Shane Rose and Virgil lead the way going into the final phase at Adelaide. Photo by Michelle Terlato Photography.
Shane Rose and Virgil lead the way going into the final phase at Adelaide. Photo by Michelle Terlato Photography.
The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is thrilled to announce the results of today’s competition Horseland cross country day in front of a record crowd of 20,000, which now has Shane Rose leading in the Adelaide International 5-star competition, Shenae Lowings in the RM Williams 4-star competition, and Oliver Barrett leading in the Racing SA 3Star competition.
Adelaide Equestrian Festival Chairman Greg Rolton says: “It’s exhilarating for both seasoned equestrians and new spectators watching the horses rush by amidst the stunning parklands under perfect weather conditions.
“The 2023 courses designed for this weekend by internationally renowned designer Mike Etherington Smith are challenging, which makes for great viewing and an exciting competition.”
Shane Rose and Virgil. Photo by Michelle Terlato Photography.
Shane Rose, who now sits in the lead with Virgil after dressage leader Monica Spencer fell from Artist early in the course, says: “The weather could not have been better… perfect for spectators and not too hot for the horses. It’s been a really nice experience galloping through the olive groves and the winding paths of Adelaide.”
Shane Rose and Be My Daisy. Photo by Michelle Terlato Photography.
Shane, who also sits in third with Be My Daisy after cross country, continues: “So far I’m really happy with my horses. Be My Daisy was a trooper and she just kept on punching, and Virgil, the old campaigner, got the job done.’’
Rose ran the Cross Country course today on Friday afternoon after his dressage rides to analyse it closely.
“You’ve to know every tree out there to know what side to be on each of them when you are galloping at the speed we do. And there’s a lot of trees out there,’’ Rose explains.
Sam Lyle and BF Valour. Photo by Michelle Terlato Photography.
Shane is joined in the top three by Sam Lyle, who sits second after a classy round with BF Valour.
Check out the two-phase results in full here.
