Sponsored by: Ray. W Trinder

In memory of: "Radiant"

Radiant (from Tasmania) was one of six Australian horses selected for the first equestrian team to represent Australia at the 1956 Olympics in Stockholm (Sweden). Leaving Australia in a heatwave; arriving to snow in England. In 1955 the then new EFA was focused on the future. Radiant was to become the first Australian horse ever to be nominated as reserve horse to compete in the three day event Olympic Games, Stockholm Sweden 1956.

Wyatt “Bunty” Thompsons’ book Trailblazers Australia’s first Olympic Equestrians details the achievements of the 1956 campaign, that he and Radiant were a part of. Below is an extract from his book:

Radiant was the best eventing horse we’d brought from Australia – a beautiful thoroughbred which had won champion hack and jumper of the year at shows in Tasmania, as well as two Pope Cups and an Olympic-style jumping event at the 1954 Melbourne Royal. Mr Ray Trinder of Launceston had given this versatile horse to the EFA. Radiant was accommodating; quick to learn and a magnificent cross country horse.

“If only we had six Radiants” Franz Mairinger; Australian team trainer.

Radiant completed Badminton Horse Trials in 1955 and 1956, ridden by David Wood he also placed 4th Malton ODE and won Best Novice Horse at Harewood. Sherborne One Day Event 1955; “only three horses of the 35 starters got around the cross-country course without a fall or refusal. One of these was the Tasmanian Radiant, who gave an outstanding exhibition under team captain David Wood, to gain third place in the Novice Section against some very good horses.” Hoofs and Horns August 1955

Radiant was purchased by Ray Trinder in 1952 and prior to his selection for the 1956 Olympics competed at 26 shows, judged champion 14 times, 9 reserve champion awards and one champion of champions.

1953 Launceston Show: Heavy-weight Hunter, Champion Hunter, Women’s Hunter; “Mr Le Roux who judged the hunting events said Radiant was a fine jumper that would compare favourably with any he had seen on the mainland. He had been outstanding in a good field.”

Radiant won two Col. A.V. Pope Cups and in 1954 was the only horse to have won the double, champion hack and hunter awards. In 1952 and 1953 he was champion hunter at the Launceston Show and in 1954 champion hack. At 1953 Royal Melbourne Show he won Champion Hack and in 1954 was chosen as the best horse suitable for three day Olympic event.

Radiant and Ray were regulars in the hunt field; Radiant had also been ridden by the then Governor (Sir Ronald Cross) following hounds. This experience assisting in the making of “a magnificent cross country horse”.