Tomkinson Sets the Bar for the 2012 Australian Equestrian Grand Final Leader Board

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2012 CDI-W Werribee

A number of Australian based Dressage combinations are one step closer to competing at this year’s Equestrian Grand Final after strong competition at the year’s first qualifier, the CDI-W held at the annual PSI Dressage and Jumping with the Stars (DJWTS) in Werribee, Victoria.

The first of five qualifying events for the Equestrian Grand Final – Dressage, the CDI-W Freestyle saw one of Australia’s most promising combinations, Maree Tomkinson and Diamantina IV take the title as well as top position on the Equestrian Grand Final Dressage leader board.

In her first-ever Grand Prix Freestyle the talented mare was awarded a score of 69.500%.

“I’m just an ordinary rider with an extraordinary horse,” said Tomkinson of the 9-year-old Diamond Hit mare that she owns in partnership with Lyn Sultana. “She is like riding the perfect storm, there is so much power and energy yet she is totally focussed. She is amazing. She just keeps getting better and better. She has enormous grace and power and I know her balance and strength will continue to develop,” added Tomkinson.

Also sharing the spoils were Heath Ryan and Regardez Moi who took home second place in the Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 66.925% and Tor Van Den Berge and Fisherman’s Friend who rounded out the placings with a score of 66.425%.

All three combinations are now well placed to secure one of fifteen places in the Dressage Grand Final which will be held at Equitana, Melbourne 15-18 November 2012.

Tomkinson will now turn her attention to the Sydney CDI3* where she and Diamantina IV will be looking to consolidate their impressive Grand Prix record of three wins and one second place in as many starts.

Debuting at Grand Prix level earlier this year the pair won the Grand Prix CDN at Boneo Park in January followed by a second place at the CDI3* at Dressage with Altitude last month, and have now added wins in both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle at last weekend’s DJWTS.

Riders will get another chance to qualify for the Equestrian Grand Final – Dressage at Sydney’s CDI3* which will be held from 3-6 May.

The 12 best combinations with the highest percentages after the five qualifiying events will automatically qualify for the Grand Final.

Combinations may compete at multiple qualifiers but only their best result will count. A further three wild-card entries will be awarded by Equestrian Australia ahead of the final.