Aussies Fly Flag at FEI World Cup Jumping Finals

Australian Jumping riders Billy Raymont and Jamie Kermond did Australia proud at the Longines FEI World Cup™ Final in Paris across the weekend.

NSW based Kermond and his 12-year-old gelding Yandoo Oaks Constellation made it through to the second final and overall the pair finished 26th in the field of 36 of the world’s best. The title was won by Elizabeth Madden from the US aboard Breitling LS.

“I was very happy with how the horse and I handled the week. I thought we had a couple of cheap rails over the first two days but was really happy with how he finished off on Sunday,” said Kermond.

“The tracks were very big and tricky. I would really like to go back to the World Cup finals one day.”

Equestrian Australia Jumping Chef d’Equipe Todd Hinde commended Kermond on his effort.

“Jamie’s round last night in the Final was a world-class performance, being only the second combination to tackle Santiago Varela’s tough course, he rode the course exceptionally, unfortunately lowing the vertical at fence 9,” said Hinde.

Riding Oaks Redwood, Billy Raymont finished in 32nd position. He then went on to compete in the Grand Prix Equithème. In that class the combination finished a highly creditable 9th in a star-studded line up of (37) riders.

“Jamie and Billy both performed outstandingly well over all days of competition.”

“Billy only having the ride on Redwood for the last 10 months bringing him from Australian World Cups through to the World Cup final and narrowly missing out on the final round is such an amazing effort.”

“To back up on Saturday and run 9th in the Grand Prix class against the best in the business is a credit to Billy and his team,” he added.

Hinde wished to congratulate both riders on their outstanding performances in Paris this week and, also, the owners and supporters of both horses.

Article courtesy of Equestrian Australia