Shane Rose and Shanghai Joe prevailed in a nail-biting conclusion to the CCI3* at the Melbourne International Horse Trials at Werribee Park today. Rose jumped a faultless showjumping round under time to clinch the title from West Australian Sonja Johnson, who was second aboard Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison and third on Belfast Mojito. Rose was full of praise for the home-bred Shanghai Joe, an eight-year-old former racehorse by Another Warrior who also won Racing Victoria’s Off the Track Best Performed Thoroughbred award. He said Shanghai Joe felt great after three days of competition. It was the first CCI*** for the eight-year-old Shanghai Joe, who has been placed in the top five of the past five CIC events he has competed in. While Rose is looking ahead to the Rio Olympics in 2016 with Shanghai Joe, he is eyeing the upcoming World Equestrian Games with CP Qualified, on whom he won the Sydney CCI. He is planning to prepare for the event in Australia. Read more: http://horsetalk.co.nz/2014/06/09/shane-rose-shanghai-joe-win-melbourne-horse-trials/#ixzz34GwjRCTH Reuse: You may use up to 20 words and link back to this page. Other reuse not permitted Follow us: @HorsetalkNZ on Twitter | Horsetalk on Facebook The CCIJ1* was taken out by 16 year-old Thai rider Naphatra Lerdsipjaroen aboard Tainui Lad. Lerdsipjaroen has been based in Australia since early this year aiming to qualify for the Thai National team and ride at the 2014 Asian Games taking place in September. Shenae Lowings (Western Australia) and Venture Sky High finished second following four showjumping penalties and Sarah May and Revelin were third, rising from 15th place in dressage. MIHT Event Director Michael Hands congratulated the winners and placegetters of all classes as well as all riders and support teams for conditioning their horses in preparation for what was a true showcase of Australian equestrian talent. “To have the top three places filled by two members of the silver medal winning Beijing Olympic Team (2008) shows the quality of competition our spectators enjoyed throughout the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. “The new-look event welcomed record crowds across the four day event and saw the beauty and athleticism of great horsemanship and sporting excellence played out in front of thousands,” Hands said. The 2014 MIHT was the final Australian based qualifying opportunity for this year’s World Equestrian Games, in Normandy, France, in August.
