest Of Honour 62.00

Full results on www.australian3de.com.au

Follow the action LIVE tomorrow (Saturday, 24 November) on FEI TV www.feitv.org, the FEI’s official video channel:

00:30 CET – 03:45 CET Cross Country 2* Competition

04:23 CET – 05:45 CET HSBC FEI Classics™ Cross Country

10:00 CET – 11:15 CET HSBC FEI Classics™ Cross Country REPLAY 

Download the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013 press kit: www.feipresskits.org/

HSBC’s Training Bursary

At the centre of HSBC’s sponsorship is a commitment to the development of the sport of Eventing at every level. As part of its support of the HSBC FEI Classics™, HSBC has introduced a Training Bursary. This is a unique award which is presented to the highest placed rider never to have previously completed a 4-star level event. The winning rider receives a training voucher to the value of US $1,000 to be spent on sessions with a trainer of the athlete’s choice approved by the FEI and National Federation. 

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013 calendar

1 Les Etoiles de Pau CCI 4* (FRA) - 24-28 October 2012

2 Australian International 3 Day Event (AUS) - 22-25 November 2012

3 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) - 25-28 April 2013

4 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) - 3-6 May 2013

5 Luhmühlen CCI 4* (GER) - 13-16 June 2013

6 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR) - 5-8 September 2013

Notes to editors

HSBC, the platinum partner of the FEI and global sponsor of Eventing, has supported the HSBC FEI Classics™ series, which unites the top end of the international Eventing circuit, since 2008.

In our HSBC FEI Hub: www.fei.org/hsbc/hsbc-fei-classics, you can access the HSBC Rankings, past series news and the information below:

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012 Final Standings (full 2012 standings here).

1 William Fox-Pitt (GBR) 40 points ($150,000, Series Champion)

2 Andrew Nicholson (NZL) 39 ($75,000)

3 Alison Springer (USA) 17 ($50,000)

4 Michael Jung (GER) 15 ($33,000)

5 Stuart Tinney (AUS) 15 ($25,000)

Prize money

The HSBC FEI Classics™ prize fund is the largest on offer in the sport of Eventing on an annual basis. At the end of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013 season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected across the six HSBC FEI Classics™ events will be awarded their share of a total fund of US$333,000 split as follows:

1^st - US$150,000 (Series Champion)

2^nd - US$75,000

3^rd - US$50,000

4^th - US$33,000

5^th - US$25,000

HSBC Rankings

The rider at the top of the HSBC Rankings at the end of the 2012 Eventing season will receive a US $50,000 bonus. The winning rider will be announced in December 2012.

FEI TV www.feitv.org, the FEI’s official video channel, will be live from Adelaide:

Saturday 24^th November

00:30 CET – 03:45 CET Cross Country 2* Competition

04:23 CET – 05:45 CET HSBC FEI Classics™ Cross Country

10:00 CET – 11:15 CET HSBC FEI Classics™ Cross Country REPLAY 

Sunday 25^th November

01:30 CET – 03:30 CET Jumping 2* Competition (*last two hours of competition)

04:55 CET – 05:45 CET HSBC FEI Classics™ Jumping (*also available on Monday, 26^th November in the afternoon as Video-On-Demand).

Join the FEI on Facebook & twitter

Our signature twitter hashtags for this series are #HSBC and #Eventing. We encourage you to use them, and if you have space: #HSBC FEI Classics™ #Eventing

Australian International 3 Day Event will provide live results on www.australian3de.com.au

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Driving: FEI: Boyd Exell starts in top form in Hannover

FEI PRESS RELEASE

Photo Caption: Boyd Exel (AUS) was in top form in Hannover (GER) where he won the first leg of the FEI World Cup™ Driving’s 12^th season ©Rinaldo de Craen/FEI.

Hannover (GER), 28 October 2012

Boyd Exell starts in top form in Hannover
by Cindy Timmer

Four-time FEI World Cup™ Driving Champion Boyd Exell (AUS) had an excellent start of the FEI World Cup™ Driving’s 12^th season in Hannover, Germany this weekend. Exell and his team of horses were in top form and they performed as if their last World Cup competition had taken place only last week and not eight months ago at the previous season’s Final held in Bordeaux (FRA) in Febuary. Exell won the opening leg in Hannover ahead of IJsbrand Chardon (NED) and Tomas Eriksson (SWE).

Exciting Winning Round
Boyd Exell drove a very fast and clear first round and challenged Chardon who followed him in the arena. Chardon drove his team of Lipizzaner horses at high speed throughout the course, but had one knockdown and was unable to beat Exell’s time.

