Melissa Galloway and Windermere J’Obei W, winners of the CDI-W Grand Prix. Image: One Eyed Frog Photography.
Melissa Galloway & Windermere J’Obei W win the Stable Ground Australian Dressage Championships CDI-W Grand Prix
By Equestrian Life
The Stable Ground Australian Dressage Championships entered their third day on Friday, with the highlight being the Grand Prix CDI-W where a strong field of 14 combinations made for exciting viewing.
It was New Zealand’s Melissa Galloway and Windermere J’Obei W who finished at the top of a classy field, scoring an impressive 73.152%. Second place went to six-time Olympian Mary Hanna and Ivanhoe on 72.413%, while defending Australian Grand Prix Champions Jessica Dertell and Cennin were third on 71.587%. Fourth went to Dave McKinnon and Forlan on 70.804%, with Alexis Hellyer and Daenarys rounding out the top five on 67.218%. All scores over 67% are an FEI MER for the 2024 Paris Olympics, with scores “approaching or exceeding 69%” of particular interest to Australian dressage selectors.
The Inter B went to yesterday’s Inter A winners, David McKinnon and Estupendo, with another great score of 71.576%, while the CDN Grand Prix went to Pauline Carnovale and the beautiful mare Corinna on 66.13%.
The international-level para dressage classes continued today with the Freestyles. The CPEDI3* Grade V Grand Prix Freestyle was won by Chelsea De Jonge and Don Dancier, scoring 72.808%. Chelsea has had a fabulous competition at Boneo and took out the overall CPEDI3* Grade V Championship.
The Grade IV Grand Prix Freestyle went to Claire Graham and Fürst Olli 3, with the pair scoring 72.125%. It was a hotly contested class, with second placed Dianne Barnes and Sorena and third placed Kirsty Van Look with HV Dante both also scoring over 70%. Kirsty was named the overall CPEDI3* Grade IV Champion.
The Grade II Grand Prix Freestyle was won by Maddison Cooke and Byalee Magic II with a score of 71.711%; the pair were named the overall CPEDI3* Grade II Champions.
The Grade III Grand Prix Freestyle was won by Amylie Hines and EA Exquisite on 68.422%. Amylie and EA Exquisite were crowned the overall CPEDI3* Grade III Champions.
The Grade I Grand Prix Freestyle saw Stella Barton and Lord Larmarque complete a wonderful event, winning the class on a big score of 75.467%. The pair were named the overall CPEDI3* Grade I Champions and are certainly a super exciting combination to watch.
The CPEDI2* Grade V Intermediate Freestyle went to Georgina Bills and Chapplehurst Wynter on 66.9%, with the pair also named the overall Champions for the level; the Grade IV Intermediate Freestyle was won by Suzin Wells and Kendall Park Odyssey on 67.333%, with Helen Batson and Devine MI named the overall Champions for the level; and the Grade II Intermediate Freestyle went to Carol Homes and Fiasco, who were named the overall CPEDI2* Grade II Champions.
The Under-25, Young Rider and Junior classes also commenced today in the main arena. Jessica Dertell and Syriana were the winners of the CDI-U25 Inter II class, scoring 69.265%. The CDI-Y Young Rider Team Test again saw Jessica claim the win, scoring 71.029% with mare Eskara de Jeu. They finished just ahead of Kate Kyros and the impressive Intro K, who also surpassed 70% with a score of 70.686%. The CDI-J Junior Team Test went to Tia McKenzie and Phenomenon with an excellent score of 70.606%.
The Advanced classes were also run today, with the overall Championship going to Robbie McKinnon and SPH Fortino.
To the Pony classes, and the CDI-P Team Test went to Abby Weel and Reitland’s Obama with a score of 70.857%. The Pony Inter I saw a win to Toni Webb and Salient Park Prince (who you can read more about them in the October issue of Equestrian Life magazine) on 66.029%, while the Advanced Pony Championship went to Bettina Kopetzky and San Sebastien, with Isobelle Muller and Dynomite (who you can read more about in the December 2022 issue of Equestrian Life magazine) the Reserve Champions.
Finally, the CDI-Ch Children Preliminary A Test went to Annabel Shoobridge riding the gorgeous Noble Dancer. The pair achieved the second highest score of the day with 75.25%; it was a terrific class with the top six all over 70%.
Congratulations to all competitors!
Competition continues tomorrow at the Stable Ground Australian Dressage Championships, with Equestrian Life and ClipMyHorse.TV’s live stream commencing at 8.30am.
Full draws and results from the event can be found here.
Published 13 October 2023.
READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE
