OAKS MEDALLION - FULL REPORT
The winners:
4 year old - OAKS ALTADOR 5 year old - FINCH FARM STYLE 6 year old - FINCH FARM CHILL 7 year old - YANDOO LADY GOLD
Despite the weather, the Oaks Medallion at the Summer Classic was a successful one. Our judges were Tony Norman and Kerrie Parker for flat work: Michelle Strapp and Leopoldo Palacios judged the jumping. International Course Builder Leopoldo has taken a keen interest in the development of this competition, and built very encouraging courses for the youngsters and offers many suggestions and insights into the development of this event for young horses.
Part of the prestige of this event is the result of sponsor generosity. As well as the Oaks Medallion, Rug and baby bonnets (ears), stallion services have been donated for each winner:
Equus Australia's HIggins, Finch Farm's Charlemagne or Chill, Wirrigulla Nicklaus from Paul Astanassoff and Charlie Hook, and Des Russell and Jamie Kermond's Caracas.
Saddleworld Mittagong and Equissentials provided 2nd and 3rd prizes, with Lyn Stalling and Steve Spender braving the mud for presentations.
The calibre of young horses was impressive - interstate horses were well-represented, with Queenslander David Finch taking our the 5 and 6 Year old classes with his young stallions Finch Farm Style and Finch Farm Chill. Emily Longhurst's lovely Rhapsody in Blue, 2nd last year, took the same place with Diamond B Eaglet in 3rd place in the 5 year olds.
Winner of the her class last year, Yandoo Lady Gold, again went to the top in the 7 year old class, with a narrow points win over Jess Brown's Equus Cadet and Sweetshot, ridden and owned by Jennifer Mitchell. The 4 year old class was an Oaks affair with all three places going to Oaks youngsters: Rhys Stones' Altador, Todd Hinde's Vendetta and Portia, ridden by Hilary Scott.
For full results go to Young Horse Results