Exported to Europe to take part in the final qualifiers for London, Australian owned Grand Prix horse Jaybee Alabaster missed his shot at the 2012 Olympics, but is now back on top with a different, well known Aussie in the driver's seat, Hayley Beresford.
Taking out a second place with an outstanding score of 67.689% in the Grand Prix Special at the 2012 CDI-W Wroclaw last weekend, Hayley Beresford was happy to accept the ride on Alabaster. Owner Bev Edwards is excited about her horse's future. "What I love about Jaybee Alabaster, apart from the fact that I bred him, is his capacity for work and training," Bev told Eurodressage. "He always wants to give more!”
Recording some impressive scores with Australian rider Rachael Sanna, Jaybee Alabaster looked a certainty for London selection. However it was well documented that supposed foot problems associated with shoeing caused the horse to be withdrawn from Olympic contention.
"He originally came to Europe as part of the elite squad to qualify for a spot in the Australian Olympic team. Unfortunately he suffered a setback, not the least of which was that he hadn't acclimatized,” says Bev. “He had a couple of months off after Mannheim and is now feeling and working very well."
Conceived in Germany Jaybee Alabaster arrived in Australia in utero with his Elite Hanoverian dam Gloria (by Glorieux) and is sired by the respected German stallion Alabaster. The liver chestnut was gelded so he could concentrate on his thriving competition career.
"I was very happy with his recent performances in Poland, particularly as he had only been with Hayley for two months," says Bev. "We both feel that there is a lot of improvement to be made in the very near future."
Deciding to keep the horse in Europe, Bev was certain she wanted the horse ridden by an Australian, but is yet to decide what is to come for this Grand Prix gelding.
"I put the horse with Hayley because I knew her and I knew how talented she was. Also it was preferable being an Australian horse that he had an Australian rider for future representative opportunities.”
As for his future? “We are playing it by ear right now. A sale is possible, as I would like to campaign a very nice young stallion I have here in Queensland, Australia. However, I am very happy with the way things are going at present."
by Sarah Warne for Eurodressage
Photo © Lukasz Kowalski
Related Links
Scores 2012 CDI-W Wroclaw
Rachael Sanna and Jaybee Alabaster Withdraw from 2012 Olympic Contention
Rachael Sanna and Jaybee Alabaster Named Australian Domestic Athlete and Horse of the Year
Jaybee Alabaster Representing Australia at the 2004 World Championships in Verden
Australia's Rachael Sanna Ready to Contest 2012 World Cup Finals