The British Team narrowly beat the Australians in the Team Dressage competition at the 2009 Australian Youth Olympic Festivalat held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park.
This was the first medal presentation at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) Equestrian events.
Despite Australia Victoria Welch’s achieving the highest individual score, the Aussie Team finished on 62.556% just behind Great Britain’s 62.778%. In third place was New Zealand on 61.278% followed by Japan 57.111% and finally Singapore in fifth place on a total of 55.889%.
Photo courtesy: Jenny Carroll
Two out the three British riders finished in the top five which was good enough to edge out the Australians. Jessica Dunn (GBR) riding Shining Messiah placed second and Charlie Hutton (GBR) aboard AEA Julius finished the competition in fourth place.
“We are very happy,” said British Coach Gareth Hughes, “It has been a great competition so far. Riding borrowed horses levels out the playing field but the stronger Dressage nations have risen to the top which is a good result.”
Australia’s Gabriella Robson on Stormarn Skies and Roberta Soster aboard Cedar Lodge Titan were placed sixth and tenth respectively.
“We have really enjoyed the competition. It has been especially great to meet all the other riders,” said Australian Team member Roberta Soster.
The Individual competition will be decided tomorrow at the conclusion of the Freestyle test. The results are decided by cumulative scores of the three days of competition.
Australia’s Victoria Welch is in the driving seat having won the first two competitions
“I don’t want to change anything for tomorrow. I am not going to push for extra marks . I just want to keep him consistent and not throw any marks away,” said Victoria.
The Freestyle competition will begin at 1pm tomorrow and will be followed by the Individual Medal Ceremony.
Team Results
- 1 Great Britian --- 62.778
- Emily Cousins - Rathowen Rustic - 59.917
- Jessica Dunn - Shining Messiah - 65.000
- Charlie Hutton - AEA Julius - 63.417
- 2 Australia --- 62.556
- Roberta Soster - Cedar Lodge Titian - 59.083
- Victoria Welch - Fairbanks Forever - 67.417
- Gabriella Robson - Stormarn Skies - 59.250
- 3 New Zealand --- 61.278
- Rebecca Goldsbury - BJ Kaneto Cleopatra - 56.417
- Alisha Sixtus - Goldshaft Moonshadow - 62.417
- Hannah Appleton - Sienna Tailor Made - 65.000
- 4 Japan --- 57.111
- Shunsuke Terui Aloha- Redeema - 56.333
- Morihito Nomura - Coolinda Park Bestseller- 54.833
- Tomohiko Nishiwaki - Robali Royal Salute - 60.167
- 5 Singapore --- 55.889
- Natalie Pin Ruo Tan - Glo-Brook Legend - 58.500
- Yung Hang Keith Choi - Innocent King - 48.417
- Pei-Jia Caroline Rosanna Chew - Duel Chutzpah - 60.750
Related Link
Australia Welcomes AYOF Equestrian Competitors