Tomas Eriksson did the same and finished just behind Chardon in third place. Both Eriksson and Chardon knocked a ball down in the Winning Round, which gave Exell an advantage of approximately 12 seconds. The Australian drove his team magnificently round the course and even changed routes in the first marathon obstacle in order to go faster. In the last part of the course, he went at such a high speed that he unexpectedly cut a corner and drove his horses through the marathon obstacle to the last gate. This made the many enthusiastic spectators explode with joy and Exell was loudly cheered as he crossed the finishing line having scored a clear round. He was declared the winner and was presented with a special saddle chair, which was offered to him by the sponsor of the FEI World Cup™ Driving in Hannover, Klingenberg exclusive furniture.

Preparation
It was all a matter of preparation. Exell finished fourth in the first competition on Saturday evening and took his time on Sunday morning to prepare his wheeler and leader horses well for the World Cup competition. Boyd drove an experienced team of horses including the 20-year old leader horse Bill who will now get a rest until the Final in February 2013.

Postponed test
IJsbrand Chardon’s horses are fast but they keep knocking balls down which sets the team back. Chardon has been training with a new Lipizzaner at home for the past three weeks and wanted to drive it in Hannover in order to test the speed of the team. But the horse was injured only a few days before the start of the season and Chardon has had to postpone the test. The Dutch driver was nevertheless pleased with his horses and left the arena feeling good.

Tricky course
All drivers agreed that the course in Hannover, designed by World Cup course designer Dr Wolfgang Asendorf, was very tricky. The top favourites had all several knockdowns on the first night and Asendorf decided to slightly modify the course to make it more fluent. Tomas Eriksson, who was the first one in, was informed only a few minutes before the Winning Round that the course had been shortened. This change made a top performance difficult. Eriksson did his very best but knocked one ball down and finished in third place.

Much to learn
Wild card driver Daniel Schneiders (GER) won the first competition on Saturday evening, but it did not go so well for him today. He knocked over an element in the marathon obstacle and had several knockdowns, which caused him to finish in sixth place. “I have a lot to learn,” said the former pony pair and pony team driver afterwards.

Koos de Ronde (NED) was unable to get his horses into the right rhythm and came in fifth, ahead of World Cup newcomer Georg von Stein (GER), who is using some of his outdoor horses.

Quotes:

Boyd Exell (AUS): “We were all a bit rusty on the first night. Neither the horses nor my navigator Michelle or myself were well prepared. In the World Cup round we were all much better. Michelle was brilliant again, well ahead of the game and helped me all the time.”

IJsbrand Chardon (NED): “I have a good feeling, the speed of my team was good. The only thing I have to improve is the knockdowns. I was pleased that the course was changed after the first day; it was more fluent and open in the World Cup competition, which was better for the sport and the spectators.”

Tomas Eriksson (SWE): “It was a very tricky course and I didn’t find it all that pleasant to drive. It had too many sharp turns and this forced me to pull my horses back which is something I do not like doing. But the competitors field in Hannover was very strong so I am pleased with my third place and with my horses.”

Results CAI-W Hannover 2012:

1. Boyd Exell (AUS) 214,48
2. IJsbrand Chardon (NED) 231,22
3. Tomas Eriksson (SWE) 235,69
4. Koos de Ronde (NED) 130,33
5. Georg von Stein (GER) 141,05
6. Daniel Schneiders (GER) 178,91

Official results: warm-up competition / World Cup competition

Standings after 1 of 8 events:

1. Boyd Exell (AUS) 10
2. IJsbrand Chardon (NED) 7
3. Tomas Eriksson (SWE) 5
4. Koos de Ronde (NED) 3
5. Georg von Stein (GER) 2

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HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013: Paget shows all his promise at Pau By Kate Green

Jonathan Paget (NZL), who was foot-perfect across country on Clifton Promise to take the lead at Les Etoiles de Pau (FRA), opening leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013. (Kit Houghton/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 27 October 2012

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013: Paget shows all his promise at Pau

By Kate Green

Jonathan Paget (NZL) rode across country with typical New Zealand verve to take a slender lead at the end of a thrilling day at Les Etoiles de Pau, the first leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013.

Olympic champion Michael Jung (GER) is breathing down Paget’s neck after an equally classy display on Leopin FST, while Paget’s compatriot Andrew Nicholson, who steered two horses round clear and inside the optimum time, is third on Nereo, and young Astier Nicolas (FRA) thrilled the large home crowd with a flamboyant clear on Jhakti du Janlie to claim overnight fourth.

Just one Jumping rail covers the top four riders after a day of unexpected drama over a Cross Country course which rewarded bold, committed riding.

