Local SportAs winter sports wrap up, summer sports are making a significant impact on the community. Here are some highlights from the local sporting arena.Jasmine Haydon, a proud product of the Hawkesbury, has made headlines as a Paralympic medallist at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, securing silver in boccia alongside teammate Jamieson Leeson. Their team entered the Games as the top-ranked competitors, and Jasmine's debut - just eight months into her sporting journey - was a remarkable achievement. Congratulations to both athletes for representing our nation and, equally important, the Hawkesbury sporting community.This past month, Christopher Burton has continued to excel in the equestrian world, most notably winning a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in individual eventing. His performance aboard Shadow Man was exceptional, especially during the cross-country phase, where he came close to a perfect run. Burton’s skill in dressage and show jumping further solidified his reputation. This marks his third Olympic appearance, adding to his previous successes at London 2012 and Rio 2016.In other equestrian news, the polo scene has returned to the Hawkesbury. After a busy off-season dedicated to preparing young horses and practicing chukkas, the local area is set to host some of the highest-level polo in the country over the next three months. Talented players from across Australia will compete at various venues in different grades.Excitingly, some young, up-and-coming local players have been selected to represent Australia in a test match against New Zealand. Congratulations to Piper Trickett and James Parry Okeden, who live and play in the lowlands, as they prepare to represent us on the international stage. A big shoutout also goes to Anna Dowling, who played for the Australian ladies' team, which triumphed over New Zealand on September 29 in Queensland.Piper Trickett will represent NSW against the South Island on the 9th OctoberThe Windsor Spectacular, hosted by the Upper Hawkesbury Power Boat Club, triumphantly returned from September 15-17, featuring over 60 boats racing in categories like the Chesser Trophy and State of Origin Series. After several years of cancellations due to flooding, this event marked a much-anticipated comeback.In welcome news for many, the Richmond Swimming Centre has reopened for the 2023-2024 season, providing locals with a perfect spot to cool off and enjoy water activities as we move into the warmer months.Youth sports are also thriving, with the Hills Hornets Under-18 Girls Basketball team gearing up for national competitions. Meanwhile, Hawkesbury City FC and the Hawkesbury Hawks have wrapped up a successful season across various youth age groups, from Under-8 to Under-18.Australia Sporting NewsIt's that time of year again, as finals footy takes center stage. The Penrith Panthers, the pride of the region, continue their dominance in the NRL, sitting as narrow favorites. The powerhouse club is aiming for its fourth consecutive premiership as they advance to their fifth straight grand final.The club's exceptional youth pathway system, which nurtures local talent, is paying dividends. This success is largely attributed to the development pathways that have produced stars like Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, and Isaah Yeo. Cleary’s notable performance in finals and composure under pressure will be crucial for the local heroes as they seek to make history.The Panther's Youth Pathways System can be credited for the Panther's ongoing success However, the relentless Melbourne Storm are eager to challenge for the premiership, promising an electrifying grand final. In the prelims, the Storm easily overcame an injury-depleted Roosters side that lost momentum after just 15 minutes. Following three consecutive penalties stemming from Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s (NAS) sin bin, the Roosters took an early lead with a try from Daniel Tupou. The Storm quickly responded with an electrifying try from Ryan Papenhuyzen and then went on to score several unanswered tries, led by Jahrome Hughes, who found the try line three times. Cameron Munster added two more tries in the 74th and 79th minutes, sealing the victory and sending the Roosters home disappointed.Not everything is smooth sailing for the Storm, though, as NAS faces a potential suspension after being sin binned and reported for high contact on Lindsay Collins just seconds into the game. The Storm will be doing everything possible to have him available for Sunday’s match, given his crucial role in the forward pack.The Sharks put up a commendable fight against the reigning premiers on Saturday, holding the Panthers to a four-point deficit at halftime. Despite exceeding expectations in this year's finals campaign, the Sharks ultimately lacked the firepower to overcome Penrith. Star playmaker Nathan Cleary left the field in the 74th minute after a challenging try-saving effort, raising concerns about his shoulder for the upcoming grand final. His health will be critical in determining the outcome of Sunday’s thrilling clash, where he aims to secure a groundbreaking fourth premiership as captain. Hamish’s TipPenrith Panthers: 24-22 Clive Churchill Medallist: Dylan Edwards  In the AFL Grand Final, the minor premiers faced a harsh reality as their hopes for redemption were dashed by Brisbane's dominant performance. After a competitive first quarter, the Lions unleashed a string of unanswered goals, cruising to a 120-60 victory.Will Ashcroft made history as the youngest player to win the Norm Smith Medal at just 20 years old, posting 30 disposals and scoring a goal in the emphatic win.The Swans are left to grapple with disappointment once more. Despite a stellar regular season and a comeback against the GWS Giants in the quarter-finals, the loss of captain Callum Mills proved too much, leading to another runners-up finish and extending their streak of near misses to four years.

