The Construct Control CDN Intermediate II was convincingly claimed by Matthew Lord and Remi Vigneron, who posted a standout 69.941% in just their second outing at the level. UK judge, Peter Storr rewarded the pair with a super 72.794%, and they finished more than five per cent clear of the field. Susan Elekessy and Callum Park Geneva took second on 64.295%, ahead of Alycia Targa and CP Charmore on 62.256%. All eyes will now be on Matthew and Remi Vigneron as they step out in their Grand Prix debut on day two.
In the Khonke’s Own CDN Prix St Georges, Jayden Brown and Grets topped the class with 68.941%. Despite a tense centreline, the combination showed plenty of quality, earning plenty of 7.5’s across the board. Rebecca Rooke and BB Niccolo stayed close in second on 68.235%, while Tegan Huitson and Histoire D’O rounded out the top three with 66.853%.
The Motion Equine Centre Advanced Championship got underway with the 5.1 test and proved fiercely competitive, with the top seven combinations all scoring above 67%. Sydney Evans and U Beauty Queen led the way on 70.946%, narrowly ahead of Georgina Hartzer and Hudson Bay on 69.955%. Sarah Farraway and Winterfell W secured third with 69.099%.
A large Medium entry saw the class split into two divisions. In Construction Control Division 1, Jessica Dertell and Osaka P impressed with a winning score of 71.945%, highlighted by two 9.0s for their opening centreline and flying change. Tia Rose McKenzie and Willinga Park Miana finished second on 70.324%, with Rebecca Rooke and Wunderbar Furstina third on 67.546%. Division 2 went to Sarah Farraway and Remi Furstensong on 70.972%, followed by Sydney Evans and U Beauty Queen with 69.213%, and Harvey Besley and Borderview Sapporo on 68.009%.
The Tupper Family Novice Championship was won by David McKinnon and Macarthur Sequoia, who did not drop below 73% across their tests. Reserve Champion honours were shared on equal points between Rachael Clarke and Tarcoola Secret Stash, and John Thompson with Zaire MI.
The afternoon concluded with the CDI trot-ups, where all CDI3* Grand Prix horses were presented and passed, confirming soundness ahead of competition. Riders then marked the official start of the event with a relaxed welcome evening of cocktails and canapés to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Dressage by the Sea at Willinga Park thanks to the late Terry Snow and the continued support of the Snow family — a fitting close to a high-quality opening day by the sea.
