Highest Entries Ever in FEI Sanctioned Competitions

The OTTO Sport Australia Sydney CDI has received the highest number of entries to date, with 85 horses entered across the CDI 3*, CDI U25, CDI-Y, CDI-J, CDI-P competitions.  This is a first for a dressage event held in the Australasian region and demonstrates the growth and popularity of dressage.

Entries are strong across the levels and it is exciting to see the growth in the Junior, Pony and Young rider categories.  The event's Grand Prix ranks had a turn around after the World Equestrian Games in Tryon in 2018 and it is exciting to see a strong field of 22 horses will be competing in the OTTO Sport Australia CDI Grand Prix.

With New Zealand in the mix, Trans-Tasman rivalry adds another element with both Australian and New Zealand combinations having their sights set on qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.  You can expect vocal support from both sides of the ditch.

“NZL is delighted to have five combinations competing at the Sydney CDI 2019,” Dressage New Zealand Sports Manager Wendy Hamerton said.

“It has been a number of years since we have had this number cross the Tasman to test themselves against their Australian counterparts and I am sure they will bring their A game to the fabulous SIEC venue on the back of our recent national championships and Horse of the Year Show.

“We look forward to the continuation of some Trans Tasman rivalry in the arena.”

In addition, the wide-ranging national programme held alongside the international component brings the total number of horses and ponies entered to 255.

Horses and top riders from around Australia and New Zealand will be put through their paces in nearly 500 tests across four days of competition in what is Australia's most prestigious international dressage event.

New Zealand competitor Wendi Williamson said the OTTO SPORT AUSTRALIA Sydney CDI allowed Kiwi riders to extend their FEI season.

“Our competition season in New Zealand has finished, with our only two CDIs being run in close proximity to each other towards the end of our season.  The Sydney CDI presents an excellent opportunity to extend our FEI calendar, and is ideally positioned to enable use of fitness and competition experience from our season,” she said.

“From a travel perspective, Sydney is a well-serviced horse transport route from New Zealand. The Tokyo Olympics are one of our international goals, however the qualifying criteria set by our federation is a considerable step up from where we are currently (four scores in the Grand Prix at CDI3* level of 72% or above, and of these, two need to be greater than 73%).

“Sydney CDI presents an opportunity to gain international exposure and experience at an Olympic venue.”

The event features competitions spanning levels from Advanced to Grand Prix as well as the showcase for horses starting out in the Kohnke’s Own NSW Young Horse Championships.

Tickets for the event are on sale and seats for the ever-popular Saturday evening Grand Prix Freestyle to Music event are selling out fast.

For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, visit the event website: www.sydneycdi.com

Supplied by OTTO SPORT AUSTRALIA, for more info visit: http://www.bsmsportequestrian.com.au/ottosport/