The 11th Sydney CDI has kicked off to a big start, with a convincing win by Heath Ryan and his WEG partner, Stirling Stilton, in the Intermediate II.
A score of 65.9% put the pair in the lead from the start, with second place going to Leanne Williams and Avoca Black Saint on 61.76%, and third to Claire Wickins and Jahnus on 61.51%. Dianne Jenkyn and Snowy River Blackwood were fourth on 60.89%, with Glennis Barrey and Belcam Gaucho fifth(60.78) and Gill Rogers and Marakoopa sixth (60.24%). Twelve horses and riders presented before judges Maribel Quinzanos (MEX), Minako Furuoka (JPN), Anne Honner (AUS), Susan Hoevenaars (AUS) and Gisela Nilsson-Harding (AUS).
The Prix St Georges was a big class, with 27 starters, including two riders from the USA and one from Canada, riding borrowed horses.
Popular local rider, Vickie Robertson, and her imposing and powerful Northern Invader, won with 64.83%, while Heath Ryan, riding Clyde Wunderwald's import Greenoaks Dundee, slipped into second place on 64.58%. Jaybee Assassin and Sally Evans were third on 62.83%, while a course error pushed Paula Price and her elegant APH True Seville into fourth on 62.58%.
Best result by the visiting riders was 17th (57.25%) from Canadian Daphne Haagmans, riding the 10yo Oscar Bravo. Judges for this event were Jan Bird (NZL), Bernard Maurel (FRA) and Joy Charlton (AUS). The visiting US riders are Leslie Eden and Patty Mayer, who will also represent their country in the popular Prix St Georges derby, to be held tomorrow.
Tomorrow's (Friday's) classes include the all-important Grand Prix, which is a qualifier for Athens. The Intermediate I, the Intermediate II Freestyle and the GP Freestyle events will be complemented by Young Horse and Showjumping classes.
Text by Camilla Mowbray
Images copyrighted: Franz Venhaus
Related Link
Scores 2003 CDI Sydney