Equestrians appeal to PM

THE Olympic gold medal prospects of Australia's three-day eventing equestrian squad lie in the hands of Kevin Rudd after the team's preparations for Beijing were ruined by the equine flu virus.

The Prime Minister is considering a joint submission from Sports Minister Kate Ellis and Agriculture Minister Tony Burke for $1.5 million for the team, which includes Olympic 2000 medallist Stuart Tinney.
The money would allow the team to go overseas next month to get international competition after domestic events were cancelled during the horse flu alert.
Brett Mace, high-performance manager for the Equestrian Federation of Australia, said the team, which is in contention for gold, had been involved in no competitions since August. He is is concerned the submission may hit federal financial constraints as the Rudd Government cuts back on spending in its first budget.
The National Rugby League lost $10million pledged by former prime minister John Howard for a hall of fame, the Australian Rugby Union had $25million for a national rugby academy withdrawn, and fishing lost $3million for a hall of fame.
"We're hoping for a decision any time," Mr Mace said. "But we're a bit nervous as there are going to be cutbacks."