EQUESTRIAN - SHOW JUMPING: There was no competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre at Deodoro on Saturday, instead show jumping riders had the chance to familiarise with the main arena before competition begins on Sunday.
Australian captain Edwina Tops-Alexander enters the Rio competition with strong form. She is leading the Global Champions Tour, the world’s premier five-star show jumping series, a title she won in 2011 and 2012.
The Beijing and London Olympian said the Rio equestrian venue had exceeded her expectations.
“The ground looks fantastic, the ring is big and the stables are really nice,” said Tops-Alexander. “We had the trot-up and we all passed so everything is going well.”
Initially Tops-Alexander had planned to ride the horse Caretina de Joter, but after a host of strong performances with her other leading mare Lintea Tequila she decided to bring the latter to Rio.
“It was a tough decision because they’re both in super shape. All along I was taking Caretina and at the end I just decided that I’d had a lot of strong results with Tequila and I know her a little bit better.”
Joining Tops-Alexander in the Aussie team is Matt Williams, James Paterson-Robinson and Scott Keach. It’s an experienced group who between them have attended six Olympic Games.
“We haven’t all competed together as a team but as riders I’ve competed with all of them. I think everyone’s done their homework,” said Tops-Alexander.
“We’re all experienced riders, we’ve all been here before so I think obviously a top five result would be fantastic but a lot depends on how the first day goes.
“Personally my goal is to jump every day clear and to qualify for the final and I’d like to be on the podium.”
It’s been 28 years since Scott Keach last entered an Olympic arena and the 51-year-old is feeling good ahead of his second Games appearance.
“For me it’s a better experience because I’m a little more relaxed about it, I’m not feeling any pressure I’m just here to ride,” said Keach. “I’ve competed at this level now for a couple of years and I know my opposition, whereas before I was a little bit greener and newer to it.”
The former eventer turned show jumper was proud to see Australia’s eventing team win bronze in the team’s event.
“The whole eventing team are a great group and it was good to be around such a positive bunch that did a good job.
“It’s just really good to be here with the Australian team because I live in the US.”
Keach said he realised two years ago that his horse Fedor could go all the way.
“He jumped the million-dollar class in New York, which is a one metre sixty class and he had one down, one unlucky rail, and he cantered around that really well. A few people who were around me said straight away that this horse was a championship horse."
While he’s not feeling the pressure Keach says he has set goals but he’s holding them close to his chest.
“I’ve got a couple of goals but I’m going to keep them to myself,” he said.
Michelle Cook
olympics.com.au
