Once again, the weather was perfect for riding – still overcast and just a tad hotter than day one. The day started with the Fitness Inspection for the Grand Prix CDI-W and CDN horses. From early in the morning you could feel the atmosphere start to build. All warm up arenas were full of horse and rider combinations carefully tuning their mounts for their individual classes.
Trainers watched carefully, occasionally offering comments to help enhance performance. By mid morning, dressage fans started to fill the car parks and filter into the Trade Village.
The Indoor arena was the host for the Prix St Georges. This was going to be one of the most difficult classes to secure a place in the top five. If everything went well, there were numerous combinations, which could have easily reached the podium. As usual, Matthew Dowsley rode like a true master which put him in first place on PSI De Caprio, scoring 69.211. Matthew also came fourth on Falstermeyer (66.526). Second went to Jayden Brown on Furst Friedric (68.053) and third went to one of Australia’s most experienced competitor, Judy Dierks with a score of 66.842.
The Grand Prix CDN was a small class of only six riders after several combinations had withdrawn. Helen Chugg, who is married to one of Australia’s top Show Jumpers (Chris Chugg), won the class on WS Nevada. Second went to Queensland rider, Jacqueline Huppert on QEB Jinglebell Swing and third place went to Robyn Targa on Northern Rinaldo.
At about 12.45, people started to head up the hill for the much awaited Grand Prix CDI-W. Both the arena and spectators were in good form. The clouds disappeared which helped to heat up the competition. By the end of the day, Rachael Sanna and Jaybee Alabaster wowed the crowd with a brilliant test scoring 69.106. Second came Heath Ryan with a much more relaxed Regardez Moi with a score of 66.128. Third went to New Zealand rider, Louisa Hill on Antonello with a score of 66.1287. This was quite an achievement considering this was only the fourth Grand Prix for the horse and Louisa has only been back in the saddle for three weeks after breaking her hand.
In regards to the Regional Qualifier for the London Olympics, the New Zealand Team were first off the rank. All four did well. The combined score of the top three was 194.767. Only two of the Australian Team competed today which means we will have to wait for the Regional Qualifier in Ermelo (NED) to find our results.
After some great tests in the Grand Prix, we can be guaranteed that the Grand Prix Freestyle will be exciting for all those who come and support our best riders.
Related Links
Scores 2011 CDI-W Sydney
First Leg of Regional Olympic Qualifier Contested at 2011 CDI-W Sydney
Day One of the 2011 Australian Dressage Championships