As predicted, the early fences proved influential. Dressage leaders Christopher Burton (AUS) and Underdiscussion had a runout at the narrow fence at four and later retired after a further stop at the third water complex (fence 23).

Bill Levett (AUS), seventh after Dressage on Hippolyte, and Karin Donckers (BEL), eighth on Lamicell Charizard, refused at the imposing water complex at fence six and both rider subsequently decided to call it a day.\

Regular Pau visitor Oliver Townend (GBR) was eliminated when Sonas Rovatio missed the bank out of the water and fell at 6d, and 2010 winner Andreas Dibowski (GER) retired when FRH Butts Avedon stopped halfway over the log into the water at 6c. Buck Davidson (USA), riding Ballynoe Castle RM, and Laura Collett (GBR) on the former show hunter Noble Bestman also gave up after stops here.

The two most experienced competitors in the field, Mary King (GBR) and Mark Todd (NZL), both landed on the floor in surprise incidents.

King’s Imperial Cavalier, sixth after Dressage, slipped on landing after fence nine, a hay wagon, while Todd’s Major Milestone hit the spread at fence 19. Neither horse was hurt, and the riders were on their feet immediately, more frustrated than anything else. In an unfortunate day for the British rider, she also retired her first ride Kings Temptress after a runout at four.

Paget’s performance was all the more creditable as he only started riding 10 years ago, his first introduction being a bronco-riding competition in Australia. His progress has been meteoric, with individual seventh place at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, fifth at Burghley in 2011 and 2012, and a team bronze medal and 10^th place at the London Olympic Games on Clifton Promise.   

“This was a different sort of course for me but it rode better than I expected,” said Paget, who is known on the circuit as Jock. “I found it quite mentally challenging, but the ground held up well and was not too slippery.”

The Olympic champion was also pleased with his day’s work. “Leopin really proved himself today,” said Michael Jung, who still achieved the optimum time of 10 minutes 54 seconds despite taking a long route at the second water complex (fence 12) where the quick option comprised two sharply angled brushes. “He has a long galloping stride and I knew I could do a long route and still get the time.”

Andrew Nicholson’s two rides were typically smooth – he is also in seventh place on Mr Cruise Control. “Both horses felt lovely and it’s been an enjoyable day,” said the HSBC Rankings leader. “I’m lucky to have them to ride. I always like this course because you’ve got to be switched on.”

Astier Nicolas, who has been based in Britain training with Olympic Ground Jury member Nick Burton at Hartpury, was visibly thrilled to find himself in such elevated company, especially as Pau is his local event – he lives near Toulouse. “I had a runout on both my other CCI4* rides so I’m very pleased to have this under my belt. Perhaps I am more mature now,” he smiled.

“I always thought I could go clear at a CCI4*, but now I know I can. It took me a little while to get into the course and my horse was a bit hesitant at the first water, but he was great after that. He’s an honest horse that goes for the flags and having everyone cheering really helped me.”

Last year’s winner William Fox-Pitt (GBR) proved an assured pathfinder on the stallion Chilli Morning, on which he has risen seven places to sixth. He also had a great round on the nine-year-old Bay My Hero, now in fifth.

Fox-Pitt admitted to feeling apprehensive before Cross Country, partly due to the overnight torrential rain and black clouds which only lifted just as the CCI4* began, and partly because he was concerned the stallion, a new ride this season, might come unstuck at fence six. He is also nervously awaiting the arrival of his third child, as his wife Alice is due to give birth at any minute.

“I’ve had a few things playing on my mind this week and it was in the back of my head that if the horses didn’t go well I could just go home early, but it’s all turned out a lot better than expected!” he said.

“I’ve had quite an interrupted season with Chilli but he is accepting me more. He gave me a lovely ride. And with Bay My Hero it’s a bit like riding my old 14.2hh pony. He knows where to go and is clever and cat-like, despite the fact that the ground was more slippery by the time I went on him.”

At the end of the day, there were 33 completions from 62 starters with 22 clear rounds, 11 of which were inside the optimum time. The scores are agonizingly close at the top, so a thrilling Jumping finale is assured. Watch all the action live on FEI TV tomorrow.

