The future of Dressage at the Sydney CDI

Day two of the Sydney CDI focussed on the youth of Australian dressage and produced some promising combinations including Katharine Farrell and her chestnut gelding Luxor 118. The pair took out the Mulawa Performance FEI CDI-U25 Grand Prix with a score of 69.41 %. “I had an absolutely amazing day today,” Farrell said. “I think coming in with a really positive mindset after yesterday really helped.”

Farrell acknowledged the importance of competing at this level within the realms of such a major national event. “Even though it’s under 25 Grand Prix it’s a good milestone to set us up for success in the future. I love the Sydney CDI as it was the first place that I did my first proper Grand Prix CDI when I was 18. “

Today Farrell defeated her friend Fern Wright who placed second on Kamber Pryderi (61.44). In good humour Wright very openly admitted that she is finding it challenging to get the upper hand on Farrell who is currently riding in top form. “We’ve ridden against each other in eight tests recently and Kate’s won them all and I have come second,” Wright quipped.

FEI Grand Prix Special (CDI3*)

As the sun went down on the Indoor Arena this afternoon we had the opportunity to again see the magnificent Grand Prix Horses competing for the title of the Equestrian Australia FEI Grand Prix Special (CDI3*) Champion and what a wonderful competition it was.

The question on everyone's lips was could anybody beat a very in form Matthew Dowsley and Adloo Richard? The answer folks was yes, in the form of that wonderful combination of Judith Dierks and 'Diamond Star' who scored 69.120% from our Judges to put Matthew and 'Adloo Richard' into second with a 67.843% and in third place Rozzie Ryan and Jarrah R on a score of 66.686%. Deon Stokes and 'Royal Oak II'finished in fourth place with a score of 66.196% and rounding out the top five were Shannon Goodwin and 'Aristede' with a 65.980% score from the Judges.

Tomorrow all the action of the final day of competition starts at 8am with the highlight the Grand Prix Freestyle Competition (CDI) at 8:30pm.

RESULTS:

Trailrace Saddlery - Grand Prix (CDN)

1. Matthew Dowsley - DON DESANDRO (owned Cheryl Smith) - 67.46%
2. Glenda De wit - MILFIELD DOMINIQUE (owned by Glenda de wit) - 65.26%
3. Sue Hearn - JUDE (owned by Sue Hearn) - 63.88%

Agnes Banks Equine Clinic - Young Rider Team CDI-Y

1. Rosanna Relton - FOUR WINDS BOMBADIER (owned by Rosanna Relton) - 66.667%
2. Angus Fripp - WARBUTON REGATTA (owned by Kim McDonald) - 65.614%
3. Tessa Gunn - LET'S ROMANCE (owned Jonna Gunn) - 64.649%

For full results please visit the Sydney CDI website

Ryan McNeil on board 'Boganvilla Bazil'' (1st) and Mikaela Worth riding 'Phorcefields Rapunzel' (2nd) in the Commins Hendriks Solicitors Para-Equestrian Grade 1 Championships.