For the first time Dressage and Jumping With the Stars hosted a round of the Pacific League World Cup and it was great to see the event held in such a beautiful setting and also great was the large number of spectators for this class held in the most perfect of Spring weather in Melbourne.

An excellent track was designed by David Sheppard and although it was not too technical it had some height and width in the first round. The second round invited back clears, 4 and 8 faulters from the first round and it would have been great to see the second round go up in height but it was not to be today.

The class saw 18 starters which was great for those contesting the league top spot as full points were awarded for the class.

First to go was Chris Chugg from New South Wales on his points nominated horse, the impressive grey Alondra. Chuggy - pictured below left - was obviously taking this class very seriously and rode for a clear - unfortunately this scopey and talented horses took out two fences to finish with 8 faults.

Second out was another New South Welshman, Paul Asthanasoff riding Wirragulla Niklaus - pictured below centre - and this lovely, sweet stallion was jumping well but perhaps a little erratic and the result was 3 fences down for 12 faults.

Third out was a combination who had traveled a huge distance to get to this show - Adam Mellers and Kobble Creek Alimo took the rode to Melbourne from Queensland. Kobble Creek Alimo - pictured above far right - would have to be the best bred stallion in the country - by Animo out of the late Susan Bond's Lord mare, Lucilla this 9 year old stallion is showing a great deal of consistency. although today he seemed somewhat unsettled and finished with 12 faults.

Fourth out was Victoria Phil Stephens and Lilico Calvin - pictured below left. This horse is unconventional to say the least but is brave and has the want to jump clean making hi a super national horse but today the wheels fell off a little when they lowered 6 fences for 24 faults - but todays class was tall and wide and perhaps was just a little out of reach for Calvin at this stage in his career.

One of the tallest horses currently jumping on the Australian circuit is Vicki Roycroft's Infatuation - pictured above - this 17hh gelding had a few hiccups in todays class when he was unlucky to lower three fences to finish with 12 faults.

Next to go was one of the Young Riders, Kristy Bruhn from South Australia with her thoroughbred gelding Murph and Kristy was a very

happy girl when she took the provisional lead with the first 4 fault round of the class at a little under the half way mark.Murph - pictured below left - was very lucky at a few fences, which rattled but stayed in place but they lowered fence 7 when the lack just ran out - but this combination came through the finish flags with 4 faults and the appreciative crowd gave Kristy a rousing cheer.

Spielberg - pictured above right - has been a wonderful performer for Mortlake's Timmy Clarke. The 16 year old thoroughbred has taken Timmy very successfully from Young Riders through to senior level competition and today they finished with a very respectable 8 faults.

Victorian Vet, Adam Johnson has been jumping on the world cup circuit for many years and is one of the nicest gentle riders on the circuit - Adam can always be relied on for a smile and a cheery word to everyone even when things go wrong which today they did for Woodleigh Don Juan and Adam - pictured below left.The stallion was a little overfaced to a tall vertical on course at fence 9. The stallion was brave to represent and tried his heart out but when the fence came crashing Adam took the best option and retired.

Brook Dobbin and his own 11 year old thoroughbred gelding GP Shine - pictured right - tapped the first three fences, perhaps feeling that this class was a little taller and wider than he had jumped previously - they finished with three down for 12 faults.

Next out was Gavin Chester - not just a favourite in his home state of Victoria but a favourite with jumping fans throughout Australia - and also a great favourite still with the international riders who consider Gavin to be one of the best catch riders in the world - a big reputation for a talented rider!
Gavin, now riding the 10 year old stallion bred and produced by Victorian Melissa Froesch, has made quite an impact since taking the ride on the handsome grey stallion. Coming into this class he has won 3 for 3 starts with Warlord II and today he looked set to make it 4 for 4 when he jumped a very clear round where the stallion knew where the rails were and stayed well clear of them barely breathing on any rails. Gavin and Warlord II - pictured below left - clocked up the first clear round of the class.
Becky Allen, also local, was next to go with Koyuna Ted - pictured below - and this combination were very pleased with themselves when they finished with a respectable 8 faults over this track which was proving tough enough for more experienced horses.
Just four to go in the class and next out is the horse that jumpingaround.com pick as one of the smartest jumping horses currently in the country - Ashleigh Drossel Dan and Laurie Lever - pictured below left. This 8 year old horse is jumping at the level that would be expected of a horse of this age in Europe and with his incredible technique and desire to be clean while never losing his technique this horse will go a long way under the careful saddle of Laurie Lever who is very switched on to producing a horse of such quality and talent.They finished with two green rails down but other than that never touched a rail - this would surely have to be on top of the selectors list for Hong Kong.
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