After a day of torrential rain it was such a relief to see a big blue sky and plenty of sunshine. Everyone hoped it would last for the day. The workers responsible for preparing the arenas did a great job considering the amount of water lying around. Initially it looked like a breeding ground for ducks but it was quickly restored to its former condition. Well done to all concerned.
At 8.30, the EJ & Co Intermediate I competition commenced in the indoor arena. This was a large class with 31 horse and rider combinations. After four hours of tough competition, Maree Tomkinson and her delightful mare Diamantina proved too hard to beat with a score of 69.211. When this combination get it right they are nearly impossible to beat. Second went to Victoria Welch on BJ Kaneto Casablanca with a score of 65.921. The horse that came third was Weltsohn ridden by his owner Roger Fitzhardinge on 65.211 which was quite a feat considering this horse has just recovered from the Ross River virus which put him out of competition for the last seven months. A better result couldn’t have been expected. “I’m rapt”, said Roger. “He was great. It was a mistake free test!”
While the Small Tour horses were battling for a top ten position, the six year old horses were having their second round for the Hanoverian Horse Society of Australia (HHSA) Six Year Old Young Horse competition. The three top horses, which will then be ridden by the guest rider, Anna-Sophie Fiebelkorn in the final on Saturday afternoon. The three top horses from the first round managed to hold their position. Tomorrow’s finalists will be Bellario ridden by Deon Stokes (7.66), Pacific Eclipse ridden by Nicola Paff (7.50) and Revelwood Donatello ridden by Daniella Dierks who got the same score (7.50). It will be interesting to see if their positions change after being ridden by Anna-Sophie Fiebelkorn.
The second rounds of the four and five year old HHSA Young Horse competitions were held later in the day which ensured more spectators and atmosphere for the youngsters to deal with. Not like the 6 year old competition, the top three horses were different from round one. The top three horses in the HHSA 5 Year Old Young Horse second round were Diamond Star ridden by Judy Dierks (8.05), Fioretta ridden by Cassia Montgomery (7.64) and Karingal Jamiriquai ridden by Grace Kay (7.36). The top three horses in the HHSA 4 Year Old Young Horse Qualifier were Whispering Wizard ridden by Deborah Carr (6.88), Celebrity Park Freya ridden by Grace Kay also with a score of 6.88 and Lady Sinatra ridden by Tor Van Den Berge with a score of 6.76.
The IRT Advanced Tournament Competition consists of two Advanced tests and the top 12 placings across both tests who nominated for the Freestyle will go forward to the Advanced Freestyle on Saturday morning. The competition was tough and as the day got longer the competition got harder.
The winner of the Advanced 5B was Brett Parbery on his new horse, QEB Good as Gold, which he owns with Caroline Lieutenant. They scored 70.894. The Parbery/Lieutenant camp was happy. “He was a bit spooky” said Carolyn. “He settled beautifully once in the arena. This is their fourth competition together”. Second with a score of 70.081 was Rodney Martin on Weekend Feeling and third went to Tor Van Den Berge and the big black stallion Lauries As with 69.593. The Advanced 5C was won by Tor Van Den Berge on Laurie As with a score of 68.947; second went to Deon Stokes on Royal Oak II with 68.772 and third place went to Brett Parbery on QEB Good as Gold with 68.509.
The Riders Shoppe FEI Young Rider Individual Test (CDI-Y) is the third qualifier for the Young Rider World Cup Final that will be held in Frankfurt in December 2011. All riders have to be between 16 and 21 years old. The FEI Young Rider Test is equivalent to the Prix St Georges test in regards to degree of difficulty. Today’s class had four riders from Australia and two from New Zealand. Due to the small number of entries, all riders that get 58% or higher qualified for the Rider Shoppe FEI Young Rider Freestyle (CDI-Y) on Saturday. Unfortunately one of the New Zealand riders retired but it was great to see the rest qualify for the freestyle tomorrow. Elliot Patterson came first with 67.018, second was Megan Bryant with 66.272 and third went to New Zealand rider Kelly Van Dyk with 62.544
The Grand Prix Special CDI 3* commenced at 12.30pm and so far the rain had stayed away which put a smile on all riders and judges. Due to better conditions, the horses’ energy levels were higher and the movements more exuberant. Mary Hanna and her very talented Sancette did their first Grand Prix Special together. Though there were a few mistakes but the test was electric and exciting to watch. Mary was pleased with his effort. “He’s a great horse, he’s always trying”. This ride placed her sixth with a score of 65.080. In fifth place was Chantal Wigan and Ferero with 65.300. Fourth place went to the tried and true Heath Ryan and his very experienced stallion Regardez Moi with a score of 65.420. Third place went to New Zealand rider Penny Castle on her magnificent horse Gymstar One with 66.100. After a couple of mistakes in the one time changes, Brett Parbery and Victory Salute came second with a score of 68.960. Rachael Sanna ended up the winner with the big chestnut, Jaybee Alabaster. This combination was solid as a rock – correct, relaxed, accurate and extremely easy on the eye. They scored 69.860.
The Sydney CDI is now heading towards its last day. The crowds are getting bigger and the atmosphere is building. Saturday, the last day, is assured to make new champions and new records. The last competition will be the very popular Hamilton Island International Grand Prix Freestyle Competition. For further details and all the results visit www.sydneycdi.com
Photo © Franz Venhaus
Related Links
Scores 2011 CDI Sydney
Winners and Judges Discuss the 2011 CDI Sydney Grand Prix
Parbery Wins 2011 CDI Sydney Grand Prix with New Record Score