The Hawkesbury region is bustling with activity as the Spring polo season kicks off, welcoming more than 1000 polo ponies and their grooms and riders for a prestigious Hector King, Dudley and Sir Phillip Charley Cups.The spring tournaments will significantly boost the local economy with hundreds of thousands of dollars pouring in over ten days of competition. Various private and public polo clubs in the area are collaborating to host the tournaments, which will attract top polo talent from across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and the UK. The Richmond Lowlands are once again a focal point for the sport, featuring all competition levels ranging from amateur to professional to matches.The highlights of the season are the Hector King and Dudley Cup tournaments. These events, which include more than twelve 12 - goal teams, are widely regarded as Australia's largest and most competitive high-level polo competitions.This season, polo fans will be treated to matches starring a string of elite players. Among them are Ellerston Team's Shane Finemore, a renowned investment banker and a highly respected figure in the polo community, and Peter Huston Troika, who is also Head of Corporate Legal & Strategy at Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. Other players include Ben Barnham, grandson of media mogul Kerry Packer, as well as world-class talent Alec White, an ex-Australian Captain who has played across the world, including the UK, Argentina, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain, Dubai, and whose presence is sure to bring the wow factor. Another Australian Captain and Australia's highest-ranked player to play this season will be Ruki Ballieu of Eynesbury Polo Club.The exceptional quality of the players in this seasonal competition highlights the national significance of these Hawkesbury-based events in the polo calendar. Jeremy Bayard, Treasurer of NSW Polo, told the Post: "The record entries for Countess of Dudley Cup mean approximately 1,000 horses arrive in the Hawkesbury for a fortnight of polo. "With horses come more than 150 people directly employed for their care - all of whom inject thousands into the local economy. The pubs, cafes, hotels/ motels, produce stores, vets and farriers will all benefit from this festival of polo. The final is watched online by thousands around the world, further establishing the Hawkesbury's reputation as the centre of polo in Australia."The Hawkesbury polo tournaments present a colossal organisational challenge. The event's scale is immense, with almost 40 teams registered, each scheduled for five matches. Adding to the complexity, individual players bring between 6 to 10 horses apiece, and some athletes compete across multiple skill levels. Recent rainfall has further complicated matters, forcing the closure of some fields. Consequently, organisers face the daunting task of revising the entire tournament schedule. This intricate web of logistics, coupled with unpredictable weather, has transformed the event management into a Herculean effort requiring constant adaptation and problem-solving by local company M Polo, Kim McDougal and Adam Mealy.Tickets are free for the public to get along and enjoy a game or two. Games will be played at the Windsor Polo Club between 26 September and 6 October.

