Cross Country
CIS Cross Country Championships, Horsley Park, 8 June 2023
Shore was well represented this year at the CIS Cross Country Championships, with 15 Shore lads donning the GPS colours for a gallop around the International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park. There was no horsing around, though, as all were keen to course well at this new venue. It proved to be a fabulous change from Eastern Creek Raceway, with many more spectator opportunities.
Cam Burnett and Jock Fenwicke, two of our senior stallions, were the first to race in the 18 years race which followed soon after the 18-year-old fillies. Cam surged to the front and raced alongside an athlete from Cranbrook for the duration. Cam pulled on the reins a little toward the end of the second lap and finished a very comfortable 2nd to progress to the NSW All Schools Championships early next Term. Jock, the Walcha Wizard, looked to be chased by a filly as he started his second lap – not surprisingly, he also had a super race and finished a very commendable and pleasing 17th.
Lachy Brown, Ryan Gilmour and Jesse Cochrane were next to the course and were very jumpy at the barrier – I was surprised the marshal didn’t need to help them settle. They bolted at the gun, and both found themselves at the front of the field. That is where Lachy remained for the duration and did all he could to break a season-long rival from St Josephs. It appeared Lachy had the win with 500m to go, yet the flat, fast finish to the line suited his opponent slightly more, and he was able to reel Lachy in, getting his nose in front at the post; Lachy hot on his heels in 2nd. Super racing! Ryan had another stellar race, also. He possibly did a little too much work at the start, yet regained good momentum to finish strongly in 16th. He’s my tip to progress to All Schools next year with another season of competitive Cross Country under his saddle. Jesse had possibly his best run of the 2023 season so far, as he was 33rd in a tough field.
James Bestic and Daniel Becker followed soon after in the 16 years race. James had a difficult race with a sore hoof, no doubt a visit to the farrier was required. However, he tenaciously hung in for a grimacing 23rd. Daniel should be pleased with a solid 47th.
Thomas Gray debuted and really seems to enjoy going for a canter. He looks set to continue to improve and should be pleased with a commendable 51st, always mindful that it is not easy to get to CIS in the first place.
Hugo Stewart, James Warren and Benjamin Frantl lined up in the 14 years race. Although racing proved tough for the three, they tenaciously dug their heels in, finishing in 39th, 57th and 63rd respectively.
Going was also tough for the next three Shore lads, as Toby Ward, Thomas Capes and Archie Watson all raced in the 13 years race. Despite running exceptionally well, it was no ‘hay day’ for Toby as he missed a spot on the CIS team by three places as he was 13th. Thomas impressed in his first trot at CIS as he was 39th and Archie also did well to be 47th in another super tough field.
Josh Nieland was our last competitor in the Secondary Schools 12 years race. The field was surprisingly strong this year, and Josh found the going a bit tough, finishing 55th. However, he finished strongly and made all us fans very proud of his effort. He certainly does enjoy his running and will no doubt continue to improve.
Back to Rydalmere for the Cranbrook/Knox Relays tomorrow!
Good running,
Mr M Spratt
MIC Cross Country
