THE Blue Lake Sports Park velodrome will be filled with close to 60 riders and 110 horses this weekend for the city’s biggest showjumping competition.
Attracting competitors from across Victoria and South Australia the Easter festival is one not to be missed with some of the best showjumpers in the country taking part.
Now in its 36th year, club president David Johnson puts the event’s success down to a few simple reasons.
“The club is able to provide grounds with an excellent jumping surface, along with equipment that is as good as any going around,” he said.
“Providing a quality course designer and the ease of getting to and from the event makes this a must do event for many.
“With the event being conducted inside the velodrome, it provides a unique setting for both riders and spectators.”
The Limestone Coast will again be well represented, with several club riders participating.
“With a number of MGSJC members competing over this weekend, there are definitely a few who are worth keeping your eye on,” Johnson said.
“Those being 2016 Australian speed champion Kristy Bruhn, Kate Crauford, Jess Kent, Liam McMaugh, Emma McCrae and Rebecca Burns, all of whom have been in good form in recent months.”
Along with those riders, there are several top-quality competitors chasing the honours in their respective classes.
“There are a good number of quality riders in the field again this year,” Johnson said.
“That includes the 2004 Australian senior showjumping champion Robert Agnew, Adam Metcalfe, Scottie Barclay, Jacob Wells and Nicole Bruggemann.
“Along with a field of accomplished juniors and young riders, who are really starting to challenge these guys, the competition is sure to be of a high standard.”
Johnson said the Mount Gambier club continues to produce top-quality riders, with Bruhn one of the more accomplished.
“The MGSJC has produced many riders that are not only great competitors, but are also capable of competing and being competitive at the highest levels,” he said.
“As noted, we have Kristy Bruhn as a much accomplished and established rider and horse trainer, but we also have a number of other riders that are able to mix it with the best.
“One of those is Kane Johnson – at 15 and still a junior – who attended the Australian showjumping championships last year and placed fourth overall in the children’s championship.
“He will again try his hand in the velodrome in open company before heading to Adelaide for the SA state championships.”
The event has many different jump heights that range from 95cm, up to and including 140cm.
The first class will start at 10am today, with tomorrow, Sunday and Monday starting at 8am.
Each day will finish around 5pm, except for Monday, which finishes around 4pm to allow travelling competitors to leave early.
The event is free for spectators.