The Hawkesbury region is bustling with activity as the Spring polo season kicks off, welcoming more than 1000 polo ponies and their grooms and riders for a prestigious Hector King, Dudley and Sir Phillip Charley Cups.The spring tournaments will significantly boost the local economy with hundreds of thousands of dollars pouring in over ten days of competition. Various private and public polo clubs in the area are collaborating to host the tournaments, which will attract top polo talent from across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and the UK. The Richmond Lowlands are once again a focal point for the sport, featuring all competition levels ranging from amateur to professional to matches.The highlights of the season are the Hector King and Dudley Cup tournaments. These events, which include more than twelve 12 - goal teams, are widely regarded as Australia's largest and most competitive high-level polo competitions.This season, polo fans will be treated to matches starring a string of elite players. Among them are Ellerston Team's Shane Finemore, a renowned investment banker and a highly respected figure in the polo community, and Peter Huston Troika, who is also Head of Corporate Legal & Strategy at Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. Other players include Ben Barnham, grandson of media mogul Kerry Packer, as well as world-class talent Alec White, an ex-Australian Captain who has played across the world, including the UK, Argentina, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain, Dubai, and whose presence is sure to bring the wow factor. Another Australian Captain and Australia's highest-ranked player to play this season will be Ruki Ballieu of Eynesbury Polo Club.The exceptional quality of the players in this seasonal competition highlights the national significance of these Hawkesbury-based events in the polo calendar. Jeremy Bayard, Treasurer of NSW Polo, told the Post: "The record entries for Countess of Dudley Cup mean approximately 1,000 horses arrive in the Hawkesbury for a fortnight of polo. "With horses come more than 150 people directly employed for their care - all of whom inject thousands into the local economy. The pubs, cafes, hotels/ motels, produce stores, vets and farriers will all benefit from this festival of polo. The final is watched online by thousands around the world, further establishing the Hawkesbury's reputation as the centre of polo in Australia."The Hawkesbury polo tournaments present a colossal organisational challenge. The event's scale is immense, with almost 40 teams registered, each scheduled for five matches. Adding to the complexity, individual players bring between 6 to 10 horses apiece, and some athletes compete across multiple skill levels. Recent rainfall has further complicated matters, forcing the closure of some fields. Consequently, organisers face the daunting task of revising the entire tournament schedule. This intricate web of logistics, coupled with unpredictable weather, has transformed the event management into a Herculean effort requiring constant adaptation and problem-solving by local company M Polo, Kim McDougal and Adam Mealy.Tickets are free for the public to get along and enjoy a game or two. Games will be played at the Windsor Polo Club between 26 September and 6 October.

As the epicentre of equestrian sports in Australia, the Hawkesbury boasts many remarkable riders, but Christopher Burton’s performance at the Paris Olympics might have just earned him the title of the greatest.When the world watched Christopher Burton complete a flawless cross-country round on the second day of eventing at the Paris Olympics, it became evident that it would take an extraordinary effort to surpass him. And it did. Sitting in bronze position heading into the final test, the show jumping, Burton faced a formidable opponent: Germany’s Michael Jung, a man who has won three individual gold medals in eventing and now a fourth. Burton needed to jump double clear and hope for Jung to have two rails down. In the end, Jung only took one rail and claimed the gold. Burton secured the silver.Team mate Shane Rose knew Burton was a serious chance of a medal. “It’s always great to be on a team with Chris, he is the ultimate competitor. We knew going into the Paris Olympics he was a real individual medal chance and he delivered,” Rose told the HP.It was a spectacular result, especially considering it had been 24 years since Australia last took individual gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Even more extraordinary was that Burton was shortlisted not just for the eventing team in Paris but also the show jumping team - a feat never accomplished before at one Olympics. The only other rider to have competed in two disciplines at the Olympics is equestrian legend, Vicky Roycroft.Known as the fastest cross-country rider in the world, a perfectionist in dressage, and a highly skilled showjumper, Burton was always favoured. However, his recent shift towards showjumping and away from eventing may have overshadowed just how exceptional he truly is.