Dateline: Queensland, Australia

Word has reached us that the imported stallion Kobble Creek Alimo lost the battle with colic while in quaratine after returning from the USA where he was competing with Adam Mellers.

Animo was imported from the UK as a weanling as was his brother Animate. Both horses are out of the late Susan Bond's international mare Lucilla and by Animo.

Heidi and Adam Mellers, run a very successful competition yard in Beaudesert, Queensland and owned the stallion in syndication with Michael King, and Robert and Belinda Bryett.

All are devestated by the loss of this lovely stallion who has his first crop of progeny just starting out competing, so his legacy will live on through his stock.

Animo was on the Australian National Elite Squad.

Dateline: Hamburg, Germany

Australian Kristy Oatley took out first place money in Hamburg today at the Deutsches Spring und Dressur festival when she won the Grand Prix riding the 13 year old Don Bolero by Donnerhall with 69.66%.

Kristy won over Germany's Inches Train Baumer riding the 16 year old Gina Royl by Brentano who scored 68.33%.

The Grand Prix Kur and Special will be contested on Saturday starting at 9.30am German time.

Sunday sees the top 3 riders swapping horses for the final class of this unique fixture on the dressage calendar.

The first Derby qualifier held on Thursday was won by Germany's Otto Nial and Chienos. This combination was one of 23 out of 66 starters going clear with germany dominating the top 17 placings while Denmark has two in the top 17, Switzerlands Marcus Fuchs and Granie sit comfortably in 3rd spot and the Netherlands have one rider there as well.

The second qualification held on Friday saw a slightly smaller field with 56 combinations lining up for a chance to jump the main class on Sunday. Saturdays class saw a tougher task with 7 riders parting company with their horses and one choosing to retire before coming through the finish flags.

Clear rounds were harder to achieve and at the end of the class only 8 combinations coming through clear. Six of these clears went to Germany with Otto Nial winning the second qualifier this time riding Calle Cool One. Ireland clocked up a first round clear with Edward Doyle and Utopia Vi'T Hoogveld - pictured below - looking set to start on Sunday with the 3rd placing in this second qualifier.

Eleven riders sat with 4 faults and Ireland sees Shane Breen and World Cruise also look set to qualify for the main event with their 12th placing on Friday.

Danish rider, Andreas Schou with Can Can 4 also looks set for the final test on Sunday with their 4th placing and England may well see Richard Robinson and Olli Pop make their appearance on Sunday.

Dateline: Punchestown, Co. Kildare, Ireland

And while the showjumpers and dressage riders do battle in Hamburg the eventers are strutting their stuff at Punchestown this week for the International CCI*, CCI** and the CCI*** which has seen riders from Ireland doing battle with riders from Australia, New Zealand, England, Sweden and Switzerland.

Coming into the weekend the dressage is complete for the CCI* and CCI** with the leader after dressage for the CCI* being England's Matthew Wright with Noisette des Pres. The CCI** leader after dressage is also in the hands of England with Oliver Townend and Jackson D'Allez. The CCI*** is also in the hands of England with Polly Stockton and Regulus.

New Zealand's Andrew Nicholson is well situated in second for the CCI*** and Ireland is in second spot in the CCI** with Michael Ryan and Master Mexico. The CCI* sees Ireland's Alison Holden and Maximus Orielius in second.

So the scene is set for an exciting cross country day on Saturday at Punchestown with the weather forecast looking less than friendly with continuing high winds and intermittent showers forecast for Saturday with things forecast to look up slightly for Sunday.

Dateline: Taupo, New Zealand

In New Zealand this weekend the Trans Tasman Challenge is underway with Australian and new Zealand eventers looking to impress the selectors in the lead up to Beijing Olympic Games.

The 28 combinations entered for the CCI*** passed the vet inspection and the teams were named.

New Zealand will be represented by: Emily Butcher, Matthew Grayling, Blair Richardson and Bryce Newman.

Australia is represented by: Claudia Graham, Georgia Clifford, Sonja Johnson and Stuart Tinney with the Australian Reserve, Emily Amker competing individually as will Olivia Bunn and Hamish Cargill.