Young riders thrive in the last day of competition at Nationals

Today is the last day of competition at the 2016 Australian Dressage Championships. The Nationals remain the most prestigious event of the Australian Dressage calendar."It is the event at which we get to see the best dressage across all levels and competitors from all states." says Mary Seefried, Chair of the Australian Dressage Committee.

This morning was the highlight for our young Australian riders with the FEI Grand Prix under25 CDI Freestyle and the Young Rider CDI-Y Freestyle.

Mary Warren had an unforgettable moment yesterday night, winning the Grand Prix CDI-W Freestyle at only 18 years old, on Mindarah Park Ramadan, against some of Australia's legendary riders such as Olympian Heath Ryan, Judy Dierks, Rozzie Ryan or Susan Elekessy. She performed very strongly again this morning with her second horse, Mindarah Park Raphael who is actually the oldest son of the stallion she rode yesterday. "It is pretty special to win both classes. Yesterday hasn't really sunken in yet. I went straight to sleep last night, I was so tired. I didn't think this would happen. I am ecstatic." This Young Rider CDI-Y Freestyle class had been Mary's goal this weekend and she came to the Champs expecting to do good in the class. "We had a few floaty moments with Raphy on Friday and Saturday but today he felt much better. Still not what he can do but it is getting better. He internalizes a bit and shuts down. I am working on bringing his confidence out and hopefully, he can show what he can do. The next 12 month will be interesting for him."

Katharine Farrell and her 14-year-old Hanoverian Luxor 118, backed up their strong result in Friday and Saturday's Under 25 Tests (in which they scored 66.210% in the Inter II and 68.279% in the Grand Prix), with another promising performance in the Freestyle which resulted in a score of 71.450%. "I have had a wonderful competition. I am really pleased with how we've gone. I wasn't expecting to do so well in all three tests. It is a big honor and I love this show. I have been coming here for many years, it is always a real pleasure. I am so happy with my horse and proud. We have come such a long way together."

The Grand Prix Special CDN was won by Matthew Dowsley, riding Adloo Richard, owned by Diane Jenkyn, on a score of 68.059%.

The Equestrian Australia Prix St Georges Stars of the Future (formerly known as the PSG Challenge) was won by Deon Stokes, riding Don Dancier, owned by Kate Barton, on a very good score of 72.737%.

The Australian Grand Prix Champion is the combination that achieves the best two scores in either the Grand Prix CDI-W and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W or the Grand Prix CDI-W and the Grand Prix Special (using the championship point score system). Heath Ryan was crowned this year's champion scoring 67.440% in the Grand Prix and 70.500% in the Freestyle on mount Utopian Cardinal.

The Medium Championship was won by Emma Flavelle-watts from QLD and Fiderfurst after winning the Medium 4.2 and finishing third in the Medium 4.3. Brett Parbery was declared reserve champion on MI Sirtainly Sir.

FULL RESULTS OF THE DAY

Congratulations to all the riders and horses who competed and gave their best over this weekend at the 2016 Australian Dressage Championships.