Teenager becomes Aussie champ on failed racehorse
Teenager becomes national eventing champion on failed racehorse
Local Sports Stars
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COMPETITIVE eventing is increasingly a preserve of the wealthy.
The top performers have horses that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, they have coaches flown in from abroad and state-of-the-art training facilities at their finger tips.
That’s what makes Hannah McKinney’s success all the more remarkable.
The Pagewood teenager has become an Australian champion on her failed racehorse, Streeton De Lago.
The 16-year-old, who trains at the South East Equestrian Club, Matraville, saw off competition from around the country to win the junior 80cm Australian Eventing Championships at Equestriad in Camden.
“He’s just a lovely horse and we go well together,” the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College student said. “I got him just over a year ago and I ride him most days. He did really well in Camden and we managed to hold on for the win.”
Donna Wright, who runs the stables, said the pair have huge potential, especially given the competition they beat.
“It was a really special to win, especially given some of the other budgets she would have been up against. They are great together and Hannah works really hard. I’m very proud of her.”
Thoroughbred Streeton De Lago was supposed to be a champion racehorse having come from good stock. He was put through trials but never even got a race start.
He was given a second chance as an eventing horse and he hasn’t looked back.
“He just gets on with the job,” Ms Wright said. “He’s brave and he’s talented and I think he can jump higher in the future.”
Hannah’s success is a team effort with her mum often visiting the stables to help out when her daughter is either at school or working part time at Kmart.
“I’m really proud of her,” she said. “They both did really well at Camden. He’s a great horse.”
Following her success, Hannah has now established herself as the one to beat.
“I just hope I can stay consistent and move up the classes,” she said. “It’s really good fun and I’m enjoying it.”
Hannah is the latest nominee for out Local Sports Stars competition of which she is a nominee for in the individual category.
The other categories are Local Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Sporting Spirit Team and Services to Sport. To nominate visit localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal.