Double Dan's showing how a good man can multitask
The Double Dans doing an amazing trick on an Eventer
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Today in Adelaide, it was action packed in so many ways, take the Double Dans (above) for instance, this trick was tried today for the first time, the horse jumping is a one star event horse that Dan rode for the first time 20 mins before I took this shot. They entertained the crowds twice today with a lunch time performance before this trick in the twilight (not the movie).
There was plenty of movement in the 2* dressage, Wil Enzinger (Flowervale Maserati) took the early lead before Debbie Kopp (King Tim) took over and then Shane Rose and CP Qualified finally took an unassailable lead. Final 2* results are here.
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Flowervale Maserati with Wil Enzinger on board looking stunning
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In the 4* class Stuart Tinney (Pluto Mio) took the early lead with a nice test leaving them on 49.8 penalties. With a small field like this (14 starters) the dressage flew by. The field included a mix of Australia’s best and some new riders stepping up to four star level. The Ground Jury of Christian Landolt of Switzerland, USA’s own Marilyn Payne and Australia’s Jill Sinclair truly appreciated Shane Rose’s (APH Moritz) test with the pair scoring 69.45% or 45.8 penalties.
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Shane Rose & APH Moritz leaders after dressage in the CCI4*
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The final mover on the leaderboard was Craig Barrett who entered the ring last on Wendela Jamie and from the outset they looked fantastic. I spoke with Craig after the test and he said the horse just came onto the bit and stayed with him the whole time, he couldn’t have asked for more. Craig and Jamie slipped in front of Stuart to finish on 47.3 penalties. Full results for the Four Star here.
One of the great things about Adelaide is that it attracts our overseas-based riders, so far this weekend I have spied Sam Griffiths, Paul Tapner, Clayton Fredericks and Chris Burton swanning around. These guys have spent a lot of time in dark sunnies signing autographs although William Fox-Pitt has stolen many of their adoring fans.
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Chris "Burto" Burton wearing his safety thongs (flip-flops)
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Cross country tomorrow is sure to be challenging, tough and hot. It is expected to be hot 33C (91f), the vets have asked for a small change in the course, allowing the horses to finish and head straight into the cooling area.
Cross country starts at 10am for the 2 star and 4 star at 2:20pm Adelaide time.
I leave you with a couple of pics from the Double Dans and dressage.
John Twomey and Highly Recommended in the CCI4*
Amanda Ross & Loxley in the CCI2*
Double Dan's showing how a good man can multitask
See you all tomorrow, yours in Eventing.
ESJ
