Equestrian New South Wales

Stuart Tinney Wins Australian International Three Day Event

Olympic Gold medalist and NSW superstar, Stuart Tinney, has thrilled crowds at the Australian International 3DE held in Adelaide over the weekend by winning the CCI**** on the popular grey, Vettori.  The heat wave and the tough course obviously took their toll on the 31 starters in the four star class, with only half the field completing the jumping phase on day three. Stuart and Vettori proved their class over the challenging cross country phase incurring only minor time faults and then consolidated their lead after day two by jumping clear to take the title. Stuart beat Beijing Silver medalist Megan Jones into second and third place on Kirby Park Allofasudden and Kirby Park Irish Jester. Stuart also placed 7th on Ari de Gwaihir. Other local heroes Shane Rose, Heath Ryan and Chris Burton did not fare so well, either being eliminated or retiring on the cross country course.

On his result in Adelaide Stuart said, "Vettori was just the best he has ever felt, he must like the heat! Being early in the cross-country did not give me much time to assess how the course was running, so I just rode how I intended which paid off with Vettori, but it was task after task, turns to most fences, trees to dodge it was pretty hectic out there for both of us. He was just sensational at every fence, focused to the last. My other horses Ari and Panamera, despite incurring 20 penalties each, also felt amazing in the conditions and the extreme difficulty of the cross-country course, they are both not as seasoned as Vettori, but they are very much hot on his tail to victory soon I hope."

This great result for Stuart and Vettori must surely be a highlight for the partnership which has enjoyed success both in Australian and Europe. Well done to Stuart, Tinney Eventing, Vettori and Vettori's owners, Peter O'Connell and Kathy Ward. NSW riders did very well in the other classes also including Emma Scott winning the CCI** and Shane Rose and Claudia Graham placing second and third respectively in the CIC**. For a full list of results for all classes at the event click here.