The Australian equestrian community will pay tribute to Australian sporting hero James William ‘Bill’ George Roycroft OBE on Sunday, 12 June at the Melbourne International Three-Day-Event. Bill Roycroft passed away on May 29 at the age of 96.

Competitors, officials and spectators will observe one minute’s silence in memory of Bill immediately before the cross-country phase of the elite competition at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.

A five time Olympian, Bill Roycroft rode his way into Australian sporting history and Olympic folklore when he discharged himself from hospital after a fall at the 1960 Rome Olympics, re-joining his team mates to complete the final phase of the three day event and win team gold.

Equestrian Victoria CEO Mrs Jackie Woodhead said that the recognition would be fitting tribute to a true sportsman and talented horseman.

“Equestrian Victoria is proud to celebrate the life of Bill Roycroft and is privileged to have had his involvement in our organisation and equestrian sports for such a long time,” Ms Woodhead said.

“Bill Roycroft has left a valuable legacy to the equestrian world and we hope as many people as possible venture to Werribee on the Queen’s Birthday weekend to see Australia’s top riders in action at the Three Day Event and to recognise the contribution Bill made to the sport.”