'Rookie' shaping up as the one to beat this year

ABOVE: Sarah McMillan and Tyrone. Picture: SHARLENE PHILLIPS/ONE-EYED FROG

SARAH McMillan was named the FEI World Cup Australian League’s “rookie of the year’ in showjumping last year and with her mount, Tyrone, is living up to the hype.

“He isn’t always the easiest ride and he’s not the biggest, but his heart makes up for any quirk or idiosyncrasy of his,” she said.

“He is a trier and absolutely loves his job.”

The pair won their first World Cup round at Shepparton in March and followed this up with another world cup win in trying conditions at Sale last weekend.

Under stormy skies, they finished ahead of Robert Palm and Jaybee Vibrant, Tom McDermott and Cooley Gangster and in fourth place, Phillip Lever and Billionaire NZPH.

One of the top showjumping events in the state, the Elms Showjumping Championships at Sale, which incorporates the world cup qualifier, is inclusive and caters for everyone.

ABOVE: Walking the course with Rhys Stones was a highlight for these youngsters. Picture: ONE-EYED FROG

Organised by the Sale and District Showjumping Club, features include world cup riders taking the time to walk the course with some up-and-coming and delighted young riders from local pony clubs, live streaming, a fancy dress speed event, sponsors room with entertainment and children’s play zone.

While there was some necessary rearrangement of classes due to Victoria’s stormy weekend weather, competition remained strong.

Andrew Lamb riding Oaks Ever Red, Billy Raymont and Tulara Dakchico and Wesley Joyce with Cera Ducati filled the placings in the mini prix class.

Lofty Chester was remembered in the memorial future stars class that carried his name, with the event won by Brook Dobbin riding Devos GP, followed by Wes Joyce and Cera Ducati in second place and Billy Raymont and Blue Balou PS third.

ABOVE: The Chester family with Brook Dobbin. Picture: ONE-EYED FROG

Sam Conway and Dennison Park Arnie won the open 1.30cm from Brook Dobbin and Devos GP, with Suzie Williams Commander NZPH third.

The junior championship was a happy hunting ground for Tanner Robinson who took first, third and fourth placings with Yalambis Corlandia, Queveda and Charlie, with Mirri Lang riding Mousetang filling second place.

In the open 120cm class, Sam Conway and Dennison Park Arnie won from Joel Lamb and Stirling Lady and Brooke Hickey’s Castleford Ace.

The 1.10cm class for horses six years old or younger it was interesting that all the horses in the placings were purpose-bred.

The winner, Samantha Richardson’s talented Spot The Play, is an Appaloosa by the Holsteiner Calgary GNZ. Its dam is a “sportaloosa” mare – an Appaloosa/warmblood-cross bred in Queensland.

Victoria Hoy’s second placegetter, Glenara Devaux, and Jack Barker’s Tulara Karash are also from studs focussing solely on showjumper breeding.

ABOVE: Andrew Lamb and Oaks Ever Red. Picture: ONE-EYED FROG

ABOVE: Tanner Robinson in the fancy dress relay. Picture: ONE-EYED FROG

ABOVE: It was a wild weekend of weather. Picture: ONE-EYED FROGE

Full results

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