The Gillian Rolton Olympic Memorial fence at #5AB. Photo courtesy of CrossCountryApp.com.
Imagine a four-star cross country course ribboning its way through New York City’s Central Park and, less some skyscrapers, you’ll have a sense of the venue that hosts the Australian International Three-Day Event. Relocated in 1997 to the scenic East Parklands of South Australia’s cosmopolitan capital, Adelaide, the event is quite literally in the middle of the city. Among the Parkland’s gum trees and green expanses there are lakes, playgrounds and cafés, and for one week each November, it becomes a stomping ground for horses as well as people.
An urban cross country oasis. Screenshot via CrossCountryApp.com.
Thousands of spectators are expected to turn out to watch Saturday’s cross country action, and thanks to our friends at Cross Country App we can enjoy a virtual tour of Mike Etherington-Smith’s course. We have a few changes to look forward to this year, including a revamped water jump and a new track back to Stag Corner thanks to a completed road tunnel.
CCI4* dressage leader Katie Taliana, who scored a 31.0 with Trevalgar II, her own 14-year-old British Sport Horse gelding (Fleetwood Opposition x The Wexford Lady, by Fire Blade), says of the 2018 track, “The cross country course is tougher than last year, but she’s going to have to be confident and stick to her plan. Cross country is Trevalgar II’s favorite, so she’s looking forward to it.” See our dressage report here.
Many thanks Mike Etherington-Smith, assistant course designer/CIC3* course designer Sylvia Roberts, and course builder/assistant CCI2* designer Mick Pineo for the commentary. The photos are by Sylvia Roberts and Astrid Jausel, and the videos are by Helen Diacono. The CIC3* and CCI2* courses may also be viewed at Cross Country App.
Bonus! Enjoy this flyover of the course:
Adelaide Links: Website, Dressage Results, XC Order of Go, Schedule, EN’s Coverage
