It’s all go in the 18 hectare grounds of the Equestrian Centre in Oliva Nova. The Gold Tour, the big tour of the 2015 Autumn MET, has begun and in the biggest event of the day, it was two powerful women who stole the headlines. Brits Chloe Aston with Kolibris As’ offspring Kolibri Classic and Laura Renwick on Rembrandt Blue took first and second place in the 1.45m competition. Compatriot Geoff Luckett followed in third place with Constant II. Renwick also won the 1.35m competition, this time with Ulevka de Breve. It was very much “Rule Britannia“ on the third day of competition as three Brits – Kayleigh Watts, Aston and Luckett took first, second and third place in the first Gold Tour competition.
A huge number of stables and countries are being represented in Oliva Nova. The Brits alone have 53 riders taking part, as well as all their horses. The Ukrainian delegation is also very impressive. With just one exception (Cassio Rivetti), all internationally renowned Ukrainian riders are present.
Sponsor Alexander Onischenko has 34 horses at the series with his team – and he’s already discovered a 35th horse in the first week of the MET. But the equestrian sports enthusiast isn’t revealing any details just yet. Ulrich Kirchhoff, who competes for the Ukraine, is impressed with the tournament and warm-up grounds at the Autumn MET: “The arenas are better than ever. They’re really good.” The Ukrainian delegation now have their eyes set on the Rio Olympics. That, admits Onischenko, is the big dream for 2016…
On Friday the Autumn MET continues with seven events in the bronze and gold tours.
Results: www.horse-timing.com
www.mediterranean-equestrian-tour.net
Source: Press release
