Victorian Dressage Club Prix St Georges
Day two of the 2025 High Horse – Ulcer Armour+ Victorian Dressage Festival opened in style with the Prix St Georges, proudly sponsored by the Victorian Dressage Club. As the first indoor competition of the day, it set an exciting tone and produced a deserving, impressive winner.
Jayden Brown and Leopold took the honours with 71.176%. This elegant, modern, athletic, uphill chestnut impressed with his quality, particularly his standout canter and three genuinely good paces. A few small errors reflected his greenness at this level rather than any lack of training; with a cleaner run, the score could have climbed further. Still, 71% first up is a statement. Leopold worked in a lovely frame, soft and consistent in contact, showing submission, harmony, and overall ease that reflects Jayden’s experience and polish.
Second place went to Escala RW on 68.628% for Michelle Baker. Imported and previously campaigned by Amanda Shoobridge, this beautiful bay showed good rhythm throughout. The work could develop further with more sitting and flexibility, particularly in the trot, but it was a beautifully ridden, well-presented test, highlighting the horse’s obvious quality.
Karen Blythe and Sonic K finished third on 68.186%, narrowly behind Escala RW. In a snaffle bridle, Sonic K demonstrated correct paces and a well-schooled picture, though more activity and enthusiasm would help chase the top marks.
Fourth went to Heather Currie and Quasir de Charry (second test since import) on 65.882%. Owned by Mark Richards, the combination displayed nice rhythm and posture, with plenty of potential as the partnership consolidates.
Fifth was Rosemary Heagney with MSJ Nemo on 65.784%, delivering a correct test with lovely corners, bending, and thoughtful preparation. Sixth, Javais Ham and Mayfield Fez (by Mayfield Pzazz) scored 65.637%, followed by Jade Wilkinson and Sharellen Gadarene in seventh (64.706%) and Bianca Veneziano with Sir Wolkentanz in eighth (64.636%). Small mistakes crept in across this middle group, highlighting the tight margins at this level.
Special mention: Stephanie Crittenden and Otway Bojangles produced a promising test, but resistances, spooks, and errors in key moments lowered the score, preventing a standout performance.
Overall, it was a strong Prix St Georges class and a terrific win for Jayden Brown, marking Leopold as a horse to watch in the future.
High Horse – Ulcer Armour+ CDI3* Grand Prix
The CDI3* Grand Prix saw another win for Jayden Brown, this time aboard Quincy B (Quaterback x Desperados), finishing on 71.826%. The unanimous decision reflected both the horse’s quality and Jayden’s polished riding.
Owned by Ginette Snow, Quincy B benefited from work at Willinga Park and a training block in England under Carl Hester. Since returning to Australia, he has been consistently successful. The test showed potential for even higher scores with greater collection and improved straightness in the piaffe and passage. Jayden presented Quincy B in a beautiful frame with clear self-carriage, submission, and harmony.
Second place was Tanisha Ryan and Prequel on 67.13%, delivering one of their best tests with accurate, confident riding, though the horse could show more engagement behind.
Third went to Janet Seccull and Bloomfield Vegas on 66.043%. This elegant chestnut gelding by Versace was athletic and purposeful, with a few green mistakes proving costly.
Fourth was Jessica Dertell and Kilimanjaro on 65.217%, showing elasticity and rhythm, with straight changes coming together and ready to flourish at this level.
Round out the top five, Fiona Guthrie and Verondina Artemis scored 62.804%, producing a correct, pleasing test and continuing Fiona’s strong record across levels.
Congratulations to Jayden Brown and Quincy B on a fine performance and a well-earned victory.
Pacific League Supporters Club CDI-W Grand Prix
The final event, the FEI Dressage World Cup Pacific League Final Grand Prix, presented by the Pacific League Supporters Club, was dominated by Ivanhoe with Olympian Mary Hanna aboard. This gelding by Desperado out of a Jazz mare made the work look easy, with few weak links.
A small miscommunication in the zig-zag counter canter saw marks tumble, resulting in a score of 69.196%. Despite the hot, humid conditions in Werribee, the combination showed great quality and will be strong contenders in the Freestyle tomorrow.
Second place went to Serena Ireland on the chestnut Royalty R, producing a professional, energetic test with a few minor green mistakes. She scored 66.022%, a highly credible result for this combination.
Tomorrow, all combinations will compete in the CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle, where the winner earns the Pacific League’s invitation to the World Cup Final in Texas.
Today’s winners:
Pacific League Supporters Club CDI-W Grand Prix: Jayden Brown and Quincy B, 71.826%
High Horse – Ulcer Armour+ CDI3* Grand Prix: Jayden Brown and Quincy B, 71.826%
Horse Bit Emporium Grand Prix CDN: Jayden Brown and Legendary, 67.645%
Whittlesea Plenty Valley Dressage Club Intermediate A: Tanisha Ryan and Jembrae Rattle N Hum, 67.304%
Victorian Dressage Club Prix St Georges: Jayden Brown and Leopold, 71.176%
Grade II Grand Prix B: Maddison Cooke and Byalee Magic II, 69.084%
Grade V Grand Prix B: Mietta Innes-Irons and Sir Helmut, 73.093%
Grade III Intermediate B: Danielle Loizou and BML Jack Sparrow, 66.452%
OTT Elementary 3.2: Tara Lawrey and Simering, 66.188%
OTT Elementary 3.3: Tara Lawrey and Simering 65.488%
Sabble Farm Young Horse 4YO State Championship Round 2: Karen Blythe and Stryker K, 80.600%
Sabble Farm Young Pony 4YO State Championship Round 2: Taleisha Snell and Dynamik Galatea, 70.400%
Sabble Farm Young Horse 5YO State Championship Round 2: Edwina Sutherland and SS Secrecy, 74.800%
Sabble Farm Young Pony 5YO State Championship Round 2: Amelia McDougall and JKE Arlington, 71.800%
Sabble Farm Young Horse 6YO State Championship Round 2: Lilah Nieuwland and CP Noah, 78.400%
Sabble Farm Young Pony 6YO State Championship Round 2: Toni Webb and Freemans Lodge Global, 79.200%
Sabble Farm Young Horse 7YO State Championship Round 2: Jessica Dertell and Osaka P, 74.400%
Don’t miss the action…
The 2025 High Horse – Ulcer Armour+ Victorian Dressage Festival continues today and throughout the weekend at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre (K Road, Werribee South, Victoria) with free entry for spectators across all days. With world-class dressage plus a bustling trade village for Christmas Shopping, it’s the perfect way to spend a weekend!
For those who can’t attend, ClipMyHorse.TV Australia is streaming select classes Friday and Saturday.
Watch the action live via Equestrian Life, or live and on-demand with ClipMyHorse.TV.
For more information about The High Horse – Ulcer Armour+ Victorian Dressage Festival, click here.
