With the breathtaking Chateau de Versailles as a backdrop, the Australian Jumping Team took to the arena for the Paris 2024 Team Qualifier with the aim of finishing ahead of 10 other teams.
Leading the way for Australia and out in 18th position on the start list were Hilary and our beloved Oaks Milky Way. They had a strong start to the round, with just a single rail down at the half way point, however, the second half of the round did not go to plan. Rails down at the eighth, the second of the treble at 13 and the last, gave them a total of 16 penalties.
Hilary said after her round, “It’s extremely, extremely special to be riding our homebred mare Milky Way. Something I never even could have dreamed of. Being here on one that we actually bred. So it’s very, very special and yeah, I guess it’s a big effort from everyone. Takes a lot. A lot of people a lot of hands so very grateful.
“She’s (Milky Way) extremely confident and she has a big heart, a lot of energy and she loves to jump; and that was evident a little bit today because she’s a bit too eager. Even at her age, she’s nearly 17 and she’s still surprises me.”
Thaisa Erwin and Hialita B followed Hilary – also picking up 16 penalties, then Edwina Tops-Alexander and Fellow Castlefield came out and although they only collected one rail, it wasn’t enough to get Australia into the Team Final, with Australia finishing in 15th spot and missing out on the Team Final.
Putting this behind us however, we looked towards the Individual Qualifier.