Rob Palm is a rider who knows a thing or two about Melbourne International 3-Day Event success.
He’s already got two MI3DE CCI1* victories to his name, including a runaway win aboard retired racehorse Koko Pop in 2015.
So when Palm says his latest charge could take him all the way from Melbourne to Tokyo, it’s worth paying attention.
Palm will partner nine-year-old former racehorse Koko Story in the CCI3* division of the Melbourne International 3-Day Event, which he plans to use as a springboard towards Olympic selection at Tokyo in 2020.
“He’s got all the attributes that you need in an Olympic or World championship horse,” Palm said.
“His x-factor is his jumping ability, it’s second-to-none really. He’ll do a nice dressage test and hopefully he’ll finish on that score at Melbourne with a win.”
The Melbourne International 3-Day Event is Koko Story’s ‘Grand Final’, following a successful campaign that has included selection on the Australian Oceania (Trans-Tasman) Challenge Team.
And Palm and Koko Story will head into Melbourne full of confidence, with a victory at Albury and solid hit-out in Sydney at their past two outings.
However wins haven’t always come easy to Koko Story.
When asked of his star eventer’s racetrack ability, Palm chose just one word.
“Terrible,” he said with a laugh.
“I would imagine he was a right pest as a young horse. He’s a cheeky teenager really.
“He’d have played around a lot at the track. Not naughtily but very playful, not having his mind on the job.”
Koko Story has since matured with age but retains his cheeky disposition, which Palm says gives him an advantage come event-time.
“He’s great now - super reliable - and that little bit of spark gives him that good edge about him,” Palm said.
“I couldn’t be happier with where he’s at.
“Win, lose or draw, we’ll progress to Adelaide (4* International 3-Day Event) at the end of the year, but you’d hope he does well. But – just like in racing – anything can happen.
“I’ve won the 1* twice and never won a 3*. It’d be a good year to do it this year!”.
The Melbourne International 3-Day Event commences on Friday, 9 June to Monday, 12 June. Click here for more information.