Showjummpr has millions of reasons to chase Paralympic glory

Sian Glanney may have her sights set on the Paralympics, but first she has to get through the showjumping that will help kick off the Magic Millions Carnival on the Gold Coast this Sunday.

Paralympics hopeful Sian Glanney and Rooster are watched by Katie Page Harvey and Rebecca Frizelle. Picture: Luke Marsden

Para-athlete Sian Glanney has her sights set on the Olympics, but she has to get through Sunday first.

This weekend is the first time the 26-year-old, who is missing the lower portion of her right leg, will compete with five-year old thoroughbred Rooster, and her excitement is contagious.

“I ride every day and I got back into competing last year,” she said. “Hopefully 2024 will be my year.”

The showjumping will help kick off the two-week equine-spectacular that is The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival on the Gold Coast this Sunday. The jumping event, which is coupled with the polo, is in its third year, but 2024 will easily be the biggest.

Six thousand people are expected to pack into Doug Jennings Park to watch the event, with a live stream taking it around the world.

Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page Harvey has championed the event in order to give Australia’s best up-and-coming equestrians a chance to further their skills at home, rather than chase opportunity in the US, UK and Europe.

“This is the closest thing they’ll get to a really big event in Europe. So we’re really happy to be able to do this,” she said.

“It’s really difficult for Australian show jumpers to prepare and get sponsors. This is their career and we need to get that across to 27 million Australians.”

Ms Paige Harvey is one of the contributors to the $1.5m prize pool for the event, which also offers money to all those competing to cover competition expenses.

Glanney has a goal of competing in the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.

“A lot of people don’t realise that I’m missing a leg and, just like a lot of people you watch ride, might be disabled or have an intellectual disability,” she said.

“It’s all about the partnership and I think that’s like a nice, even playing field for everyone.

“I’m going to push for showjumping. But if para-dressage is the only way to go, then I’d love to give it a shot and represent my country.”

Board member of Paralympics Australia and the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee of the Olympic Games Rebecca Frizelle said this long-term vision for the Games was crucial to ensure that Australia fields the best possible team of athletes and para-athletes and maximises team performances in 2032, both at the Olympics and Paralympics.

“This isn’t Katie’s first rodeo,” Ms Frizelle told The Weekend Australian. “She’s done this many times before in terms of bringing focus to sport. Now showjumping in Australia is her focus.”