James Murphy
EQUESTRIAN prowess is on show at Blue Lake Sports Park this weekend for the 40th annual Mount Gambier Easter Showjumping Festival.
The venue’s velodrome facility has been converted into a show ring for the festival, while for the first time a second ring will provide further spectating opportunities.
“We have jazzed it up a little bit this time and are running a second ring,” Mount Gambier Showjumping Club president David Johnson said.
“Thanks to the South Gambier Football and Netball Club we have been able to work with them and use their ground.
“We are very honoured and humbled to be able to do that and appreciate their generosity.”
As such there is room for extra classes and there will be a total of 42 events across the four-day carnival.
“I’d have to say it is our biggest event on the calendar,” Johnson said.
“A lot of effort goes into this, both from members and from members’ families who often contribute as volunteers.
“We can’t do it without volunteers and our sponsors.”
Entry numbers are strong and spectators will be treated to a packed schedule of showjumping action.
“We are looking at about 500 rounds for the weekend,” Johnson said.
“We have riders coming from Adelaide, over in Gippsland, Melbourne and in between.”
Several riders carry good form into the carnival and Johnson said they may be ones to watch.
“Kristy Bruhn was recently crowned senior state champion for South Australia,” Johnson said.
“Then you have Adam Metcalfe who was recently crowned South Australia senior rider of the year and coming from Mortlake way is Katie Clark who is a member of the winning team up at the Magic Millions event.”
From a local perspective, Bruhn is always in the mix, while Millicent’s Libby Halliday is another who could perform.
“(Halliday) went up to Stonewall late last year with a few of her horses for an off-the-track event and she did quite well,” Johnson said.
“She will definitely be one to watch.”
A large prize money pool is on offer across the range of events, which provides extra incentive for riders.
“On Monday we have the (John Wilsher Memorial) Blue Lake Stakes and the City of Mount Gambier Grand Prix,” Johnson said.
“They are two of the bigger ones.
“Throughout the weekend the John Wilsher Memorial and the David Clark Memorial are both pretty near and dear to the club as they are founding members of our club.”
Competition kicks off today (April 7) with entry free for spectators and canteen facilities available.
