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It was a picture-perfect Saturday as South Australia turned on the weather for day three of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival – the RB Sellars Cross Country Day.
The morning kicked off with a Godolphin Cross Country Masterclass in the Gillian Rolton Main Arena. Hosted by Olympian Amanda Ross, the Masterclass was a one-hour showcase guided by the experience and knowledge of a world-class athlete as Amanda workshopped a series of cross country tips and techniques, showcasing the athleticism of five off-the-track Thoroughbreds.
Sam Woods and SS Eight Count. Photo courtesy of Adelaide International.
The Racing SA CCI3*-L cross country saw riders take to the course this morning with clear skies and pristine conditions. Rider Sam Woods and SS Eight Count took out the top spot by a narrow 0.1 margin over Olivia Barton and APH Sodoku.
The Adelaide International CCI5* cross country presented a stellar line-up of riders with the action-packed session seeing Australian rider Olivia Barton and Hollyander effortlessly executing their first ever CCI5* clear and under time, allowing her to jump from seventh after dressage to first place. First-phase leaders Diane Gilder and Your Attorney slipped to second when adding 14.8 time penalties, while first-phase runners-up Andrew Cooper and Hey Arnold picked up an unfortunate 20 penalties to drop to seventh. Ten of the eleven starters completed the phase; just one pair, Sam Woods and Cage Fighter, were eliminated after a horse fall at fence 24B, the second of a double of open corners. Olivia will go into the final phase with two rails and time in hand.
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The Horseland CCI4* cross country rounded out the third day with last year’s winner, Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture taking out the top spot with 27.8.
The Adelaide Equestrian Festival Chair Greg Rolton said the level of athleticism on display across the day was second to none.
“The Adelaide Park Lands were alive with atmosphere as spectators made their way between Victoria Park and Rymill Park to watch on as each incredible rider took to the course. The RB Sellars cross country day was the perfect showcase of what South Australia has to offer. It was a pleasure to see so many families and equine enthusiasts out experiencing this great sport. The challenging course put riders to the test as each athlete put their bodies and horses on the line as we head into the final day of the competition.”
