10-hour endurance race down to last two seconds
Tough conditions with high temps
AFTER 10-and-a half-hours of riding on diverse terrain, this year’s Equestrian Australia Endurance Championships came down to the last two seconds with Akhmed Pshuno from Imbil taking out the national title ahead of fellow local and current Queensland State Champion Kaylea Maher.
Pshunov, riding Sangah The Messiah, completed the 160km course at an average speed of about 15kmh after setting off at 3am Saturday morning, August 19.
It was a close race throughout with runner-up Kaylea Maher, riding A’Landell Ali, once again having to settle for second place after coming in only three seconds behind the winner in the 2016 Championships.
Matthew Sample, owner of the hosting venue Stirling’s Crossing Equestrian Complex, said the event was a great success and congratulated Mr Pshunov on the win.
“Akhmed had a great ride and the competition was tight throughout. It’s always exciting when an endurance event comes down to the final seconds,” Mr Sample said.
“We are delighted to be hosting the national championships for the second year in a row and thank everyone for their involvement and support.”
Third place went to Brook Sample from Kenilworth who rode Brookleigh Bailey over the finish line, securing a time of 11 hours and four minutes.
Tracy-Lee Feltrin took out first place in the 120km race, which also took place Satuday.
In the 80km ride on Friday four out of the top five riders were from the Imbil area.
Fiona Fenech from Kilkivan took out top honours, closely followed by Sorsha StuartRokvic from Table Top in New South Wales, Stephen Gray from Coopers Plains, Leigh Ann Sample from Kenilworth and Akhmed Pshunov from Imbil.
Conditions were tougher than expected, with temperatures being unseasonably high for this time of year but event organiser and complex owner Matthew Sample said he was delighted with the event.
“Congratulations to Fiona on a great ride. It’s always fantastic to see locals excel on the national stage,’’ he said
Mr Sample said riders travelled from New Zealand to take part in the meet, with the resurrection of the Bullio Arabians Trans-Tasman Challenge which was last hosted in 2011.
“This is a friendly, international-level competition held annually with New Zealand and hosting of the event is alternated between the two countries,” he said.
“It was a regular feature on the endurance calendar and we’re really pleased to have been selected to reinstate the event and to welcome fellow competitors from over the Tasman.”
For full results visit www.aeraspace.com.au.
It’s always exciting when an endurance event comes down to the final seconds. — Matthew Sample