In a memorable Adelaide Three Day Event, Koko Story ridden by Robert Palm was the leading ‘Off The Track’ horse in the Four Star class, finishing sixth overall.
Koko Story was a former Queensland based galloper known as Southern Pride who finished last in his three trials in Queensland before his eventing career began.
Koko Story started the Three Day Event slowly, finishing the Dressage in 17th place but after a fantastic day in the Cross Country where he finished fourth, he shot up the leaderboard into eighth spot.
On the final day in the Show Jumping, Koko Story received two penalties which saw him finish in sixth spot overall which is a magnificent achievement considering his position after the first round.
Last year’s Four Star winner Willingapark Clifford had a tough event which saw him sit in tenth spot after the Dressage on Day 1 but an uncharacteristic bad day in the Cross Country saw him drop to 13th spot.
His class rose to the top on the final day where he completed a perfect run of the Show Jumping course. A feat which was only achieved by the top two horses in the Four Star competition.
The Four Star event was taken out by New Zealander Clarke Johnstone on Balmoral Sensation, a horse that finished sixth in the Equestrian at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation needed a clean run of the Show Jumping circuit to take victory after Megan Jones and Kirby Park Impress completed a clean run prior, to put the pressure right on the eventual winners.
In the Three Star event Lagoes Choice was the leading ‘Off The Track’ horse and he finished third overall in the competition. The gelding, formerly known as Duluth was originally trained by Mick Price and had six career race starts before moving into eventing.
Andrew Cooper and Lagoes Choice finished Day 1 in 12th position but after a fantastic run in the Cross Country where they finished second on the day they moved into fourth place. Another good day in the Show Jumping saw them take out a podium spot.
While in the Two Star event, Here To Stay was the leading ‘Off The Track’ horse finishing in fourth spot overall.
The former New Zealand galloper raced under the name Spookles in his two race start career. Consistent results throughout the three days sat Belinda Isbister and Here to Stay just finish outside the placings in fourth spot.
Thoroughbred Racing SA was thrilled to once again be involved with this world class event, promoting the successful transition of thoroughbreds from a racing career on to the eventing world stage.