Results after Cross Country

1 Jonathan Paget/Clifton Promise (NZL) 36.7 + 0 = 36.7

2 Michael Jung/Leopin FST (GER) 38.3 + 0 = 38.3

3 Andrew Nicholson/Nereo (NZL) 39.0 + 0 = 39.0

4 Astier Nicolas/Jhakti du Janlie (FRA) 39.5 + 0 = 39.5

5 William Fox-Pitt/Bay My Hero (GBR) 41.7 + 0 = 41.7

6 William Fox-Pitt/Chilli Morning (GBR) 44.7 + 0 = 44.7

7 Andrew Nicholson/Mr Cruise Control (NZL) 45.7 + 0 = 45.7

8 Kevin McNab/Clifton Pinot (AUS) 50.2 + 0 = 50.2

9 Gemma Tattersall/Stormhill Kossack (GBR) 42.6 + 8.0 = 60.6

10 Caroline Powell/Onwards And Upwards (NZL) 53.2 + 0 = 53.2

Full results on www.event-pau.fr

Follow the action on FEI TV www.feitv.org

Download the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013 press kit: www.feipresskits.org/

HSBC’s Training Bursary

At the centre of HSBC’s sponsorship is a commitment to the development of the sport of Eventing at every level. As part of its support of the HSBC FEI Classics™, HSBC has introduced a Training Bursary. This is a unique award which is presented to the highest placed rider never to have previously completed a 4-star level event. The winning rider receives a training voucher to the value of US $1,000 to be spent on sessions with a trainer of the athlete’s choice approved by the FEI and National Federation. 

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013 calendar

1 Les Etoiles de Pau CCI 4* (FRA) - 24-28 October 2012

2 Australian International 3 Day Event (AUS) - 22-25 November 2012

3 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) - 25-28 April 2013

4 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) - 3-6 May 2013

5 Luhmühlen CCI 4* (GER) - 13-16 June 2013

6 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR) - 5-8 September 2013

Notes to editors

HSBC, the platinum partner of the FEI and global sponsor of Eventing, has supported the HSBC FEI Classics™ series, which unites the top end of the international Eventing circuit, since 2008.

In our HSBC FEI Hub: www.fei.org/hsbc/hsbc-fei-classics, you can access the HSBC Rankings, past series news and the information below:

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012 Final Standings (full 2012 standings here).

1 William Fox-Pitt (GBR) 40 points ($150,000, Series Champion)

2 Andrew Nicholson (NZL) 39 ($75,000)

3 Alison Springer (USA) 17 ($50,000)

4 Michael Jung (GER) 15 ($33,000)

5 Stuart Tinney (AUS) 15 ($25,000)

Prize money

The HSBC FEI Classics™ prize fund is the largest on offer in the sport of Eventing on an annual basis. At the end of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013 season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected across the six HSBC FEI Classics™ events will be awarded their share of a total fund of US$333,000 split as follows:

1^st - US$150,000 (Series Champion)
2^nd - US$75,000
3^rd - US$50,000
4^th - US$33,000
5^th - US$25,000

HSBC Rankings

The rider at the top of the HSBC Rankings at the end of the 2012 Eventing season will receive a US $50,000 bonus. The winning rider will be announced in December 2012.

Watch the action LIVE from Pau on FEI TV, the FEI’s official video website:

28 October - Jumping: 14.15 CET

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TUNE IN! $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix Online at WIHS.org and On TV at NBC Sports Network!

WHAT: The $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix, presented by Events DC, is a FEI World Cup Qualifier event. WHEN: The class will run tonight, October 27, as the second class of the evening session, which begins at 7 p.m. The evening session will be livestreamed at www.wihs.org. With less than 24-hour turnaround, highlights of the $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix and Washington International Horse Show will be aired on NBC Sports Network at 3:30 p.m. EST. WHERE: The $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix, presented by Events DC, is part of the 54th Annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), held at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. WHO: The class will host 28 of the world's best show jumpers, including Beezie Madden, Laura Kraut, Lauren Hough, Kent Farrington, Reed Kessler, and more! Melanie Smith Taylor and Kenny Rice will be the on-air talent for NBC Sports Network. HOW: Don't forget to watch tonight online, and then tune in or set your DVRs to NBC Sports Network tomorrow to see the produced coverage on WIHS and the grand prix! To buy your ticket for the President's Cup Grand Prix at Washington International Horse Show and be a part of show jumping history, please visit www.wihs.org/tickets/. Visit http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/ to find NBC Sports Network in your area. Last year's President's Cup Grand Prix winners, Nick Skelton and Carlo 273 About The Washington International Horse Show (www.wihs.org): An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the country's leading metropolitan indoor horse show and the pinnacle of the equestrian year with leading riders, including Olympic medalists, and fabulous horses. More than 500 horses participate in show jumping, hunter and equitation events during the six-day show. Highlights include the $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix, the Puissance high-jump competition; and WIHS Equitation Classic Finals featuring the country's top junior riders. Special exhibitions, boutique shopping and community activities will round out this family-friendly event. Since its debut, the Washington International has been a Washington, DC, institution attended by presidents, first ladies, celebrities, business and military leaders, as well as countless horse enthusiasts of all ages. Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.

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