Australian Eventing rider earns poll position at World Cup Final
Queenslander Kevin McNab has all eyes on him this week as he makes his debut into World Eventing competition ….as the top-listed participant.
After all qualification events held around the world, Kevin has the highest point-score heading into this weekend's Final.
Horses and riders from all over the world will compete for the coveted title of World Cup Champion starting tomorrow in the beautiful seaside town of Deauville, France.
Australia's challenge for this title will be exceptionally strong. In addition to Kevin Australia will be represented by two of the world's greatest horses and riders: Lucinda Fredericks and her diminutive mare Headley Britannia and husband Clayton who will be riding the magnificent Ben Along Time. The Fredericks are fresh from winning the Team Silver Medal at the Beijing Olympic Games aboard these horses.
Lucinda and Headley Britannia can also boast wins at Europe's two biggest events: Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials. Clayton and Ben were World Cup Champions in 2005, World Champion Silver Medallists in 2006 and 2007 winners of America's premier event, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.
2007 World Cup Champion Nicolas Touzaint of France will work hard to defend his title and try to keep the home crowd happy with a win on his 2008 Badminton winner Hildago de l'Ile. Amongst Germany's team will be Olympic Team Gold medallist Frank Ostholt with the experienced Air Jordan. Britain will be confident with Olympic Team Bronze Medallist William Fox-Pitt aboard a new ride Kaleidescope.
Kevin, 30, will ride Hufflepuff, a 12-year-old Australian thoroughbred gelding owned by Carrey Hastings. Kevin and Hufflepuff were winners at the Warwick World Cup qualifier in July and were runners-up in Melbourne in June. Kevin has taken a second horse Game Play as a reserve. Both horses are exciting talents and the world may well be introduced to another Eventing champion from Australia.
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