SHOWJUMPERS will vie for more than $5000 in prizemoney at this weekend’s Warrnambool show.
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Grassmere equestrian and Warrnambool Agricultural Society showjumping committee member Tim Clarke said although this year’s show clashed with the Mount Gambier show, entries were still strong.
“There will be a lot of top Victorian showjumpers here competing, including Robert Agnew, a previous Australian championship winner, former Olympian Russell Johnstone, Don Scott and Murray Sproull,” Clarke said.
“It will be a full three days of showjumping.”
South-west riders saddling up include Morris Clarke and Tim Haworth, from Mortlake.
Tim Clarke, the Equestrian Federation of Australia athlete of the year, has three horses lined up for competition, including Totally Blue NZPH and Centago.
He will also compete on his successful mare Caltango, which has just returned to jumping after a short break.
“She has been on a run of shows across Adelaide Royal, the Australian championships and Melbourne show,” he said.
“She won a couple of World Cup qualifiers and was runner-up in the Australian champs. We will use Warrnambool, Colac and maybe Whittlesea shows to get ready for the next run of World Cup events.”
Jumping will begin tomorrow, with prizemoney offered in all official and unofficial classes.
“There is very good sponsorship from the local community, which is really appreciated,” Clarke said.
“The highlight event will be the 1.40-metre championship on Saturday.
“The 1.25-metre championship is on Sunday. There is also a junior championship on the Saturday.”
Clarke said young Mortlake showjumpers Will and Rosie Allen were riders to look out for.
“We’re looking forward to three great days of competition,” he said.
A Victorian Equestrian Interschool Network showjumping and dressage competition will also be contested, as well as other horse events across the weekend.
Showjumping action begins tomorrow on the main arena at the Warrnambool Showgrounds from 8am.