Magnificent McDermott takes out JNSW Summer Show Grand Prix
The feature class of the JNSW Summer Show held over the last four days at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC), was decided this afternoon. The Chatham Park sponsored Grand Prix saw the rails lifted to 1.50m and brought together a strong field of 19 combinations which provided a delightful display of jumping for the assembled spectators.
In the first round there were seven clear rounds, and all of these, as well as the single combination who incurred a time penalty, Tallara Cameron and Oaks Come By Chance, were invited by the judges to compete in the second round.
Kate Hinschen and Finch Farm Cadel
Josh Collins and Cornel
Izabella Stone and Lincoln MVNZ
Tom McDermott and Warraleigh Park Cortez
Cameron and Oaks Come By Chance were first out and unfortunately for them, after taking a couple of rails, retired from the event. This left the seven clears to start the second round all on an even score of zero penalties.
First of these to attempt the course was Josh Collins and the grey stallion Cornel, who left all the rails up, but was exactly one second outside the allowed time for the course of 51 seconds. Next we saw a near replica ride by Izabella Stone and her magnificent specimen, Lincoln MVNZ (Diarado x Sereedom VDL by Indoctro). Their time was just a touch faster (51.38) seconds, however, they still incurred a time penalty but did take the lead.
Josh Collins and Cornel
Tom McDermott and Warraleigh Park Cortez were next out and McDermott, riding with intent laid down the first double clear of the class to take the lead with a very swift time of 44.36 seconds, a mark that the others would find hard to match.
Tom McDermott and Warraleigh Park Cortez
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Kate Hinschen and Finch Farm Cadel took up the challenge and were fairly flying around the course, until a single rail made them come undone. Their finish time was a testament to their speed, finishing less than a second behind McDermott with 45.33 seconds, however, the rail putting them out of contention.
The 2018 World Equestrian Games representative combination of Jamie Kermond and Yandoo Oaks Constellation (ASB Conquistador x Galaxie Piereville by Jalisco B) gave it a real crack and actually completed the course quicker than McDermott, however a rail down on the way around put a strike through their chance to win. With only two combinations remaining to tackle the course, McDermott now had a place on the podium assured.
Next combination up were the Queensland visitors, Olivia Hamood and Jane Fonda DVD (Der Senaat 111 x Rummy Cup by Calvados). Things didn’t go to plan and in the end, three rails down placed them back in seventh spot.
The last pair to try and wrestle the trophy out of McDermott’s hands was Jamie Kermond, this time with Galiano MS. They attacked the course and at a point more than half-way through they were clear and to the naked eye, matching McDermott’s ride for pace. Still clear with just the final wall in front of them, they raced towards it with the crowd growing with anticipation, evidenced by the escalating noise. They steadied ever so slightly before launching over the wall and to the collective sigh of the crowd they cleared it and raced the few metres to the line. We all knew it was going to be close and we were right. However, Kermond’s finish time of 44.66 seconds was just 0.30 seconds slower than it needed to be and to the delight of the McInerney Family (owners), McDermott and Warraleigh Park Cortez were declared the winners.
Jamie Kermond and Galiano MS
At the presentation, it was revealed what a fantastic record Warraleigh Park Cortez has at this summer show. Back in 2015, this horse took out the Futurity class and last year, the Mini-Prix. By stepping up today and winning the Grand Prix, we wonder what success might come its way next year.
CLASS 20: Chatham Park – (273.3.3 4.3) – Grand Prix – 1.50m
The first twelve placings in this class were:
PLACE | RIDER | HORSE |
1st | Tom McDermott | Warraleigh Park Cortez |
2nd | Jamie Kermond | Galliano MS |
3rd | Izabella Stone | Lincoln MVNZ |
4th | Josh Collins | Cornel |
5th | Jamie Kermond | Yandoo Oaks Constellation |
6th | Kate Hinschen | Finch Farm Cadel |
7th | Olivia Hamood | Jane Fonda DVD |
8th | Tallara Cameron | Oaks Come By Chance |
9th | Amanda Madigan | Diamond B Vivienne |
10th | Clay Simmonds | Oaks Castanza |
11th | Aaron Hadlow | Vahlinvader |
12th | Mitchell Peulic | Gredstedgaards Number One |
Results sourced from Global Entries Online and Equusentials.com