The Adelaide Equestrian Festival gates opened at 8am for the TRM Horse Inspections with blue skies and sunshine seeing spectators arriving early in anticipation for the final day of competition.
A morning performance from Guy McLean Horsemanship was welcomed with crowd laughter, applause and cheers as his time with the festival came to an end after a successful four days.
The competition commenced at 10am with the Heritage Grand Stand quickly filling up with eager onlookers. Some late rail drops saw overnight leaders Sam Woods and SS Eight Count drop into fourth place while Olivia Barton and APH Sodoku demonstrated a seamless clear round to take out the 2024 Racing SA CCI3*-L.
It was the Horseland CCI4*-S that followed with a stellar line-up of riders who delivered an exciting midday session. Shenae Lowings took out the win with a gasp-worthy performance with Bold Venture fortunately making a quick recovery following a stumble coming off the back of the Brand South Australia jump.
It was a nail-biting finish for the Adelaide International CCI5* with David Middleton completing the only clear round of the class which saw the Australian rider take out first place. It was the year 2000 that last saw David win first place at the South Australian event with his then horse, Willowbank Jack. Olivia Barton received second place with a remarkable round in her first ever 5* start with Hollyander HG while Donna Edwards-Smith from New Zealand took out third place.
The Racing SA CCI*3-L Results:
First Place: Olivia Barton and APH SODOKU (AUS) 31.9
Second Place: Olivia Shore and DREAMCATCHER (AUS) 32.4
Third Place: Gemma Tinney and PHS HILTON (AUS) 36.2
Bates Saddle Young Rider Championship: Olivia Shore and DREAMCATCHER (AUS)
Horseland CCI4*-S Results:
First Place: Shenae Lowings and BOLD VENTURE (AUS) 31.8
Second Place: Andrew Cooper and PEPPERJACK (AUS) 43.6
Third Place: Oliver Barrett and SANDHILLS SPECIAL (AUS) 46.9
Pure Steed Grooms Awards: Charlotte Andrews
Adelaide International CCI5* Results:
First Place: David Middleton and WEC IN THE MONEY (AUS) 47.8
Second Place: Olivia Barton and HOLLANDER HG (AUS) 53.4
Third Place: Donna Edwards-Smith and DSE MENDOZA (NZ) 63.3
The Adelaide Equestrian Festival Chair Greg Rolton said the 2024 program was a standout with an excellent display of world-class performances supported by a record-breaking crowd.
“What a fantastic competition that we have just witnessed right here in the heart of the Adelaide CBD. It’s been a pleasure to watch these talented equestrian athletes and their horses compete in our 4-day International event.”
“For all of our spectators that have joined us here in the Adelaide Park Lands, thank you. And for those who have watched from afar, we also say thank you. Likewise, to our fantastic sponsors and volunteers – without you we wouldn’t have this world-class event to share with the world.”
Adelaide Equestrian Festival [Website] [5* Entries] [Schedule] [Scoring] [Live Stream Replay]
