Springfield made sure Katie Laurie’s 20-hour drive to get to the World Cup showjumping qualifier at the Mitsubishi Motors Australian International 3 Day Event in Adelaide was well worth it.
The lovely big chestnut picked up a single time fault in each round to finish second behind Billy Raymont and Oaks Redwood NWC, who went double clear, with Laurie’s other mount Eye Catcher placing fifth in her first-ever start at that level.
Riders today had an extra incentive to go double clear over the John Vallance-designed course with a $10,000 split between those who managed it. However, Laurie said once she had picked up the single time fault in the first round with Springfield, she was focused on a clear jumping round in the second.
“I am very happy,” said Laurie. “Bart (Springfield) is jumping out of his skin at the moment and Eye Catcher stepped up well, which is cool. I couldn’t be happier with them.”
Eye Catcher had the last fence and a single time fault in the first round and two time in the second.
“It was really good for her, and there were some pretty flash horses in there too.”
Results:
1. Billy Raymont, Oaks Redwood NWC
2. Katie Laurie, Springfield
3. Jamie Kermond, Yandoo Oaks Consellation
4. Matthew Afford, Kaluna Salute
5. Katie Laurie, Eye Catcher
6. Billy Raymont, Anton
By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Libby Law/ESNZ