Performance Report
Virgil - Shane Rose

Virgil and Shane Rose’s Journey To Eventing Excellence

Virgil has been a formidable force in eventing. Bred by Michelle Hasibar, his lineage is
distinguished. Virgil’s sire, the esteemed Belgian Warmblood Vivant van de Heffinck’s
agile and powerful legacy, lives on in him.

Virgil’s dam, North Pole, an Australian Thoroughbred, added the crucial endurance
element to his ability. Australia’s Thoroughbred breeding industry’s contribution in
producing top eventers is invaluable. Registered with the Australian Continental
Equestrian Group (ACE Group Inc.), Virgil's identity is verified with 100% DNA parentage.
 

Owned by a syndicate, and ridden by Shane Rose, Virgil has competed consistently at
the highest international eventing levels. This includes representing Australia at two
Olympic Games, including a silver medal in team eventing at Tokyo.

Virgil is a testament to the power of crossing top-tier Warmblood and Thoroughbred
bloodlines, and the powerful bond between horse and rider.

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Performance Highlights​

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EvA105 (Pre-Novice Old Format) Level: The Early Foundations - 2010 - 2011
Virgil and Shane established a strong foundation competing in many events. Their
performance was marked by consistency and promise.

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• Average Finishing Position: A remarkable 2.8, showing early dominance.

• Wins: 2 wins proved their early competitive edge.

• Top 3 Finishes: 4 podium results reflected their consistent top-tier performance.

• Top 10 Finishes: 5 top 10 results demonstrated their commitment.  

• Eliminations: Only 1, during the dressage phase. 

1* (Old Format) Level: Building Consistency - 2011

Virgil and Shane continued demonstrating their potential, despite wins proving more
elusive.

 

• Average Finishing Position: A respectable 4.5 across all events.

• Wins: No wins.

• Top 3 Finishes: 4 top 3 results, showing competitiveness in tougher fields.

• Top 10 Finishes: 7 top 10 results, underscoring their steady progression.

2* (Old Format) Level: Establishing Dominance - 2011 - 2012

Virgil and Shane truly dominated the field with multiple victories and podium
finishes.

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• Average Finishing Position: An impressive 1.6, almost always near the top.

• Wins: 5 wins, showcasing their command at this level.

• Top 3 Finishes: 8 top 3 results, indicating consistent high-level performance.

• Top 10 Finishes: 8 top 10 results.

• Eliminations: 1 during the XC phase, a rare blemish on an otherwise stellar record.

3* (Old Format) Level: Competitive and Resilient - 2012 - 2018

As the challenges increased, so too did the partnership’s determination against tougher
competition.

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• Average Finishing Position: A strong 7.4 in more demanding events.

• Wins: 7 wins confirming their top-tier status.

• Top 3 Finishes: 12 top 3 results. 

• Top 10 Finishes: 17 top 10 results. 

• Withdrawals: 3 before the XC phase.

• Retirements: 1 during the XC phase, with no eliminations—demonstrating careful management in challenging circumstances.​​

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Capturing the precise reasons behind withdrawal and retirement decisions would be valuable for refining strategies for managing horse health and welfare during competitions.

4* Level: Evolution Under New Formats - 2015 - 2024
The transition to 4* level under the old and new formats tells a story of growth and
adaptation.

Old Format (Pre-2019): 

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• Average Finishing Position: A modest 8.3, reflected the challenges with the old format.

• Wins: No wins a stark contrast to their later success.

• Top 3 Finishes: 1 top 3 result.

• Top 10 Finishes: 2 top 10 results, indicating steady performances.

• Withdrawals/Eliminations:  None, showing consistency despite fewer top finishes.

New Format (Post-2019):

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• Average Finishing Position: An outstanding 2.0, consistently near the top.

• Wins: 11 wins, dominating the new format.

• Top 3 Finishes: 15 top 3 results, securing a stronghold at this level.

• Top 10 Finishes: 17 top 10 results, proving their relentless competitiveness.

• Eliminations: 1 instance, highlighting the demands at this elite level.

• Withdrawals: including 1 in June 2024, after the dressage phase, 3 months after Shane's fall.

5* Level and Olympic Games: The Pinnacle of Eventing - 2019 - 2024

Virgil and Shane experienced both brilliance and disappointment competing against the
world’s best including at two Olympic Games.

 

• Average Finishing Position: A respectable 16.7 across the world’s toughest events.

• Wins: 1 win, a remarkable achievement at the Adelaide 5* event in 2023.

• Top 3 Finishes: 2 top 3 results, showing they could compete with the best.

• Top 10 Finishes: 4 top 10 results on the global stage.

• Withdrawals/Eliminations: None, a testament to their resilience and preparation.

 

Highlights:​

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Olympic Games:

• Tokyo 2021:

  • Individual: 10th place in a COVID 19 impacted lead-up. Demonstrating their competitiveness in a tightly contested field.

  • Team: Silver medallists with a score of 100.20, 13.90 points behind Great Britain.

 

• Paris 2024

  • Individual: a respectable 20th place and only 1.1 penalties behind their Tokyo effort, remarkable given Shane had broken 18 bones in a fall in March less than 5 months prior to the Games.

  • Team: 15th place.

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The Rise to Excellence

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Virgil and Shane’s journey to the top level of eventing showcases a career of growth,
adaptation, and remarkable achievements. From Pre-Novice (old format) to Olympic and 5* event levels, Virgil and Shane are a proven amazing team. Their performance data is more than
numbers, and tells the story of two best friends continually striving for excellence.

Virgil and Shane's top 3 finishes across eventing levels are depicted below. Of particular
interest is their notable improvement under the new 4* format.