Australian eventers results are being watched by eventing nations around the world as they are the ones to beat in Athens in just 3 months! The Australians currently hold three consecutive Gold medals and a swag of individual medals and no doubt every country is looking for a way of stopping their supremacy at the Olympic Games.
The Australian selectors have a very difficult task as there are so many exceptional event riders based in Australia, England and also America and no doubt these selectors are collecting a bootload of frequent flyer points as they travel the world watching the Aussie's competing at major events.
The latest just in from the Equestrian Federation of Australia sees Olivia Bunn taking out the Taupo, New Zealand CCI*** event over the weekend just gone.
"Australian Selectors will have a few additional choices after more riders qualified for participation at the Athens Olympic Games last weekend in New Zealand.
A clear round in the Jumping test of the NZL Open National Eventing Championships CCI*** secured a win for Olivia Bunn and GV Top of the Line. Matthew Grayling (NZL), the leader after cross-country, had one rail down. Shane Rose and Beauford Miss Dior dropped two and finished third while Nikki
Richardson and Makinground held their ground with one rail down and remained in fourth place. Catherine Davies and Queen's Ransom stayed in 12th position.
The performances are also Olympic Eventing qualifying results (two of these are required at 3-star level) Of the four Australian competitors, Olivia Bunn is on the current "Elite List", and Catherine Davies and Nikki Richardson are on "National A-Squad".
Grayling can be consoled by the fact that being beaten by Bunn is no disgrace. Olivia was the top-rated Australian performer at the World Games in Jerez two years ago and is regarded by some as frontrunner for the Australian side to defend its Olympic gold medal. "She's a good benchmark
for us," said Grayling.
Just 0.4 penalties separated Grayling and Bunn, creating a tense atmosphere heading into the final test. The 25-year-old Australian showed no fear and put the pressure on with a strong clear. Last to go, Grayling was well within the time but the one fence down was enough to lose him the lead."
Many of the Australians are now headed for Ireland to compete at Punchestown, June 3rd to June 6th and jumpingaround.com will be there to bring you all the latest news.