“Burto,” as he is affectionately known, was born in Queensland on a grain and cattle farm at Brymaroo. He rode from a young age but did not win his first competition until he was 16 years old, relatively late for those who prefer to spot talent and winners at a much younger age. In an interview with Equestrian LIfe Magazine, Burton fondly recalled one of his first ponies “Spice.”“I remember we were so little we couldn’t saddle her up and if we fell off, we would keep hold of the reins and try to find some food to get her to lower her head so we could climb onto her neck and hold onto her ears, and she would lift her head up and we would scramble on and ride home.”With riding now a career, Burton moved to New South Wales to further his eventing, spending ten of his formative years in the heartland of horse sports - the Hawkesbury. While pursuing his eventing career, he rode track work for Philippe and Tara Vigouroux from Vigouroux Racing Stables at Clarendon to pay the bills. There were ups and downs, but it was perhaps the downs that crystallised his internal grit and gave him the confidence in his natural talent to tough it out for years in the most competitive eventing platform in the world. In 2011, he moved to the United Kingdom to compete against the world’s best on the toughest courses.Burton was selected for the 2012 team for the London Olympics and came home with a team bronze at the Rio Olympics, shared with Shane Rose, Stuart Tinney, and Sam Griffiths. Individually, he came fifth, but this was perhaps overlooked by the team result and the public following a hilarious post-event media interview given by the team. Although selected for Tokyo, his horse Quality Purdey was ruled out due to injury before stepping on the plane to Japan. In 2024 Burton was selected on the eventing team for Paris, even though he had turned his focus to show jumping and had only been campaigning his horse Shadow Man for six months before the games. Burton had his eye on Shadow Man for years. “I honestly think he’s the best horse in the world. He’s the most beautiful animal, very easy to get to know,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald. Burton had tried to buy him years ago without success, but luck and circumstance allowed Burton to lease the 14-year-old gelding for six months to aim for the Olympics.The rest is they now say is history and “Burto” has etched himself into the annals of Australia’s sporting history. What next? Burton and his family after years abroad will head back to Australia permanently, having purchased a property in Goulburn where he hopes to focus on teaching and showjumping.But for any equestrian watching Burton's dressage test, cross-country phase, or show jumping performance during the Paris Olympics, it was evident that Shadow Man was spectacular, almost as spectacular as the Australian boy from the bush who become one of the best riders in the world.

As the epicentre of equestrian sports in Australia, the Hawkesbury boasts many remarkable riders, but Christopher Burton’s performance at the Paris Olympics might have just earned him the title of the greatest.When the world watched Christopher Burton complete a flawless cross-country round on the second day of eventing at the Paris Olympics, it became evident that it would take an extraordinary effort to surpass him. And it did. Sitting in bronze position heading into the final test, the show jumping, Burton faced a formidable opponent: Germany’s Michael Jung, a man who has won three individual gold medals in eventing and now a fourth. Burton needed to jump double clear and hope for Jung to have two rails down. In the end, Jung only took one rail and claimed the gold. Burton secured the silver.Team mate Shane Rose knew Burton was a serious chance of a medal. “It’s always great to be on a team with Chris, he is the ultimate competitor. We knew going into the Paris Olympics he was a real individual medal chance and he delivered,” Rose told the HP.It was a spectacular result, especially considering it had been 24 years since Australia last took individual gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Even more extraordinary was that Burton was shortlisted not just for the eventing team in Paris but also the show jumping team - a feat never accomplished before at one Olympics. The only other rider to have competed in two disciplines at the Olympics is equestrian legend, Vicky Roycroft.Known as the fastest cross-country rider in the world, a perfectionist in dressage, and a highly skilled showjumper, Burton was always favoured. However, his recent shift towards showjumping and away from eventing may have overshadowed just how exceptional he truly is.“Burto,” as he is affectionately known, was born in Queensland on a grain and cattle farm at Brymaroo. He rode from a young age but did not win his first competition until he was 16 years old, relatively late for those who prefer to spot talent and winners at a much younger age. In an interview with Equestrian LIfe Magazine, Burton fondly recalled one of his first ponies “Spice.”