Hygain CDI Grand Prix Kur winners Jessica Dertell and Cennin. © Derek O’Leary
By Equestrian Life
The freestyle tests of Day 3 at the Saddlefitter Brisbane CDI brought classes to nail-biting conclusions as competitors battled to ride the best test.
In the County Saddlery CDN Grand Prix Kur and the Hygain CDI Grand Prix Kur, first and second places were decided by mere hundredths of a point and the atmosphere kept spectators on the edge their seats.
In the County Saddlery CDN Grand Prix Kur, the ‘battle of the boys’ saw Matthew Lord and Diamond Jive victorious after a mesmerising test that earned them 70.665%. Just missing out on the top spot were Marvin Smink and Haya on 70.265 to finish 2nd. In 3rd place was Robyne Smith riding Gwandalan Luca on 66.030%, and 4th place went to Brisbane local Gary Lung on his ‘heart horse’, GB Winchester, with 64.235%. Danica Vansleve and For Fun 45 finished in fifth place on 63.990.
Matthew Lord and Diamond Jive. © Derek O’Leary
In the Hygain CDI Grand Prix Kur, it was also an incredibly close competition between the top two riders, Jessica Dertell and Emma Flavelle-Watts. But it was 18-year-old Jessica Dertell and the striking chestnut stallion Cennin who won the day with a score of 71.485, leaving Emma and Cabaret C to claim 2nd place on 71.035%. In 3rd place was Sheridyn Ashwood on 70.485% riding Fererro Chocolate Box, one of the two horses Sheridyn has at the event that she bred and trained herself. Victoria Welch and Bellagio 11 collected 4th place with a lovely test to score 65.985%, while Matthew Lord, who has been a very busy bee this show, came home in 5th place on 62.150% riding Immenhof Scout.
In the IHB CDI Under 25 Grand Prix, Jessica Dertell again took home a win with Eskara De Jeu on a score of 67.513%. One of the very exciting up-and-coming young Aussie riders, Jessica is currently 18 which has allowed her to compete in the CDI-Junior, CDI-YR, and CDI U25 at this show. The freestyle tests for each of those classes will be run tomorrow.
In the Petstock Caboolture Intermediate I Freestyle, Ashleigh Urban and Quaterbella K stole the show with a score of 72.775%.
Petstock Caboolture Intermediate I Freestyle winners Ashleigh Urban and Quaterbella K. © Derek O’Leary
And in the Intermediate A/B Freestyle, Emma Flavelle-Watts and Remi Downunder skipped their way around the arena to finish top of the class on 69.280%.
The recipient of the Remi Stud Young Rider Scholarship was also announced today. The sponsorship package and weanling colt from Remi Stud worth a total of $30,000 went to a 14-year-old Georgia Creed from Biloela. A massive congratulations to her and best of luck for the future with ‘Marty’.
Find out all the results from Day 3 of The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDI here.
