As the day got longer the crowds increased, all anticipating the final two events of the day, the FEI Intermediate Freestyle and the Hamilton Island Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W on the third day of competition at the 2010 Australian Dressage Championships in Sydney. Heath Ryan and his black stallion Regardez Moi produced a hat trick, winning his third Grand Prix class at the Championships.
At 4.30pm the Intermediate Freestyle started. Twelve horse and rider combinations started. The music was great – the sound of orchestras, drums, classical and contemporary music totally changed the atmosphere. People sat on the edge of their chairs, watching some amazing performances. First place, and deservedly so, went to Maree Tomkinson and her mare Diamantina IV with an impressive score of 72.250. Second place went to another great performance, this time by Kate Taylor-Wheat on World Star. And third went to the graceful rider, Alycia Targa on the 20 year old Neverfelde Kudu. Together they scored 69.300.
After an entertaining performance from Double Dan Horsemanship, the Hamilton Island Grand Prix CDI-W kicked off. Yesterday’s Grand Prix CDI-W winner, Heath Ryan and his horse Regardez Moi were leading with a score of 70.300. Then three time Olympian Mary Hanna put in a great performance on her new 9 year old gelding, Sancette with a score of 67.450. This put her in second position. Last to go was Mary’s daughter Gitte Donvig on Port Said 10 and what a ride she produced! It was good enough to give her the exact same score as Heath, 70.300. On a count back of the artistic scores, Heath Ryan and Regardez Moi scrapped in as the winner. The crowd were thrilled to see Heath Ryan back in his true form.
Another full day of competition on Sunday with the Needs for Steeds Prix St Georges in the indoor arena. Outside, the International Horse Breeders Novice Championship and the Hanoverian Horse Society of Australia Medium Championships will start at 8.30am and the last class of the championships is the Australian Sports Commission Grand Prix Special.
by Scott Pollack
Related Links
Scores 2010 Australian Dressage Championships
A Day of Making Music and Champions at the 2010 Australian Championships
Competition Heats Up at 2010 Australian Dressage Championships
Ryan and Regardez Moi Win Inter II at 2010 Australian Championships