A thorough celebration of equestrian achievement at Melbourne International 3 Day Event

On behalf of the VRC, Ambassador Amanda Ross presented the prize to the Best Performed Thoroughbred in the Off The Track CCN1*L and the Pryde’s EasiFeed CCI4*L.

The Off The Track CCN1*L was a new addition this year, with entry restricted only to former racehorses. Victorian rider Georgia Spangaro took first place with her retired racehorse Lord Wimborne, who she found via Facebook during lockdown. They led this new class from start to finish, adding no penalties to their impressive dressage score.

The Pryde’s EasiFeed CCI4*L is the top class at the competition and was won by Andrew Cooper and Pepper Jack. New Zealand rider Andy Daines and Hat Trick took out the Best Performed Thoroughbred prize.

‘L’ stands for ‘long format’, meaning that the CCI4*L competitors completed a longer cross course than the four competitors who participated in the special CCN4*S which event organisers added to the schedule for Paris bound athletes. This special class was won by Andrew Cooper and Sharvalley Thunder, just ahead of Shenae Lowings and former racehorse Bold Venture, who have remained remarkably consistent all season and remain in contention for the Australian team.

Shenae also won the Best Performed Thoroughbred in the CCI2*L with her chestnut former racehorse Kanmoreeu, while the 4Cyte CCI3*L was won by another former racehorse, Magic Mushroom TAE and his rider Teegan Ashby for the second year in a row.

Lightfingers’ 1965 Melbourne Cup was also on site and available for photographs with attendees and competitors in Racing Victoria’s Off The Track marquee in the Trade Village.

Melbourne International 3 Day Event is one of four elite competitions that the VRC supports with a Best Performed Thoroughbred prize, which also includes Sydney International Three Day Event, Adelaide Equestrian Festival, Melbourne Royal Show.