Family delight as Paul Brent claims McVean Memorial Grand Prix
Source: Geoff McLean – Gone Riding Media
The McVean Memorial Grand Prix is steeped in Australian Showjumping history and one that many a rider has on their bucket list. Past winners of the class include many of Australia’s great show jumping names including Chris Chugg, Ron Easy, Jamie Coman, Tom McDermott, Paula Hamood, Clem Smith, Billy Raymont and George Senna and Jasmine Dennison to name a few.
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In 1995 Betty McVean passed away and the class was run in honour of her. It became known to all as the ‘Betty’ and ran till 2011. Sadly in 2012 Len McVean passed on and so the class was renamed the Len & Betty McVean Memorial. Both Len and Betty were pioneer showjumping officials in North East Victoria.
The event is kindly sponsored by BDSJC life member Rhonda Moroney. Prizes included a garland, rug and coveted engraved spurs.
This year it was Paul Brent on Fontaine Blue VDL with a double clear rounds and a total time of 56.070 sec. Fontaine Blue VDL is a Toulon horse out of Ocinthe (Indoctro). Second place went to Phil Lever and Calvino with four faults and a total time of 52.630 sec, third was Sam Williams on Commander NZPH with 8 faults but impressive time of 49.800sec.
Paul Brent on Fontaine Blue VDL
The first six placegetters were:
| PLACE | RIDER | HORSE |
| 1st | Paul Brent | Fontaine Blue VDL |
| 2nd | Phillip Lever | Calvino |
| 3rd | Sam Williams | Commander NZPH |
| 4th | Jasmine Dennison | Nicolossi |
| 5th | Tori Stuckey | Finch Farm Cab Sav |
| 6th | James Lang | LP Nicosia |
Words and Images Gone Riding Media © Geoff McLean – Gone Riding Media 2019
