Hailing from Wanneroo in Western Australia, David Dobson tonight took out the Jumping title at the Equestrian Grand Final at Sydney Showground.

In front of a full house of more than 4,000 spectators at the Dome Arena, Dobson cleared the second round in enough time to take top honours ahead of Cathy Graham and Chris Chugg.

Riding AS Akon, a horse which he bred himself, the two-time Australian representative said he knew exactly what he had to do heading to the second round.

“I went into the second round thinking if the guys behind me go clear they’ll go faster than me because they’re on more experienced horses.

“So I had to take in account the crowd, atmosphere and the jumps got fairly big towards the end I was just proud he (AS Akson) was able to jump the clear round.

Queensland’s Cathy Graham riding Da Vinci’s Pride was in the lead after the first round and was the only person to have a clear first round.  But with two rails down in the second round, she was forced to settle for second place.

In third place was five-time National Jumping Champion Chris Chugg riding ASB Alondra who rounded out the podium places – he also finished in sixth place on Diamond B Vigo.

“This is five-star class show at an equestrian centre in the middle of the city - you can’t get any better,” said Chugg.

The testing course resulted in some upsets, with crowd favourite Vicki Roycroft eliminated after two refusals in round one on her young French horse, Kartoon De Breve.

Held as part of EQUITANA Sydney, the inaugural Equestrian Grand Final was kicked off in spectacular fashion and is certain to become a highlight on the equestrian sporting calendar.

Equestrian Australia’s CEO Grant Baldock said the combination of the venue, calibre of riders and concept has kicked off the new event well.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better way to launch the Equestrian Grand Final.  The concept is something that Equestrian Australia and Equitana organisers have been working on for some time and I think tonight was a great showcase of what is special about our sport.

“The Equestrian Grand Final has a strong future and will continue to be bigger and better each year,” he said.

Top placings from the Jumping Grand Final:
1.    David Dobson, AS Akon 4+0 (56.03)
2.    Cathy Graham, Da Vinci's Pride 0+8 (55.48)
3.    Chris Chugg, ASB Alondra 4+ 8 (50.79)
4.    Amanda Madigan Oaks Altes 12+0 (55.88)
5.    Jamie Kermond Colthaga 8+4 (57.24)
6.    Chris Chugg Diamond B Vigo 9+13 (56.33)

Equestrian Australia