Australian riders with Karen Trotter DNZ Chair at the presentation 2009 NZ YR DR Champs Trans-Tasman Derby Photograph:Jenny Carroll

The Aussies went head-to-head against New Zealand’s Sarah Wilkinson and Alisha Sixtus in the IRG Trans-Tasman Derby held at the National Equestrian Centre in Taupo.

Each of the four riders competed on a borrowed horse, riding two tests each in front of an Australian and a New Zealand judge.  The girls were loaned horses by local owners for a start in the preliminary classes before the main event the Trans Tasman Friendly Derby on Sunday. The Derby requires riders to compete on unknown horses after a 30 minute warm-up.

The Australian’s avenged last year’s defeat. They achieved the highest combined percentage and thus won the prestigious title.

Bianca has previously represented Australia at the 2005 Australian Youth Olympic Festival and Jessica is currently a member of the National Dressage Youth Development Squad (Jessica will be getting off the plane after the New Zealand championships to rush home and pick up her horse Sienna Tailor Made as she is lending Tailor for the 2009 AYOF.)