NSWIS equestrian athletes compete for Tokyo qualification

The upcoming Canberra International horse trials, held over the 21st-22nd September is an important competition for NSWIS athletes vying for qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

In the CCI4*-S class, athletes will be converging from Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales, whose experience, selection, team camaraderie and medals span across every Olympic games since  2000.

Amanda Ross, Stuart Tinney (NSWIS), Shane Rose (NSWIS) and Rebel Morrow will all compete at the event, those in the 4* will have their eyes firmly set on a team spot for Tokyo.

In cracking form, Amanda Ross is happy to be back and in contention having battled breast cancer in 2005. She has taken out the spring event at Werribee and will give Shane Rose, the in-form winner of the recent Sydney event, a run for his money.

Amanda will also go head-to-head with Sydney Olympic teammate and medal winner, Stuart Tinney, in the main class.

Tinney will be kept on his toes by his daughter, Gemma, in the 4*.

Local Australian, Nat Blundell, returns to this level on a locally owned and bred horse that she has produced and is looking for a confident run.

Canberra will welcome almost 250 competitors and 330 horses to compete in the three phases of dressage, show jumping and galloping across the 3.5km world-class cross country track.

Held at the stunning Equestrian Park, the course designers at each level, Ewen Kellet 4*, Dan Olsen 3* and Ben Smith 2* each having done a superb job.

Over 100 local volunteers from the local equestrian community will keep the action moving smoothly over the weekend.

National Capital Horse Trials Association is thrilled to provide this international 4* event in the heart of the nation’s capital and is also running its very popular national classes starting at EvA80.

Entry is free, for more information, visit fb.com/NCHTACanberra