Tamworth International Eventing’s event this weekend has attracted so many entries it will be held over three days at AELEC.
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It’s the first time that has happened in the event’s six-year history.
“It’s extremely exciting and encouraging to see this event go from strength to strength,” said Carolyn Campbell, Tamworth International Eventing president.
“With over 440 entries received, we will be running the dressage phase for two of our international level classes on Friday, with the majority of the event held over Saturday and Sunday.”
Eventing competitions consist of three phases: dressage, show jumping and cross country, and the sport is often described as an equestrian triathlon.
Over 60 entries have been received for the international level classes, and the competition is expected to be fierce, with four previous winners of the elite three-star class returning to Tamworth with their eyes on the prize.
Hazel Shannon and her thoroughbred Clifford are one such combination, having emerged victorious in the three-star class at Tamworth on three previous occasions.
They has since won the 2016 Australian International Three Day Event in Adelaide, and now have their sights on selection to represent Australia at next year’s World Equestrian Games in the US.
Katie Taliana from Wilberforce won the Three Star Class in Tamworth with her imported horse Trevalgar II in 2013 and 2015. This year she will ride both Trevalgar II and her thoroughbred Friday Street in the class.
Previous winners Jessica Rae and Rascal, and Soigne Jackson and Warrego Collateral Damage are also entered in the elite three-star class.
Andrew Barnett from Keinbah is the only male rider entered in the top class, and it will be the first start at this level for Andrew and his horse Bradgate Park Fonzie, who have dominated at the two-star Level in 2016 and 2017.
Many local riders will be competing at the event, with every level of eventing competition scheduled, from the 45-centimetre encourager class through to the elite level.
The international classes will complete the cross country phase from 11.30am to 2pm on Sunday, with show jumping in the indoor arena on Saturday from 3pm to 6.30pm.