Australian Grand Prix rider Mary Nitschke lost her number one big tour horse Astronomical at the 2025 CDI-W Werribee on 13 December 2025.
Astronomical was a14-year old Hanoverian by Quaterback out of Kinnory Geneva (by Gymnastic Star x Blazing Saddles xx). He was bred by Jason and Karen Andrews.
Mary Nitschke
Originally named Sandon Grove Quantum, the bay gelding was registered with the FEI by owner Mary Nitschke in 2022 and got the competition name Astronomical.
She debuted the horse at national small tour level in 2022 and finished 14th in the Inter I kur at the 2022 Australian Small Tour Championships in October that year. The pair moved to Under 25 Grand Prix level and had their CDI debut at Boneo in October 2023, scoring 65.931% in the Inter II and 63.102% in the Short Grand Prix.
In September 2024 they made their international show debut at senior Grand Prix level at the CDI Caboolture with a 60.109% Grand Prix score. Two months later they showed at the CDI Melbourne. A one-year break from international showing followed, but the pair continued to gain mileage and experience at national Grand Prix level with 14 competition starts to their name in 2025 according to Equestrian Hub.
Sad Passing
They returned to the CDI ring at the Victorian Dressage Festival CDI-W in Werribee on 12 December 2025 and scored 61.239% in the Grand Prix to place 7th.
Unfortunately, Astronomical fell ill at the competition and was put to sleep on 13 December 2025. Eurodressage contacted Nitschke but she declined to comment.
The show organizers of the CDI Werribee told Eurodressage on 28 December 2025 that they would release an explanation/statement in January 2026 following the necropsy results. It took Werribee until 6 June 2026 to come back with the following message:
"Australian FEI dressage horse Astronomical owned and ridden by Mary Nitschke was humanely euthanized on December 13th 2025 at the Victorian Dressage Festival after a sudden illness. As per FEI veterinary regulations, samples were collected and a post mortem examination was performed. Infectious disease testing was conducted, results of which were negative. The FEI, Equestrian Australia and the Organising Committee of the Victorian Dressage Festival send their deepest condolences to Mary and connections of the horse."
Neither the Australian equestrian press nor Equestrian Australia reported on the sudden passing of this competition horse at an official EA sanctioned CDI-W event.
Photo © Amy-Sue Alston
Related Links
Scores: 2025 CDI-W Werribee