Rozzie and Jive Magic enjoyed a win in the 2010 CDI Sydney Grand Prix, second to Rachael Sanna and Jaybee Alabaster and third to Charlotte Pederson and Come to Me. Jive Magic showed improved maturity throughout the test.
Rozzie commented, "hHe is now starting to get his head around the Grand Prix. It is lovely when they start to understand and then they can start to gain confidence. Once they get confident then you are away."
Rozzie managed to tip the scales after placing second to Rachael Sanna in both the Grand Prix and Freestlye classes at the Dressage with the Stars in Melbourne in March "Rachael is a ferocious competitor and after Melbourne she inspired me to go home and work really hard," said Rozzie.
Rachael and Alabaster made a few mistakes that clearly lowered their score today, "He was a bit of a firecracker today but I am very very happy with the horse in so many things. His piaffe and passage were a lot better. I had a lot of mistakes which you can't do at this level, but his recovery from mistakes has improved a lot in the last six to twelve months. I wasn't expecting him to be so above himself today, I could have warmed-up a little longer, I really wish some of the mistakes had not happened but overall I am not too upset with him," said Rachael.
Judge at C Wim Ernes (NED) commented "It was a nice group of riders, a clear top four and a big mid-field and some that had problems."
Axel Steiner (O-Level Judge from the USA) commented at the Press Conference that riders need to be aware of transitions and the set up of movements as this is where marks were lost today.
Fellow judge Maribel Alonso (MEX) remarked how riders are placed under pressure when they are trying to qualify for a big event such as WEG.
Limited opportunity for qualification is tough. When you know this is the LAST chance. It is good for you but tough," added Rozzie.
Rozzie also won the Rider's Shoppe Intermediate I on Olivia Bunn's former 3-star G.V Bullwinkle, "He is great, because he is an ex-eventer I think he thinks this is a really easy event! I was wondering if he would think it was cross-country today and get really excited. I love him. He has a nice uncomplicated mind, he actually really likes this, he is happy all the time," said Rozzie who has had the ride on Bullwinkle for the past seven months. The pair also won yesterday's Needs for Steeds Prix St Georges
A wildcard entry to Megan Bryant on Donnabella to the CDI-Y was justified when she took out the CDI-Y scoring 70% in the Swish Horse Freestyle followed by Victoria Welch and Remi World Vision and third place to Alexis Hellyer on Waca W.
Gina Montgomery on GV Wallmeyer is looking the front runner for the overall IRT Advanced Tournament winner which will be decided on Saturday in the Advanced Freestyle competition.
Related Link: Scores 2010 CDI Sydney