“I remember we were so little we couldn’t saddle her up and if we fell off, we would keep hold of the reins and try to find some food to get her to lower her head so we could climb onto her neck and hold onto her ears, and she would lift her head up and we would scramble on and ride home.”With riding now a career, Burton moved to New South Wales to further his eventing, spending ten of his formative years in the heartland of horse sports - the Hawkesbury. While pursuing his eventing career, he rode track work for Philippe and Tara Vigouroux from Vigouroux Racing Stables at Clarendon to pay the bills. There were ups and downs, but it was perhaps the downs that crystallised his internal grit and gave him the confidence in his natural talent to tough it out for years in the most competitive eventing platform in the world. In 2011, he moved to the United Kingdom to compete against the world’s best on the toughest courses.Burton was selected for the 2012 team for the London Olympics and came home with a team bronze at the Rio Olympics, shared with Shane Rose, Stuart Tinney, and Sam Griffiths. Individually, he came fifth, but this was perhaps overlooked by the team result and the public following a hilarious post-event media interview given by the team. Although selected for Tokyo, his horse Quality Purdey was ruled out due to injury before stepping on the plane to Japan. In 2024 Burton was selected on the eventing team for Paris, even though he had turned his focus to show jumping and had only been campaigning his horse Shadow Man for six months before the games. Burton had his eye on Shadow Man for years. “I honestly think he’s the best horse in the world. He’s the most beautiful animal, very easy to get to know,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald. Burton had tried to buy him years ago without success, but luck and circumstance allowed Burton to lease the 14-year-old gelding for six months to aim for the Olympics.The rest is they now say is history and “Burto” has etched himself into the annals of Australia’s sporting history. What next? Burton and his family after years abroad will head back to Australia permanently, having purchased a property in Goulburn where he hopes to focus on teaching and showjumping.But for any equestrian watching Burton's dressage test, cross-country phase, or show jumping performance during the Paris Olympics, it was evident that Shadow Man was spectacular, almost as spectacular as the Australian boy from the bush who become one of the best riders in the world.

The Hawkesbury's own Courtney Nevin is set to compete at the Paris Olympics as a travelling reserve for the Matildas, Australia's national women's football team. Last month, the Australian Olympic Committee announced the 18-member Matildas squad for Paris 2024, with Nevin chosen as one of four travelling reserves. These reserves can replace an athlete in the event of injury or other withdrawal from the team.Member for Hawkesbury Robyn Preston congratulated Nevin in a speech to Parliament; "In Hawkesbury, we claim Courtney and are incredibly proud of her sporting prowess, culminating in her national representation. I would also like to acknowledge Courtney's parents, Angelica and Phil, who must be very proud of their daughter. Courtney is a defender, and the Matildas' first Olympic match is at 3 AM on the 26th of July, where they will take on the formidable German team in Marseille. Mr Speaker, like many Australians and her legions of Hawkesbury fans, I will be cheering Courtney Nevin and the Matildas on their Olympic journey. Go Courtney!"Nevin currently plays fullback for Leicester City in the English Women's Super League and represents Australia on the Matildas team. She began her stellar career with the Oakville Ravens before joining the Blacktown Spartans in the NPL. She is also contracted to the Western Sydney Wanderers in the Women's League.The Matildas, captained by Steph Catley, includes eight athletes who will become the first Australian footballers to compete in three Olympic Games. These athletes are Catley, vice-captain Emily Van Egmond, Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Polkinghorne, and Tameka Yallop. Kyra Cooney-Cross, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Michelle Heyman, Teagan Micah, and Hayley Raso are returning for their second Games. At the same time, Clare Hunt, Kaitlyn Torpey, Cortnee Vine, and Clare Wheeler will make their Olympic debut. The Matildas enter Paris following Australia's best-ever finish in Olympic football, having secured fourth place in Tokyo.Matildas Head Coach Tony Gustavsson welcomed the announcement, saying: "This has been an incredibly challenging squad to select with so many quality players competing fiercely for limited spots. It has been a methodical process over the past couple of years to reach this point, and each of the players selected brings unique and beneficial qualities to our team that will be vital for our Paris 2024 campaign. I would like to congratulate all the players selected and the teammates, coaches, family, and friends who have supported them to this moment. I know this team will give everything for the coat of arms and will represent Australia to the best of their ability in the true Aussie way."