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It is
January and in Victoria, Australia that sees the showjumping move to the beautiful
coastal town of Warrnambool where the Shipwreck Coast Showjumping Championships
are held each year at the Warrnambool Racecourse in a weekend which is unique
in Australia and possibly the world - showjumping and racing get together
to entertain the crowds and as is the way most years, the weather was close
to perfect with a gentle sea breeze and a glorious 27 degrees celsius.
This event
is so well supported by the Warrnambool Race Club and their Chairman, Margie
Lucas - pictured below left - is a great fan of the jumping
when it comes to her racecourse.
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This
year the task of liaising between showjumping and racing on the working
end was taken on by one of Australia's finest Young Riders, local lad, Jamie
Kermond - pictured below - and Margie Lucas could not praise
him highly enough for the super job he has done putting together an excellent
show - and Margie commented on how easy Jamie was to work with. |
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I must
comment on one sad note this year - Peter and Di Kemp who retired from showjumping
judging in January 2005 were missed enormously this year at Warrnambool as
they will no doubt be next weekend at Mortlake. Their humour combined with
efficiency made for some great banter over the years between the Judges Box
and the Commentator, Taddy McLean and Course Designer, John Wilsher.
This year
the commentary was shared between Taddy McLean and Morris Clarke who was hobbling
around on crutches after a nasty break to his leg!
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And
when Taddy - pictured below right - was busy in the jumping arena
aboard his own horses, son Mick - pictured below left
- took over the commentary. |
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This
show has a great family atmosphere and there are activities all day on Sunday
for the kids with face painting, show bags, live entertainment and quiz shows
with prizes for all - the Sunday is a full day with the jumping and racing taking
turns in entertaining the huge crowds which gathered this year. We have been
covering this show since it's first appearance in the calendar and have watched
the spectator numbers steadily grow each year and this year there was without
doubt the biggest crowd ever - at times it was hard to find a spot on the wonderful
members lawns! |
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A
show in the Western Districts wouldn't be a show if we didn't capture Gina
McDonald piggybacking one of the younger members of the showjumping crew
- and pictured left is this years entry! |
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Enjoying
the sunshine while wintering in Australia, Irish rider, Wayne Sherry - pictured
above - loved the casual atmosphere combined with perfect sunning weather
of Australian showjumping. |
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