Mary Hanna and Syriana © Stephen Mowbray
With the sun shining and freestyle music echoing throughout Sydney International Equestrian Centre, the final day of competition at the Sydney CD-Lite was filled with excitement for competitors and spectators alike.
Mary Hanna and her talented Syriana took centre stage in the Equestrian New South Wales Grand Prix Freestyle scoring 75.960% to claim 1st. The elegance of this combination being awarded scores ranging from 74.750% to a massive 78.600%. In 2nd was John Thompson and the striking Chemistry dancing their way to 73.535%. 0.5% behind was Michelle Baker and Bradgate Park Puccini keeping everyone on their toes to secure 3rd with 73.045%. With the top 7 horses achieving scores over 71% the standard has been raised.
Jenny Gehrke and Senator Nymphenburg rounded off their winning streak in the Chamberlains Equine Legal FEI Inter A/B Freestyle finishing the competition on a superb score of 76.067%!
Not to be outdone by his coach, Jenny Gehrke, Jayden Brown and WillingaPark Quincy B concluded the Camden Equine Centre FEI Intermediate I Freestyle with a score 77.933% for 1st with Willinga Park Fusion in 2nd on a score of 75.483%.
Shannan Connell and her gorgeous Ashwoods Palladyn continued their success from yesterday being crowned the Khonke’s Own Champion 4-year-old with a total score of 8.4 from the coaches 8.2 from the judges for a total of 8.3.
John Thompson and Aber Fontaine MI secured the 5-year-old champion with a highlight of 9.0 for trot, 9.0 for perspective and a total mark of 8.58 from the judges and trainers.
Rodney Martin and the dashing Vellvit were crowned the 6-year-old champion. Being awarded 9.0’s for canter and submission today and 9.3 for general impression. With a judges total of 8.72 and a coaches total of 8.50 they finished the final round with a combined score of 8.61.
Alexis Hellyer and the beautiuful Vallhalla I were the champion 7-year-old, with a total final score of 8.34 including an 8.9 for canter.
The Amanda Shoobridge Memorial Trophy was awarded to the young horse combination with the two highest scores which was Tyler Bain and Quizzical R. A great way to finish their day after a disappointing test in the final round of the four-year-old with tension causing them to retire before entering the arena.
In the KC Equestrian Advanced 5B, Robbie Mckinnon and the powerful Hollands Bend Rococo secured 1st with a score of 72.117%, with Alexis Hellyer and Valhalla I hot on their tails coming in 2nd with a score of 71.667%.
In the Bradgate Park Advanced 5C, Serena Ireland and Royalty R secured 1st with a score of 70.769% a whiskers length ahead of Hollands Bend Rococo and Robbie Mckinnon on 70.598%. The competition in these advanced classes was strong! The championship went to Robbie Mckinnon and Hollands Bend Rococo with Alexis Hellyer and Valhalla I being awarded reserve.
Mary Nitschke and the gorgeous Utopian Cardinal claimed 1st in the Assistance Dogs Australia FEI Under 25 Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 70.690%.
In the Agnes Banks Equine Clinic FEI Young Rider Freestyle the floating Endless Dream ridden by Kodi Tupper secured 1st with a score of 72.433%.
Matilda Bills and High Heelz Firfod concluded their winning streak on a score of 73.008% in the Shockmohle Sports FEI Junior Freestyle.
In the Shockemohle Sports FEI Pony Freestyle, Bella Plumridge and the super Illawong Harvest Moon won the test with a score of 74.125%.
A huge congratulations must go to Toni Venhaus for organising such an event in these uncertain times. Similarly, thanks must go to the judges, sponsors, organisers and volunteers, without which the sport would not exist.
Full results from the Sydney CD-LITE can be found here.
READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE
