Back To NewsThe second of Australia’s international nomination events for Para-Dressage takes place at Waregem, Belgium from 21-24 April. Athletes could present to Deauville, Waregem and either Mannheim or Roosendaal to aim to provide their highest two team and two individual scores towards their final percentage which will then be ranked against the target score in their respective grade.
According to the selection policy, combinations also must achieve a minimum of 67% at least two of the selection events.
Two solid performances by Katie Umback at the recent Deauville CPEDI3* qualifying event sees her still very much in the mix for Rio.
Riding the 12-year-old Danish bred gelding Gronskovlunds Marquis, The Grade 3 rider placed second in both the Team Test (70.553%) and Individual Championship test (69.561%).
Having purchased the horse in 2014 from Australian Tristan Tucker, who has been based in The Netherlands for some years, Katie and Marquis recently returned to the Tucker stable to campaign for Rio.
“I purchased the horse in 2014 and set a program in place aiming for Rio. As he was originally Tristan’s Grand Prix horse it has been the best plan to have us supported under Tristan’s training system.
“Although I was hitting scores in the 70’s in Australia it has been good to see where we benchmarked against riders here in Europe. Gaining scores in the high 60’s (and early 70s) at Deauville was good.
“After Deauville I will continue to aim for the best score possible at the Waregem and Roosendaal events to improve my ranking place in pursuit of Rio selection.
“Grade 3 world number one rider Hannelore Brennerwill (of Germany) will also be competing at Waregem, so it will be good to see where we fit in the bigger scheme of things,” said Umback
The same group of riders who stepped out in Deauville will head to Waregem CPEDI3*:
Katie Umback – Grade 3
Chelsea Higgins – Grade 3
Elizabeth Sobecki – Grade 3
Amelie White – Grade 4
Nicki Doogue – Grade 4
Following Waregem the last two qualifying events are Mannheim (GER) from 5-7 May and Roosendaal (NED) 19-21 May with team nomination set for 27 May.
By Equestrian Australia
Posted: 18/4/2016
