NEWS > Eventing
Posted by Equestrian Western Australia on 08/05/2016.
Sonja Johnson and Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison
Julie Wilson

Johnson wins Sydney CCI3*

WA resident and Olympic silver medallist Sonja Johnson has won the Sydney International Horse Trials CCI3* with her thoroughbredParkiarrup Illicit Liaison, giving the West Australian confidence as she strives to make her second Olympic Team.

Johnson and Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison incurred four jumping penalties in Sunday’s jumping phase, but their strong dressage and outstanding cross country performances meant they emerged clear leaders on 48.90 penalties.

Johnson also took out third place on Misty Isle Valentino,dropping from second after a challenging jumping phase saw the pair incur 16 jumping penalties and three time penalties to end on 68.90 penalties.

“The last time I won this competition we went onto Beijing and Australia won a silver medal. So mum thinks it’s an omen,” said Johnson.

“I don’t think I’ve done my chances (of making the team) any harm this weekend. Both horses were awesome cross country, Misty Isle Valentino was a little green today but Illicit Liaison was his normal gorgeous self, it was unfortunate that we had the one rail down.”

Second place went to Hazel Shannon and Clifford who put together consistent performances across all three phases to finish the event on 54.10 penalties. Shannon and her thoroughbredClifford are going from strength to strength since first competing as a combination in 2011, and have an exciting future ahead.

Shane Rose riding Virgil won the CIC3* with an outstanding jumping display which resulted in a clear round and ensured the combination held their top spot on 46.90 penalties.

Rose also took out second place on CP Qualified. Knocking one early rail, the pair added four jumping penalties as well as two time faults to finish on 57.00. Judy Clarke and Diablito were third on 59.90 after incurring no jumping penalties and five time faults.

Emma Bishop and her horse CP Issey Miyake were victorious in the CCI2*, holding their lead from the cross country. Hailing from Raymond Terrace in NSW, Bishop and CP Issey Miyake were third after the dressage phase, took only 0.8 time penalties in the cross country and put together a clear jumping round to win on 45.70.

Shenae Lowings of Western Australia and her brown geldingVenture Sky High incurred four jumping penalties to place second on 49.80. Robert Palm and Koko Story were elevated into third place finishing on 68.50.

Andrew Barnett and Bradgate Park Dante held their lead in the CIC2*, producing a clear jumping round to win on 47.60. Barnett was fifth after dressage but a cross country phase saw him take the top spot and he solidified this position with an effortless round in the show jumping which helped him to take out the class.

Lauren Browne and Sky’s Da Limit added four jumping penalties to place second on 54.20 whilst Jessica Rae and Rascal held on for third.

At the end of the competition spectators and competitors paused to remember Caitlyn Fischer who tragically died during the competition a week earlier.

Johnson offered her sincere thanks on behalf of all competitors to the officials and volunteers who assisted in the re-running of the event. 

"Thank-you to the organisers, the volunteers and sponsors who without them this wouldn't have happened. It has been a herculean effort to do this."  

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