Lowings and Rose seal qualification for Paris

Australia has sealed a place in the eventing competition at next year’s Olympics in Paris courtesy of NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder Shenae Lowings.

Lowings led the way in the standings at the International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI) Designated Olympic Qualification Event for Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Oceania in Millstreet in Ireland.

The competition was dominated by Australia, who led through the dressage and cross country elements on 85.1 points.

A first-place finish from Shenae Lowings on Bold Venture in the final jumping stage contributed to a successful Australian effort with 100.8 points.

Meanwhile, Team Australia had a strong showing on the arena obstacles that cemented their Paris qualification and earned an Individual first place for Lowings.

Fellow NSWIS scholarship holder and three time Olympian Shane Rose and Dotti finished seventh overall, adding only 4 points for one fence down. Kevin McNab ended in fifth with Scuderia 1918 A Best Friend, also snagging 4 in penalties.

Shenae Lowings held onto her first-place spot earned at the start, finishing on her dressage score of 24.9 points for a double victory that no doubt sent her home smiling.

It’s getting down to the sharp end of the stick to qualify for Paris. International teams will have only three more chances to earn a spot at the Château de Versailles next year.

The first will be the FEI Eventing European Championship at Pin au Haras, France, in August. October’s 2023 Pan American Games at Santiago, Chile will be another. And the final FEI Nations Cup show at Boekelo in the Netherlands will end opportunities to qualify, other than through a few remaining Individual slots.

Article courtesy of the International Equestrian Federation